Things, you didn't know were Finish #2

Here's part two of that series. This time I'm writing about Fiskars.

(c) Fiskars

Fiskars is one of the oldest companies in Finland. It was founded in 1649 in the finish village Fiskars (Raasepori Region). At that time Finland was ruled by Sweden, and Sweden was one of Europe's biggest producer of iron at that time. Fiskars also produced nails, threat, knives, hoes, iron wheels, and other things.

In 1832 Fiskars was bought by Johan Jacob Julin, from Turku, who increased the production range from knives to cutlery including forks and scissors. Under his leadership the company became known for its farm and household implements, and the Fiskars name became a synonym for high quality. 

In 1967 Fiskars produced the world's first scissors with plastic handle. One year later Fiskars founded its first factory in the USA.

Today Fiskars is the leading producer of consumer products for home, garden and outdoors. 

Last but not least: A fun fact!

You might've already asked yourself "Why is the scissor's handle orange?", well here's the answer...

When they were about to produce their first prototype they had to choose a color. The designer wanted black, red or green. As the prototype went in production, the machinist decided to finish the color (orange) he had in his machine. So the first prototypes were of 4 different colors. In an internal vote, the result gave birth to the orange handled scissors we know today.

If you want to learn more about the company click here.

Johan Jacob Julin

Johan Jacob Julin

Johan Jacob Julin

Johan Jacob Julin

Johan Jacob Julin

Things, you didn't know were Finish #1

Because I have left a piece of my heart in Finland, when I was on ERASMUS, I want to introduce this topic to you. There are some things which are from Finland, but many people don't know about it. That's why I'd like to talk about a few of those products. Today I want to talk about KONE.

(c) KONE

In 1908, when Finland still was an autonomous part of the Russian Empire, a machine shop named Tarmo (“vigor”) opened in Helsinki. The shop owners repaired and reconditioned used equipment, incorporated their business as KONE (“machine”) LTd. on October 27, 1910. Then they sold their shares to Gottfrid Strömberg, Finland’s leading producer of electric motors and equipment. KONE moved into the former stables on Strömberg’s industrial estate, in Helsinki, and began refurbishing and selling previously owned Strömberg motors under the KONE name.

In 1916, Walter Jakobsson joined KONE as technical director. A year later, Finland declared its independence from Russia, and KONE ended the licensing agreement with Graham Brothers. Strömberg’s entire elevator department joined KONE, and Lorenz Petrell, Walter Jakobsson, William Puomi, and Gotthard Dahlberg set out to fulfill a dream: to produce and sell a European-class Finnish elevator.

Today KONE is one of the global leaders in elevator and escalator industry, as well as automatic building doors. Their goal is to develop and deliver solutions that enable people to move smoothly, safely and comfortably.

If you want to learn more about KONE's history click here.