Our history

With AI Insights and Codespace, Guard expands its capabilities in industrial AI and advanced analytics — making it possible to develop, explain and apply intelligence directly to real-world operational challenges.

Guard becomes certified to ISO 45001, reinforcing its systematic approach to occupational health and safety and its commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace across the organization.

With Matrix, Guard takes a significant step into sensor technology and hardware innovation. Its patented autonomous sensor introduces a new approach to understanding underground wastewater networks, combining physical innovation with digital intelligence.

Building on decades of experience in water and wastewater automation, Guard develops integrated intelligence solutions that connect treatment processes, sewer networks and operational data — turning industry expertise into scalable technology.

With X Automation becoming part of Guard, the Group expands into Denmark, establishing a presence across all three Scandinavian countries. Further strengthened by the addition of Holtec in 2026, Guard grows into a Nordic technology group with approximately 300 employees across 19 locations, combining local expertise with Nordic scale and building a stronger platform for innovation and international growth.

With the acquisition of LMT Elteknik AB, Guard now encompasses five branch offices and approximately 50 employees in Sweden. This expansion establishes a solid competence platform for industrial automation in Sweden, aiming to replicate the data-driven success experienced in the Norwegian market.

Guard continues its geographical expansion with a new branch office in Norway located in Stavanger.

Guard establishes yet another branch office in Norway located in Trondheim.

Guard is expanding its headquarter in Sandefjord to keep up with demand.

Guard becomes ISO 27001 certified, among the first independent automation suppliers in Scandinavia to achieve this. The certification strengthens Guard's position in industrial cybersecurity and lays the foundation for dedicated security services for operational technology.

Guard establishes its second branch office in Sweden.

Guard introduces its own industrial data platform, connecting operational systems, data and applications across technologies and suppliers. A defining step in the company's evolution from traditional system integration towards scalable digital solutions and industrial intelligence.

Currently serving as CTO, Jan-Terje Sørlie also assumes the role of CEO, bringing the company’s strategic and technological direction under the same leadership. The combined role marks a new direction for Guard. The vision remains to increase industrial efficiency and productivity, now through data-driven value creation.

Guard’s new headquarter is opened in Sandefjord.

Guard Automation becomes ISO certified as one of the first independent industrial automation suppliers in Scandinavia.

To accelerate growth of the company, Karl Kristian Sunde acquires TS Electro Engineering which is then merged with Guard Systems Engineering to form Guard Automation.

Guard System Engineering establishes its first international branch office in Vara, Sweden.

The industrial investor Karl Kristian Sunde sees a great opportunity for data-driven value creation in the automation industry and acquires Guard System Engineering.

Guard System Engineering continues to expand within the Norwegian market and establishes its third branch office in Arendal.

Guard System Engineering  establishes its second branch office in Langhus close to Oslo.

The company is established as a spin-off from GS Group in Sandefjord to specialize in industrial automation and communication solutions.

Guard Systems Engineering establishes its first branch office located in Bergen.

TS Electro Engineering develops its first web-based reporting solution for the water and wastewater industry, laying an early foundation for the data-driven technologies that would later become central to Guard's offering.

TS Electro Engineering brings AVEVA Plant SCADA, formerly known as Citect, to Norway. This forms the beginning of Windows based supervisory control and data acquisition.

The company is established in Sandefjord, Norway by Terje Sørlie with the vision to increase industrial efficiency and productivity through full-range automation supplies and computer-based control systems.