Karhula Glassworks

Established in the year 1889, the start of the Karhula Glassworks can be credited to William Ruth (1839-1913), who had previously acquired the Karhula steam Sawmill in 1881. The glassworks became the property of A. Ahlstrom Corporation in 1915 with the acquisition of Karhula Oy.

Initially specializing in the production of bottles and household glassware, the year 1915 witnessed a significant expansion into crystal manufacturing. The appointment of Hans Ahlström (1904-1960) as the deputy manager in 1932 marked a period of substantial development, culminating in the completion of a modern glass cabin and a three-storied glass-cutting workshop in 1936.

The 1930s saw a notable shift towards the prominence of art glass and design, with renowned designers such as Goran Hongell, Alvar Aalto, Alno Marsio-Aalto, Artis Brummer, Gunnel Nyman, Lisa Johansson-Pape, Gunilla Jung, and Yojo Rosola contributing their creative expertise. In 1946, a strategic business arrangement resulted in the relocation of glassblowing operations to Itala.

By the early 1950s, the Karhula Glassworks had evolved into a process factory specializing in container glass. The ensuing decades brought further transformation, with Tapio Wirkkala joining the container glass design team in the 1960s. His notable creation, the Finlandia Vodka bottle (1972-1990), became an iconic representation of the factory’s craftsmanship.

The period between 1961 and 1972 marked a substantial increase in output, driven by significant investments in container glass production facilities. Simultaneously, the decision to permit the sale of medium-strength beer in grocery stores in 1969 contributed to this growth. A momentous production record was achieved on December 30, 1968, with the creation of 541,560 bottles in a single day.

In 1995, the Karhula Glassworks underwent a transition, being acquired by the prominent American Owens-Illinois Inc., one of the world’s largest glass manufacturers. Regrettably, the denouement occurred in 2009 when the last container glassworks in Finland closed its doors.

The story of the Karhula Glassworks is one of evolution, innovation, and artistic contribution, leaving a lasting mark on the history of glassmaking