Knut Sæter was an educated interior architect from the Arts and Crafts School in Bergen. He had worked for one year with other manufacturers when he founded his own company, Vatne Lenestolfabrikk, in 1946. “Everyone” advised him not to start, but Sæter was unwavering and started. He was 24 years old then.
Setter drew the first models and made the prototypes on his own. All models produced in the 40’s were designed by Sæter. He was a professional in the business, and trained his future employees. The start-up took place in the basement house at Vatne, later also at the youth house and the confectionery factory in the small village. The post-war period created a need for everything from interiors, but it was difficult to obtain raw materials to make furniture.
In many ways the situation was the opposite today; now most people have most, but the market competition is fierce.