Pumpe-Service: New Leadership and a New Home for Growth
When Eirik Solbrekken Lavik succeeded Robert Butteberg as Managing Director of Pumpe-Service in November 2024, the company was already experiencing significant change. With a major relocation underway and an ambitious growth strategy, Eirik stepped into leadership with both feet firmly planted. At just 29 years old, his journey from apprentice to company head has been rapid yet built on years of hands-on experience and a deep passion for problem-solving.
From Apprentice to Leader
In 2018, Eirik Solbrekken Lavik played elite ice hockey and planned to pursue university studies. Needing a job until his studies began, he reached out to one of Lørenskog Ice Hockey Club’s sponsors, Pumpe-Service, and its Managing Director and ice hockey fan, Robert Butteberg.
What was meant to be a temporary job soon turned into a long-term career. “I quickly realized how much I enjoyed the variety of the job and the problem-solving aspect. Seeing our impact—getting systems back up and running and making customers happy—was incredibly rewarding,” he explains.
Instead of heading to university, Eirik chose a different path and became an adult apprentice. He earned his trade certificate as an industrial mechanic while working full-time, steadily advancing through the company. Over the years, he transitioned from service technician to sales and rental manager before taking the helm as Managing Director. “It’s been a steep learning curve, but I thrive in fast-paced environments, and I’m always looking for ways to improve and push forward,” he says.
Seeing our impact — getting systems back up and running and making customers happy — was incredibly rewarding
A Bigger and Better Home
One of Eirik’s first major tasks as Managing Director was overseeing the company’s relocation. In December 2024, Pumpe-Service moved into a brand-new facility in Lørenskog, more than doubling its previous space. “We had simply outgrown our old location. Now, we have modern, spacious facilities that allow us to expand and work more efficiently,” Eirik says.
The new site includes a state-of-the-art workshop and warehouse, allowing the company to take on more service and rental projects. “In many ways, this move symbolizes our ambitions for the future. If we want to grow, we need the infrastructure to support that growth,” Eirik adds.
Strength in the River Group Network
Since 2017, Pumpe-Service has been part of River Group, which has significantly shaped its course. “When I joined, we were already part of River Group, so I never saw the ‘before and after’ firsthand. But I’ve definitely experienced the benefits”.
In the years since the acquisition, the company has doubled its revenue, from just under NOK 15 million to over NOK 30 million in 2024, while keeping its workforce lean and focused on upskilling. “We’ve prioritized internal competence development. Since 2017, we’ve been a certified training company, taking in at least one apprentice yearly. So far, seven employees have earned their trade certificates here, with two more set to complete theirs this summer,” he explains.
Being part of River Group also offers unique collaboration opportunities with other companies in the Oslo area. “The shared expertise within the group gives us a huge advantage. It’s something independent competitors simply can’t match,” Eirik notes.
Expanding the Business with Lessons from The Ice Rink
Looking ahead, Lavik has a clear vision for Pumpe-Service’s growth. “We’re focusing on three key areas: increasing our market share in service and maintenance, expanding our rental business, and strengthening our position as the preferred service partner for VA and VVS pumps in Greater Oslo,” he says.
Eirik’s leadership style is influenced by his background as a professional ice hockey player. “I’ve grown up in a sports environment where teamwork is everything. In hockey, you have a clear goal—winning the game—and everyone works together to achieve it. That’s exactly how I see leadership. My job is to get everyone moving in the same direction,” he says.
Looking Ahead: Key Projects and Growth
As Pumpe-Service settles into its new headquarters, it is already gearing up for significant projects. Among them is a large-scale rehabilitation of a 22-meter-deep pumping station at a waste sorting facility in Øvre Romerike. The company has also secured key framework agreements, including one with a major real estate company, strengthening its position in the market.
With new leadership, a new home, and a clear strategy for the future, Pumpe-Service is well-positioned to continue its steady rise—just in time for its 50th anniversary in 2028.