ansion at Fiskars. In Finland, the effects of the crash were felt into the mid 1930s. Not until the end of the Second World War did the Fiskars' management team realizes its plans for reforming the company structure to accommodate mass production.
The orange-handled scissors are one of Fiskars' best known products. But how was decided to make the handles of the scissors orange?
In 1967 when the first basic models were about to be manufactured the designer wanted the scissors to be black, red or green. As the prototype went into production, the machinist decided to finish off the orange color he had in his machine. These meant prototypes were made in four different colors, of which the orange and black were most popular. A choice had to be made. An internal vote was taken at Fiskars, and the result gave birth to Fiskars orange-handled scissors.
The color, Fiskars Orange®, was officially registered as a trademark in Finland in 2003 and in the US 2007.
Fiskars' expansion began with the founding of a scissors factory in the United States. Setting up in the strongest economy in the world, the US, proved to be a successful choice. It has provided a basis for international trade, a growing market and valuable commercial and professional experience.
In the twenty-first century, Fiskars has focused on consumer products and grown through acquisitions. The acquisition of Iittala in 2007 strengthened Fiskars position in kitchenware, while Leborgne strengthened the Corporation's garden tools business.
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 743 million in 2011, and employs some 3,400 people in over 20 countries
