From Madsen Machine Guns to DISAMATIC: DISA 1900-2025

The story of DISA – from Riffel Syndicate to modern industrial company

From Madsen Machine Guns to DISAMATIC describes the development of one of Denmark’s most significant industrial companies. The story begins around 1900, when the Danish Recoil Rifle Syndicate – commonly known as ‘Riffelsyndikatet’ – was granted permission to export Madsen Machine Guns from Copenhagen Freeport. It was the start of a company that, throughout the 20th century, achieved great success and was at the center of controversial years during the Occupation.

The book follows the company’s long journey away from weapons production and towards the technological leaps that led to the development of the DISAMATIC system in the early 1960s. This transition came to define DISA’s future and made the company a key player in the shaping and processing of metal parts – a position that continues today in collaboration with NORICAN.

The narrative is compiled by historian Ole Jeppesen from Historiesnedkeriet and DISA’s senior consultant Poul Erik Arre. Based on archival material, historical sources and technical descriptions, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the decisions, environments and technologies that have shaped DISA over 125 years.

From Madsen Machine Guns to DISAMATIC is published on the occasion of the company’s anniversary and is aimed at anyone interested in Danish industrial and business history. The book is also published in Danish under the title Fra Madsen Maskingeværer til DISAMATIC.

The book is available from Forlaget Frydenlund and various bookstores.