AREDNAL, NORWAY -- Kitron ASA officially opened its upgraded facility here in Kilsund, where it relocated from Hisøy over the past year.

"This move means we are returning to our roots. Kilsund was the birthplace of Kitron in the 1960s, and this was our main production facility until 2005," said Hans Petter Thomassen, managing director of Kitron Norway.

The EMS company has invested close to NOK 50 million ($6 million) to upgrade the facility and equipment at Kilsund. The site was also used by Kitron from 1985 to 2005.

"This brand new facility is state-of-the art when it comes to technology and work environment. It is a strong commitment to the local community, but foremost it will strengthen our competitiveness from Norway. An optimized facility will enable us to improve efficiency and ensure that the Arendal operation remains a key part of the increasingly international Kitron Group, not least within the defense and aerospace market sector," Thomassen added.

Kitron is Norway's largest EMS, with sales in 2015 of $237 million and 1,250 employees.