Niels Aage Kjær both young and older
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Celebrating 80 Years of excellence: Niels Aage Kjær’s remarkable journey

A legacy of vision and leadership

On December 13, 2024, Niels Aage Kjær will celebrate his 80th birthday, marking not only a personal milestone but also decades of transformative leadership at AVK. 

Born in Galten, Denmark, in 1944, Niels Aage has spent a lifetime cultivating the vision that turned his father’s small local machine shop into a global group employing more than 5,000 employees.

From local roots to global heights

In 1970, at just 25 years old, Niels Aage took the helm of Aage V. Kjær’s Maskinværksted following the sudden passing of his father. At that time, the local machine shop that Aage Valdemar Kjær established in 1941 employed only five people inclusive Niels Aage and his mother, who managed the accounting. There was a modest annual turnover of DKK 400,000. 

Within a year, he developed the first AVK valve for drinking water supply and established the company’s first valve factory in Galten. This marked the beginning of AVK’s transformation into a company synonymous with quality, innovation, and sustainability.

By the end of the 1970s, despite challenges such as the energy crisis, AVK had grown to employ 100 people with an annual turnover of DKK 25 million. 

Aage Valdemar Kjær and 16 years old Niels Aage in front of the garage door of the machine shop with the big AVK logo which was painted by Niels Aage.

Aage Valdemar is guiding an Apprentice. The apprentice on the left is Niels Aage.

Niels Aage at the bench lathe. Although Niels Aage was an apprentice at his father’s company, he got involved in the operation of the company with his own initiatives and ideas about how things could be done more efficiently. 

AVK was among the first Danish companies to work systematically with quality management. In 1990 Niels Aage receives AVK’s first ISO 9001 certification.

September 30, 1998, the start-up in Australia was opened by the Minister for Government Enterprises, Michael H. Armitage surrounded by Graham Carson and Niels Aage Kjær from AVK.

The picture is from the opening of the new factory in Minden, Nevada September 10, 2007. The big factory is located in beautiful surroundings. 

Today, AVK operates over 100 companies worldwide and generates an annual revenue of nearly DKK 8 billion (2022/2023).

This incredible journey of growth and innovation can be credited to Niels Aage Kjær’s relentless drive, entrepreneurial mindset, and exceptional leadership. Under his leadership, AVK has become a global leader in the development and production of valves and components for water supply, wastewater treatment, fire protection, irrigation, and a wide range of industrial applications.

An entrepreneurial spirit recognized

Niels Aage’s entrepreneurial drive has earned him numerous honours over the years, including the Order of Dannebrog in 2010 by the Queen of Denmark and the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2023. His ability to balance innovation with tradition has been central to AVK’s enduring success.

Reflecting on his career, Niels Aage Kjær shares: “Success is built on dedication, teamwork, and a clear set of values. At AVK, our core values – quality, innovation, reliability, sustainability, and customer service – have guided us every step of the way.”

Passion beyond business

Beyond the boardroom, Niels Aage is deeply committed to environmental matters. He has worked actively with WWF to address pressing issues like plastic waste and recycling, integrating these priorities into AVK’s agenda. His appreciation for art and culture is equally notable, with AVK supporting numerous artistic initiatives, including AroS, Museum Jorn, and the local Sculpture City in Galten.

Privately, Niels Aage is married to Ellen Margrethe since 1967. Together they have four children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Golf, history, and art are his preferred pastimes— passions he pursues with the same vigour he brought to AVK.

A future rooted in heritage

After more than 53 years as CEO for the AVK Group Niels Aage decided to retire from the Executive Director role in October 2023, and stepped up as Chairman of the AVK Holding Board, ensuring his vision continues to guide the company. 

As he looks to the future, his ongoing projects include establishing an AVK heritage museum in his childhood home – a testament to his enduring commitment to preserving the legacy he has built.

As we celebrate Niels Aage Kjær’s 80th birthday, we honour not just a remarkable businessman but a visionary who has left an indelible mark on the global stage.

Thank you, Niels Aage, for inspiring generations to dream bigger and achieve more. Congratulations on a life well-lived and a legacy that will undoubtedly endure.

I hope that my story and AVK's story can inspire others – that with dedication, courage and hard work, and not least belief in oneself, in one's values, it is possible to create something that has a positive impact on the world.”
– Niels Aage Kjær