Jotun A/S is among the world's largest manufacturers of paints and coating products. It is a global company with a presence in more than 100 countries, with particular strength in East Asia, the Middle East and Scandinavia. The company has a globally diverse production model, with 39 manufacturing facilities and about 10,000 employees, of which 1,000 are located in Norway. Jotun A/S is a one-brand company with products including decorative paint and protective marine and powder coatings. It has a strategy of organic growth and expansion into new markets.
Jotun A/S was established by Odd Gleditsch in 1926 and is still controlled by the Gleditsch family. However, Paint Holding AS, owned by Orkla ASA, is now the largest single shareholder. In 1972, Jotun A/S merged with three other Norwegian paint producers and became the leading domestic paint producer as well as one of the largest companies in Norway. The company's shares are unlisted.