Fiskars Oyj Abp - Fiskars unveils expanded and refurbished Iittala glass factory

Date: 8 May 2014

Throughout its history, the Iittala glassworks has been the heart and soul of glass-blowing expertise in Finland. This is truer than ever now that Nuutajärvi's widely appreciated artworks and small-series production has a new home within the refurbished Iittala factory.

The expansion of the Iittala factory and the building of a new batch house are now complete and they were inaugurated today by Ms Jenni Haukio, spouse of the President of Finland.

"Founded already in 1881, the Iittala glass factory encompasses all the elements upon which the post World War II reputation of Finnish design was built. Artisanry and craftsmanship and the deepest respect for traditions while endeavoring to improve upon modern methods. Unique and ground breaking design.

Industrial and manufacturing competence. These are values upon which great successes have been built and will be built on in the future both in Finland and internationally. The consolidation of glass production to Iittala and the fact that these manufacturing investments are the largest made by Fiskars in decades are cause for great joy, as the conservation of Iittala's world famous glass blowing skills is the conservation of part of our national and cultural heritage. It fosters faith not only in the success of Finnish design but also in manufacturing in Finland. This is precisely the kind of news that Finland needs today.

Read more online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140507-908703.html