About
Founded: 1899
Founder: Carl Petersen
Company Names: Gedsted Tang- og Madrasfabrik (1899–1952) → GETAMA A/S (1953–1993) → GETAMA DANMARK A/S (1994–)
Location: Gedsted, Denmark
Designers: Hans J. Wegner, Nanna Ditzel, Friis & Moltke
Current Status: In 2025, Carl Hansen & Søn acquired the GETAMA name and related business.
Story
GETAMA is one of Denmark’s notable furniture manufacturers and is particularly associated with Hans J. Wegner designs such as the GE290 series. Beginning as a mattress maker, the company expanded into furniture and became known for products that combined everyday practicality with clear timber construction.
Its origins date to 1899, when Carl Petersen founded Gedsted Tang- og Madrasfabrik—literally the Gedsted seaweed and mattress factory—in the small Jutland town of Gedsted. P. Thorup initially participated on the sales side while Petersen was responsible for manufacturing.
The company’s early mattresses were filled with seaweed gathered from the nearby Limfjord. Durable and comfortable, they became an innovative domestic product and established the manufacturing base from which GETAMA later developed.
Furniture production began in 1910, and in 1949 the company started its important collaboration with Hans J. Wegner. The company changed its name to GETAMA A/S in 1953. Building on its experience with mattresses and spring construction, GETAMA produced numerous easy chairs, sofas, and daybeds in which upholstery and timber frames were closely integrated.
For Wegner, GETAMA became an important production partner capable of bringing well-designed furniture to a wider market. Furniture including the GE290 series was developed through repeated prototyping and refinement and became widely used in Danish homes and public interiors.
In 1994 John Temp acquired the company and renamed it GETAMA DANMARK A/S. The company continued working with designers including Nanna Ditzel and Friis & Moltke, while also producing custom furniture for public institutions and embassies.
On February 9, 2024, GETAMA’s production and administration buildings in Gedsted were destroyed by fire. In early 2025, Carl Hansen & Søn acquired the GETAMA name and related business and took over the manufacture, marketing, and sale of the products.
History & Works
1899
Carl Petersen founded Gedsted Tang- og Madrasfabrik in Gedsted, northern Jutland. P. Thorup handled sales while Petersen was responsible for manufacturing.
1905
P. Thorup left the business and Carl Petersen became sole proprietor.
1910
The company began manufacturing furniture in addition to mattresses.
1915
Aage Pedersen returned to Gedsted and took charge of the furniture department.
1925
Carl Petersen died. His son Frank Pedersen and Aage Pedersen took over the business.
1937
Spring mattresses replaced seaweed mattresses, and the name “GETAMA” began to be used for the company’s products.
1942
A fire struck the furniture factory, destroying several hundred finished and unfinished pieces as well as machinery.
1949
On its fiftieth anniversary, GETAMA began collaborating with Hans J. Wegner.
1950
Wegner designed the GE225 Flag Halyard Chair, presented at that year’s cabinetmakers’ exhibition.
1951
GETAMA joined Carl Hansen & Søn, Andreas Tuck, Ry Møbler, and A.P. Stolen in the Salesco cooperative sales organization. On August 22, a fire struck the mattress factory.
1953
On January 1, the company changed its name to GETAMA A/S.
1958
GETAMA presented a revised GE225 at the furniture fair in Fredericia.
Early 1960s
Management passed to Willy F. Pedersen, son of Frank Pedersen, and Karl Pedersen, son of Aage Pedersen.
1965
A new factory of approximately 5,000 square metres was built, expanding production capacity.
1969
GETAMA left Salesco and opened its own sales office in Søborg, hiring the former Salesco manager and three employees to establish an independent sales organization.
1972
The GETAMA Foundation was established and ownership of the company’s shares was transferred to the foundation.
1981
Willy F. Pedersen withdrew because of illness. Carl Johan F. Pedersen joined the board while Karl Pedersen assumed management responsibility.
1985
Karl Pedersen retired.
1986
Mogens Christensen took over management and pursued modernization of production equipment, development of new models, and stronger marketing.
1990
Mogens Christensen stepped down in October.
1991
Jørgen Højbjerg assumed management.
1994
John Temp acquired the company and renamed it GETAMA DANMARK A/S. John Temp became CEO, Jesper Temp was responsible for marketing, and Jørgen Højbjerg handled day-to-day operations.
1999
GETAMA celebrated its centenary. Hans J. Wegner designed the Century 2000 series and Nanna Ditzel designed the Joy bedroom series.
2024
On February 9, the production and administration buildings in Gedsted were destroyed by fire.
2025
Carl Hansen & Søn acquired the GETAMA name and related business and took over product manufacturing, marketing, and sales.
Furniture
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Imprint / Label
References
- Erik Holst, GETAMA, GETAMA DANMARK A/S, 1999.
- Carl Hansen & Søn A/S, Annual Report 2024
- Furniture legacy moves forward after factory fire, Interior Daily, 17 December 2024.