OCT 30, 2009 12:30 Finland's oldest company celebrates its 360th anniversaryConsumer products company Fiskars will celebrate its 360th anniversary on October 31. The company was founded in 1649 when the Dutchman Peter Thorwöste was granted permission by Queen Christina of Sweden to build an ironworks on the banks of the River Fiskars in southern Finland. Over the centuries since then, what started as a small business has grown into a consumer products company with operations worldwide and is now one of the oldest companies in Europe still in operation. During its long history, Fiskars has manufactured products for use by consumers, industry, and agriculture. The company produced over a million Fiskars plows in its time, for example. Today, Fiskars' most well-known product is its iconic orange-handled scissors, which can be found in homes and offices around the world. Launched in 1967, over a billion of these scissors have been produced to date. Modern-day Fiskars is an international consumer products group that offers a wide range of products renowned for their design for use in the home, the garden, and outdoors. The company has an extensive family of strong brands over and above the Fiskars brand, including Iittala, Arabia, Hackman, Gerber, Silva, and Buster. The company's heritage site, known as Fiskars Village, is a dynamic centre of art, design, and handicrafts that is a popular destination with tourists and conference guests.
Further information: Fiskars is a leading global supplier of consumer products for the home, garden and outdoors. Associated company, Wärtsilä Corporation, is also an important part of the group. Founded in 1649 and listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Fiskars is Finland's oldest company. Fiskars recorded net sales of EUR 697 million in 2008, and employs some 3,800 people.
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