1920s

Oy Ahlskog Ab’s story begins. Hugo Ahlskog begins manufacturing and selling gloves with leather purchased from Kokkola region tanneries.

1930s

Hugo acquires Fritiof Bäck’s tannery in Kruunupyy and begins to produce leather needed for glove and clothing manufacturing.

After his father’s death, 20-year-old Matts Ahlskog begins as Managing Director, continuing in that capacity until 1987 and as Chairman of the Board until 2001.

1956

New factory built along River Kruunupyyjoki on site of old sports field. Critical turning point in company’s history; situation requires choice between substantially investing in company or shutting it down.

1960s and 1970s

Manufacturing methods and products developed intensively in 1960s and 1970s. Production and office premises expanded in 1960s. New finishing hall and waste treatment plant built in 1970s; Kruununahka Oy’s entire share capital acquired. In 1978 Kokkola shopping centre built; Kesko becomes tenant.

1980s

Golden Age for exports of leather, footwear and clothing industry to Russia unfortunately ends as rapidly as it starts. At Ahlskog additional markets sought through exports to Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Hungary. Approximately 200 ha of Alaveteli and Kokkola forest lands purchased in 1989.

1990s

New products for domestic reindeer developed in 1990s; collaborative arrangements established in Lapland. Export operations developed and agent agreements concluded in Italy, Germany, the USA and France.

For several years, Ahlskog engages in leasing financing activities as financer of companies’ and municipalities’ acquisitions of EDP equipment and photocopiers.

1997 Ahlskog acquires Oy Mesmec Ab’s entire share capital. Transaction also includes Oy Kokkolan Kylmähuolto Ab’s share capital. Ahlskog facilitates its subsidiaries’ expansion possibilities by arranging necessary business premises.

1997 Kylmähuolto and Mesmec operate at Vasarakuja.

1998 Company acquires Måttisenkatu 3 property, where both companies move.

1999 Company acquires Höyläämönkatu 2 property, where Kylmähuolto moves. When premises become cramped, Kylmähuolto moves to Ahlskog-owned facilities at Yrittäjäntie 6 in 2005; Höyläämönkatu 2 property is sold.

1998 Ahlskog among first group of tanneries in world to be granted ISO 9001 and 14001 quality and environmental certificates. Following year generational change implemented; Matts Ahlskog’s daughters Ulrika Jansson, Elisabeth Anderson and Marina Ahlskog become Ahlskog Oy’s majority shareholders in 1999.

2000s

Top priorities in leather production are internationalisation, product development and adaptation programme.

2005 Kylmähuolto acquires Tampere-domiciled Scancool Oy. Later in autumn Kylmähuolto changes name to Oy Scancool Ab.

2007 New page turned in Oy Ahlskog Ab’s history when 50% of Oy Ahlskog Leather Ab’s share capital sold. At same time private offering is boldly made, after which Oy Ahlskog Ab’s ownership is limited to 10% of tannery. Oy Ahlskog Ab sells its leather business operations to Oy Ahlskog Leather Ab.

2008 Oy Ahlskog Ab’s operations include property management, facilities leasing, and support for its subsidiaries Oy Mesmec Ab and Oy Scancool Ab.