Jacob Hvidtved Larsen, founder of J. Hvidtved Larsen, opened to the public in 1915 with his own blacksmith and machine factory in Denmark. It started out small with a number of repair tasks in the local area, but the income was supplemented with the profession of driving instructor. As Jacob received recognition from his high quality work, the orders started to come quickly.

First, it was local slaughterhouses, but soon well-known institutions such as FL Smidth, Danish Railroad Services and Hjejlen placed orders. Today, Hjejlen is the world's oldest steamship that continues to operate as a tourist attraction in the local city where J. Hvidtved Larsen was established. 

Both the number and magnitude of tasks grew over the years. In 1933, the first water tank was delivered to a textile factory, and the company found itself being a key supplier to national companies, supplying solid iron structures used in building leisure centers, bridges, and ferry docks. Since the company now started developing its business in engineering and development projects and products, the company was overtaken by its success and in fact, some products could no longer be produced inside the factory buildings. And in the early 1950's, when they received an order for something completely new, it was clear the company was heading towards engineering.

In 1955, a contractor ordered truck mounted vacuum equipment. In 1956, the equipment was ready for delivery. During the 1960's, the order book on vacuum equipment grew rapidly, and with the new product portfolio, the company expanded the factory to 1,200 sqm., enabling the production of vacuum equipment and iron structures that remained key for the business. In the 1960's, the public institutions and private contractors placed orders on their first units and today they are still customers. Soon the equipment was further developed to equipment capable of vacuuming and high-pressure jetting at the same time: The combi unit FlexLine® was born.