Siltala, Sakari

Family Affair: The Ahlström Dynasty in 1931–1981

Family Affair: The Ahlström Dynasty in 1931–1981

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Family Affair. The Ahlström Dynasty in 1931-1981. 

Ahlström is one of 20 powerhouse families immortalised in a famous Finnish protest song from the 1960s. For decades, their company was one of Finland's largest and most influential industrial conglomerates. But the Ahlström story goes beyond mere forest products and machine shops. 

In collaboration with the legendary architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, the extended Ahlström family helped launch the mecca of modernist Finnish design Artek, Helsinki's  prestigious Savoy restaurant and the world-renowned architectural landmark of Villa Mairea as well as iconic Iittala and Karhula glassware from Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.

The Ahlström dynasty was a mix of engineers, business leaders, art lovers and bon vivants, spanning the political spectrum. Their deep-rooted family connection gave the firm strength, but frequent clashes threatened the lineage's unity.

Over the years, directors, managers and shareholders alike learned to “play the Ahlström instrument” - with varying degrees of harmony and discord.

Before long, the multinational empire had built up to an unwieldy crescendo. Would the operations in its Varkaus location be the firm's swan song or salvation?

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