Story
GETAMA occupies a uniquely important position in the history of Danish furniture. Its origins trace back to 1899, when Carl Pedersen founded “Gedsted Tang- og Madratsfabrik” (Gedsted Sea-weed and Mattress Factory) in the small town of Gedsted on the Jutland peninsula. Mattresses made from sea-weed harvested in the local Limfjord were remarkably innovative for their time, offering both durability and comfort. These sea-weed mattresses quickly gained recognition throughout Denmark, and their material innovation later became the foundation of GETAMA’s philosophy — a commitment to making the fullest use of natural materials.
In 1910 the company expanded into furniture production, gradually strengthening its presence as a furniture workshop while maintaining its role as a bedding manufacturer. In 1953 the company officially adopted the name “GETAMA,” signaling its intention to step onto the international stage as a true furniture manufacturer. It was during this turning point that GETAMA encountered Hans J. Wegner.
For Wegner, GETAMA represented an ideal partner: unlike high-end boutique workshops such as Johannes Hansen, GETAMA possessed the ability to deliver high-quality furniture to a broader public. Wegner designed more than 120 pieces for GETAMA — beginning with the GE290 series and spanning easy chairs, sofas, dining chairs and bedding. These works became widely integrated into Danish public institutions and private homes. Wegner frequently stayed in the Gedsted workshop, developing prototypes together with the craftsmen and refining each design down to the smallest detail. This exceptionally close collaboration is the primary reason GETAMA is often described as a “giant hiding in plain sight.”
In the 1990s, following a period of financial difficulty, GETAMA entered the Temco Group and opened a new chapter. The company began collaborating with contemporary designers such as Nanna Ditzel, producing custom furniture for public buildings and embassies and expanding its activities in ways suited to the post-Wegner era.
However, in February 2024, a major crisis struck when the Gedsted woodworking facility was completely destroyed by fire. With the future of the brand in jeopardy, Carl Hansen & Søn took over GETAMA’s furniture design portfolio in 2025, securing the continued production of masterpieces such as the GE290. Even without its physical workshop, GETAMA’s spirit of “noble craftsmanship” continues to live on.
About
Year: 1899–2024
President:
Carl Pedersen – Frank Pedersen / Aage Pedersen – Willy Pedersen /
Carl Pedersen – Carl Pedersen – Mogens Christensen – Jørgen Højbjerg – John Temp
Designer: Hans J. Wegner, Nanna Ditzel, Friis & Moltke
Place: Gedsted
History
1899
Founded in Gedsted, North Jutland, as Gedsted Tang og Madrasfabrik (Gedsted Sea-weed and Mattress Factory) by Carl Pedersen.
1905
His eldest son Frank Pedersen joins the management, taking charge of the mattress department.
1918
His second son Aage Pedersen joins the management, taking charge of the furniture department.
1925
Carl Pedersen passes away. Management continues under Frank and Aage Pedersen.
1937
Sea-weed mattresses disappear from the product lineup, replaced by newly invented spring mattresses. Although not yet the company name, the term “GETAMA Spring Mattress” begins to be used as a product name.
1942
A fire breaks out in the furniture factory. Hundreds of completed and in-progress pieces are lost, and all machinery is destroyed.
1949
GETAMA celebrates its 50th anniversary. Collaboration with Hans J. Wegner begins. As a result, production of furniture designed by Aage Pedersen (such as Easy Chair No. 88) ends.
1950
Releases Easy Chair GE-260, Easy Chair GE-260A, Easy Chair 270, Sofa GE-270/3, Easy Chair GE-330, Easy Chair GE-330A, Sofa GE-330/2A & /3A, Stool GE-330S, Daybed GE-6, GE-7, GE-77, GE-19, Sofa Set GE-20, Flag Halyard Chair GE-225.
1951
Alongside Carl Hansen & Søn, Andreas Tuck, RY Møbler and AP Stolen, GETAMA begins producing Wegner’s mass-production designs and forms the joint sales organization Salesco. Each manufacturer focuses on its specialty — GETAMA handles easy chairs and sofas utilizing spring technology.
A fire also occurs in the mattress factory.
1953
Company name officially changed to GETAMA for international recognition.
Releases Sofa GE-290/2 & GE-290/3, Easy Chair GE-290, Easy Chair GE-290A, Stool GE-290.
1955
Releases Sofa GE-240/3 & GE-240/2, Easy Chair GE-240, Stool GE-240, Sofa GE-235/4 & GE-235/3, Sofa GE-236/4 & GE-236/3, Sofa GE-300/4, /3, /2, Easy Chair GE-300.
1961
Furniture factory expansion.
Early 1960s
Management passes to Frank Pedersen’s son Carl Pedersen and Aage Pedersen’s son Willy Pedersen.
1965
Releases Double Bed GE-701, Bed GE-705.
1967
Releases Easy Chair GE-151, Easy Chair GE-460, Rocking Chair GE-673.
1968
Releases Coffee Table GE-20, GE-57, GE-58, Desk GE-125, Bookcase GE-310/1, /2, /3.
1969
GETAMA leaves Salesco and brings over Salesco president Jørgen Høyer, opening its own showroom in Søborg, Copenhagen.
Wegner initially criticizes GETAMA’s departure from Salesco but sides with GETAMA due to disagreements with Salesco’s new leadership.
Wegner ceases supplying designs to Salesco but continues providing them to GETAMA.
Releases Sofa GE-370, Sofa GE-375.
1970
Releases Chair GE-420, GE-421, Sofa GE-40/2 & GE-40/3, Easy Chair GE-40, Easy Chair GE-530, GE-530A, Sofa GE-530/2 & GE-530/3, Table GE-601, Try Table GE-453.
1972
Releases Sofa GE-50/2, GE-50/3, Easy Chair GE-50, Sofa GE-55/2, GE-55/3, Easy Chair GE-55.
1973
Releases Chair GE-30.
1975
Releases Chair GE-211, GE-212, GE-213, GE-214, GE-72, Easy Chair GE-215, GE-215A, GE-220, GE-220A, GE-73, Bedside Table GE-905, Sofa GE-220/2 & GE-220/3, Bed GE-900.
1976
Releases Table GE-208, Stackable Chair GE-209, Stackable Chair GE-210.
1978
Releases Sofa GE-265/2, GE-265/3, Easy Chair GE-265, GE-265A, Stool GE-265S.
1980
Releases Coffee Table GE-81, GE-83, Stool GE-280S, Coffee Table GE-80, 82, 85, 86, Sofa GE-280H, Armchair GE-201.
1984
Releases Easy Chair GE-284A, GE-284, Stool GE-284S.
1985
Releases Additions Table GE-100, 101, 102, 103; Shaker Table GE-104; Sofa GE-284/2, GE-284/3, Sofa GE-285/3, GE-285/2.
1986
Management passes to Mogens Christensen. Modernization of production equipment, development of new models and strengthened marketing begins.
Releases Table GE-126, Stol Chair GE-155, Armchair GE-156.
1991
Management passes to Jørgen Højbjerg.
1994
Acquired by TEMCO in Denmark. Management passes to John Temp. Company renamed GETAMA DANMARK. Major investment leads to return to profitability.
1999
GETAMA celebrates its 100th anniversary. Designs the Century 2000 series.
Early 2020s
International recognition of GETAMA vintage furniture increases.
2025
Carl Hansen & Søn takes over most of GETAMA’s furniture division; GETAMA shifts focus to mattress production.
Furniture
• GE240 Cigar Chair
• GE236 Sofa
• GE236 3-Seater Sofa
• GE290 Armchair
• GE290 2-Seater Sofa
• GE290 3-Seater Sofa
• GE290 High Back
• GE290A Footstool
• GE375 Armchair
• GE375 3-Seater Sofa
• GE375 High Back
• GE700 Modular System
• GE673 Easy Chair
• GE672 Stacking Chair
• GE258 Daybed
• GE259 Daybed
• Joy Bench
• Mondial Seating
• Vita Sofa