Company history

The humanitarian basic view is profound and has a long tradition within Etac. It has its origin in the pioneering social efforts of Elise Ottesen-Jensen, founder of our company owner RFSU, in the early 1930’s. To finance the educational mission, RFSU started to sell a few technical aids. These products were, however, not very attractive. In 1972 this gave birth to the idea of developing own, attractive and functional products of better quality under the name RFSU Rehab.

 

Already from the start the products were developed with the user´s needs as basis, in close co-operation with industrial designers. The result was products with form and function which by far surpassed the standard at the time.

Therapists made our products a success

Therapists were hired to provide better in-house knowledge of the user’s everyday life. This is a decision we are very glad to have taken. They knew what was missing in the healthcare business, and soon many new technical aids were produced. Our home care products became an immediate success.

A young inventive man who changed Etac

In 1977 a young man working on the family farm had an accident with a tractor which overturned. The accident resulted in a spinal injury. His active nature was incompatible with the wheelchairs of the time and soon he started to make his own wheelchairs. Etac recognized his skill and hired him as a Product Manager. With his experience and knowledge as basis Etac developed and introduced one of the first active wheelchairs to the market.

The first four-wheeled walker

In 1985 the company launched the first four-wheeled walker Nova, which set the standard for walkers today. Now Etac produces a wide range of walkers.

 

 

Milestones

1933

Etac’s owner, RFSU founded by Elise Ottesen Jensen

1972

RFSU Rehab started product development and sales of attractive assistive devices

1980’s

Etac wheelchair development by Bo Lindkvist

1985

Etac launch of the Nova – the world’s first 4-wheeled walker with svivel castors in the front

1999

Merger RFSU Rehab/Etac

2004

HandPro AS becomes a part of Etac, manufacturer of Balder power wheelchairs  

2006

Nordstjernan, new owner (60%)

2006

Balder UK Ltd becomes a part of Etac

2007

Launch of new lift program

2007

Product rights to HandiNor’s  comfort wheelchairs

2008

Immedia  A/S becomes a part of Etac

2010

Molift AS from Norway becomes a part of Etac

2012

R82 becomes a part of Etac