Industry · municipality
The Bar Industry in Rana: Current Situation and Future Outlook
Analysis of Companies, Statistics, and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Local Decision-Makers in Rana Municipality (Nordland).
Executive Summary
The bar industry in Rana is a relatively small but dynamic sector with a focus on Mo I Rana. In 2026, there are 5 registered companies in the sector, employing a total of 38 people. In recent years, the industry has been marked by large variations in sales and number of employees, with a sharp decline in 2020 and a gradual increase since. The most activity-intensive part of the municipality is Mo I Rana, where 3 companies and 52 employees are registered. The industry shows signs of gradual stabilization, but with significant challenges related to economic variation and competition in the sector.
Economic Overview
Economic Trends
Sales and Employees
| Year | Sales (NOK) | Employees | Year-over-Year Change in Sales | Year-over-Year Change in Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 12.6M | 83 | - | - |
| 2017 | 12.3M | 118 | -2.8% | +42.2% |
| 2018 | 10.7M | 70 | -12.5% | -40.7% |
| 2019 | 8.7M | 54 | -18.7% | -22.9% |
| 2020 | 4.2M | 40 | -51.7% | -25.9% |
| 2021 | 6.5M | 34 | +55.2% | -15.0% |
| 2022 | 10.2M | 37 | +56.1% | +8.8% |
| 2023 | 9.9M | 31 | -2.9% | -16.2% |
| 2024 | 7.1M | 38 | -28.3% | +22.6% |
| 2025 | 8.3M | 41 | +16.2% | +7.9% |
| 2026 | 48 | - | - | +17.1% |
Sales experienced a sharp decline of 51.7% in 2020, but have since been on an upward trend with an increase of 56.1% in 2021 and 56.1% in 2022. In 2023 and 2024, however, a decline of 2.9% and 28.3% was recorded, respectively. The number of employees has been more stable, with an increase of 17.1% in 2026 compared to 2025.
Companies in the Sector
Registered Companies in the Sector
The following companies are registered in the bar industry in Rana:
- E & C Helgeland As – Jernbanegata 16, Mo I Rana (26 employees, AS-form, operating income: -129,000 NOK)
- Uteliv As – Fridtjof Nansens gate 22, Mo I Rana (18 employees, AS-form, operating income: -373,000 NOK)
- Mo1 As – Mellomvika 7A, Mo I Rana (8 employees, AS-form, operating income: +80,000 NOK)
- Bis Nordland – Strandgaten 17-19, Mo I Rana (0 employees, FLI-form, no operating income)
- Norsk Jernverk As – c/o Lisbet Myrheim, Lyngheim 1, Mo I Rana (0 employees, AS-form, no operating income)
Most companies are organized as AS, with a simple structure. None of the companies are registered as bankrupt, which indicates a relatively stable sector. However, there is significant variation in economic results, with both positive and negative operating results.
Geographic Distribution
Geographic Distribution of Activity
The bar industry in Rana is strongly concentrated in Mo I Rana, where 3 companies and 52 employees are registered. No activity is registered in other parts of the municipality. The only company without employees, Bis Nordland and Norsk Jernverk As, is also registered in Mo I Rana. This shows that Mo I Rana is the most important center for the bar industry in the municipality.
Operational Dynamics
Operational Dynamics and Bankruptcy Statistics
None of the companies in the bar industry in Rana are registered as bankrupt, which indicates a relatively stable sector. Nevertheless, the economic data show significant variations in operating results and sales over time. For example, E & C Helgeland As had a negative operating result of -129,000 NOK in 2023, while Mo1 As had a positive operating result of +80,000 NOK in the same year. This shows that there is significant variation in how companies handle economic challenges.
Outlook
For entrepreneurs considering starting a company in the bar industry in Rana, the data show both opportunities and challenges. It is clear that the sector has been marked by significant variations, especially in 2020 and 2021. Nevertheless, there has been a gradual increase in sales and number of employees since 2021, which may indicate a gradual stabilization. However, it is important to be aware of the significant variations in operating results and sales, which can be a challenge for new companies. Mo I Rana is the most important center for the bar industry, and it may be advantageous to consider establishing oneself there. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations and assess potential challenges in the sector.
Conclusion
The bar industry in Rana shows signs of gradual stabilization after a sharp decline in 2020. With 5 companies and 38 employees in 2026, as well as a concentration of activity in Mo I Rana, there is a clear structure in the sector. Nevertheless, there are significant variations in economic results, and it is important to be aware of these challenges. For entrepreneurs, there may be an opportunity to establish oneself in a stable but dynamic sector, with a focus on effectively managing economic variations.