Otta Skifer, a renowned quarrying company in Norway that has been active since 1875, recently declared bankruptcy. The company, which has been a cornerstone of the region's economy, was known for supplying slate to prestigious projects including the Oslo Gardermoen Airport and the Viking Age Museum in Bygdøy. Despite significant investments totaling around 10 million Norwegian kroner aimed at rescuing the business, the company's debts had escalated to approximately 28 million kroner, leading to the decision to file for bankruptcy.

The fallout from Otta Skifer's closure is set to be felt by the local community, as 17 employees will be losing their jobs. The chairman of the board, Harald Tverberg, expressed deep sorrow over the closure, highlighting the dedication and effort that had been poured into the company over the years. He noted that the realization of the company's fate hit after the initial announcement, underscoring the emotional toll of losing a business with such a long-standing history in the community.

The appointed bankruptcy administrator is hopeful for a swift sale of the company's assets within the next two weeks to enable continued operations and preserve employment opportunities. This situation reflects not only the challenges faced by traditional industries in Norway but also raises concerns regarding the economic stability of regions reliant on single-industry businesses such as Otta Skifer, emphasizing the need for diversification and innovation in the local economy.