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KJ Greenland is well positioned for the future

Years of experience from some of Greenland’s largest construction and infrastructure projects have strengthened the organisation at KJ Greenland, which has gained valuable expertise and secured a future-ready ownership structure.

Over the past decade, KJ Greenland has established itself as one of the country’s most experienced and versatile construction and mining service companies. With headquarters in Ilulissat and offices in Aasiaat and Uummannaq, the company now operates across the entire country – from Qaqortoq in the south to Siorapaluk in the north – while maintaining Disko Bay as its natural base and organisational centre.

The company has been behind several of Greenland’s most prominent construction and infrastructure projects, including the new airport buildings in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq as well as the renovation of the harbour in Maniitsoq. These projects have provided valuable insights into executing large-scale assignments under complex logistical conditions, while also contributing to the development of both methods and people.

“These have been major undertakings, and we’ve learned a great deal along the way. The experience has made us better at planning, collaborating and seeing the bigger picture. As a result, we stand stronger today as an organisation,” says Palle Bendtsen, co-owner and CFO of KJ Greenland.

Palle Bendtsen, co-owner and CFO of KJ Greenland.

New ways of building

In recent years, KJ Greenland has embarked on a development process where innovation and efficiency play a growing role. One of the most significant innovations is the company’s own production of concrete and timber elements, enabling more of the work to be carried out indoors.

“In the past, we assembled everything on-site in all kinds of weather. Now we produce the elements under cover, which improves both quality and the working environment. It also gives us far more flexibility, because most of the preparation can be done in advance,” explains Palle Bendtsen.

The method was recently used in the expansion of the care home in Ilulissat and will become a permanent part of the company’s production set-up going forward.

From apprentice to co-owner

Another strategic priority is talent development. KJ Greenland has hired a dedicated apprentice coordinator and currently has close to 25 apprentices across its departments. The goal is to ensure a steady flow of local skilled workers and give young people the opportunity to train in – or close to – their own communities.

A role model for many of the apprentices is Erne Lange Olsen, who began as a young helper in Aasiaat at age 19 and today serves as department manager and co-owner of KJ Greenland. He joined the ownership group on 1 July 2025, which, according to Palle Bendtsen, reflects the company’s values in action.

“Erne is a perfect example of what we want to stand for. He worked his way up, is highly skilled, well-liked and takes responsibility. The young people look up to him, and he shows that hard work and commitment can lead all the way to leadership,” says Palle Bendtsen.

CEO Jens Jensen has previously described Erne as both a natural talent and a leader who leads from the front and takes care of apprentices. With his inclusion – and earlier the addition of Mads Nørgaard and Bjarke Fuglsang – KJ Greenland is progressing through a gradual generational transition in which responsibility and decision-making are distributed more widely than before.

Local commitment and long-term employees

Despite its growth and new initiatives, KJ Greenland continues to build on its local foundation. Most employees have been with the company for many years, and several families work here across generations. Some leave to gain external experience but later return – often with new skills and insights.

“We have a very high level of seniority, and that means a lot. People know each other and feel a shared ownership and responsibility for the company and the projects we take on. It strengthens both quality and cohesion,” says Palle Bendtsen.

KJ Greenland is also visible in local communities, supporting youth activities and collaborating with local associations.

“It’s not just about construction. It’s about being present and contributing wherever we work,” he adds.

After several busy years with large-scale projects, KJ Greenland is now in a phase of both consolidation and renewal. The ambition remains to be a driving force in Greenlandic construction, rooted in strong local values and modern methods.

“We’ve shown that we can deliver major projects while preserving our culture. Our goal is to continue developing – as a company, as a workplace and as a contributor to Greenlandic society,” says Palle Bendtsen.

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