From seventeenth-century ironworks to global design icon: the story of a Finnish giant

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1649, Fiskars began as a blast furnace in a small Finnish village. Today, it is one of the world's oldest continuously operating companies. While famous for its iconic orange-handled scissors, the firm has evolved through centuries of industrial shifts, strategic acquisitions, and a constant reinvention of its brand.

The origins of Fiskars date back to 1649, when Dutch merchant Peter Thorwöste received a royal charter from Queen Christina of Sweden to establish a furnace and forging operation. Initially, the site produced pig iron and wrought iron goods like nails and hoes, though the charter explicitly forbade the production of cannons. By the late eighteenth century, the focus shifted toward copper processing following discoveries at the nearby Orijärvi mine. However, as resources dwindled, the original blast furnace closed in 1802, marking a pivotal transition in the company's history.

A new era began in 1822 when apothecary Johan Jacob Julin acquired the ironworks. Under his leadership, the facility was modernized, and in 1832, Finland's first cutlery mill was established on the site. This expansion into knives, forks, and scissors laid the groundwork for the company's future identity. By 1915, the business was listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. Decades later, in 1967, the company introduced its signature orange-handled scissors, a design that would eventually become a registered trademark in both Finland and the United States.

In the twenty-first century, Fiskars transformed into a global consumer goods powerhouse through aggressive acquisitions. The company integrated brands such as Iittala, Royal Copenhagen, and the Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton group, diversifying its portfolio across kitchenware, luxury home goods, and garden tools. Today, the company operates through two main business units, Living and Functional, and maintains a presence in over 100 countries. As of December 2023, it employs approximately 7,162 people worldwide, continuing its long legacy of industrial adaptation.

Modern operations reflect a commitment to sustainability and strategic focus. In 2022, the company announced a significant investment in electric furnaces for its Iittala glass factory, aiming to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 74 per cent by 2026. This shift aligns with a broader strategy to prioritize core brands like Fiskars, Gerber, and Moomin Arabia. Despite its vast international reach, the company remains deeply rooted in its Finnish heritage, consistently ranking as one of the most respected brands in the country.

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