In 1881, Peter Magnus Abrahamsson established a glassworks in Iittala and started the tale of evolution unfolding as Iittala evolved from an independent entity to a pivotal player in the glass industry.

In 1917 the Iittala Glassworks changed ownership, becoming part of the A. Ahlstrom Corporation, which at that time was already the owner of the Karhula Glassworks. Iittala assumed the role of an affiliated company to Karhula, relinquishing its independence in 1941 through a merger with Karhula Oy. The blended entity bore the name “Karhula-Iittala,” strategically employed in marketing endeavours.

Iittala’s early production mirrored that of other Finnish glass factories, but a shift towards modernism began in the early 1930s with Aino Aalto’s acclaimed Bolgeblick glass set. Collaborative efforts by Alvar and Aino Aalto further enriched Iittala’s repertoire with numerous classic pieces. The disruptions of the Second World War imposed pauses in production due to resource and labor shortages. The resurgence in 1946 marked the emergence of modern designs, featuring the contributions of renowned designers such as Tapio Wirkkala, Timo Sarpaneva, and Kaj Franck.

In a transformative move in 1988, Iittala, along with Nuutajärvi, Humppila, and Napapiiri glassworks, were consolidated into a single entity through an agreement between A. Ahlstrom Corporation and Oy Wartsila Ab. The resultant company, named Iittala-Nuutajarvi Oy, saw Ahlström holding a 70% stake, with Wartsila claiming the remaining 30%. The company strategically divided its focus, directing household glass operations to Iittala and reserving Nuutajarvi for art glass, colored glass, and special products.