Fiskars plans to expand the Iittala factory and centralize glass manufacturing in Iittala
Fiskars Corporation Press release April 11, 2013
Fiskars plans to centralize the Group’s glass manufacturing operations in one production site in Iittala and make significant investments in the Iittala factory. The production currently based in Nuutajärvi would be transferred to Iittala in 2014 and would continue to operate there in the new facilities.
The machinery and properties at Fiskars Group’s glass production sites in Iittala and Nuutajärvi are in need of significant renewal and refurbishment. Fiskars has reviewed different alternatives for developing its glass production and intends to build an expansion to the Iittala factory that would double the current size of the mouth-blown glass section. In addition, Fiskars plans to update the machinery at the Iittala factory.
“By centralizing development investments to one site we are able to safeguard our glass manufacturing in Finland and continue to celebrate our world-renowned expertise in blowing art glass. Due to the unique cooperation between glass designers, product development, glass blowers, and production, we can continue to develop the extremely demanding and high quality products that Iittala is known for internationally,” says Teemu Kangas-Kärki, President of Fiskars Home business.
The current Fiskars glass production sites conduct partially overlapping tasks. Due to the plans to combine operations and the need to adjust production capacity, both glass factories will hold codetermination negotiations covering a total of 223 personnel, of whom 189 are located in Iittala and 34 in Nuutajärvi. Changes to operations could lead to a maximum permanent reduction of 36 personnel.
In addition to the current Iittala factory expansion and renewal project, a glass batch house project publicized previously is currently under construction in Iittala, and is planned for use in early 2014. These projects are part of the planned long-running investment program to develop the Group’s glass production.
Further information:
Teemu Kangas-Kärki, President, Fiskars Home, tel. +358 204 39 5703
Anu Ilvonen, Director, Corporate Communications, tel. +358 20439 5446
Fiskars is a leading global supplier of consumer products for the home, garden, and outdoors. The group has a strong portfolio of respected international brands, including Fiskars, Iittala, and Gerber. Founded in 1649 and listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Fiskars is Finland’s oldest company. Fiskars recorded net sales of EUR 748 million in 2012, and employs some 4,100 people in over 20 countries. www.fiskarsgroup.com.