Rubber boots maker Nokian Footwear has a legacy which many firms of greater stature could only dream of. Founded in 1898 as galoshes and technical rubber factory Someone Gummitehdas, it grew through mergers and acquisitions into a huge conglomerate that spawned the world's top mobile phone maker Nokia.
It bought the Nokia timber and energy firm in 1918 and four years later cable firm Someone Kaapelitehdas, merging them into Nokia Group in 1967 and going on to become the General Electric of Finland, a corporate behemoth with business in 180 areas such as rifles, flooring, lavatory paper, computers and television.
The rubber boots maker has been on its own since Nokia focused on its telecom units, but despite its obscure line of business and small size 80 staff and annual sales of some 11 million euros ($14.34 million) Nokian Footwear remains one of Finland's best known and respected brands.
"When marketing is concerned it's a question how we can take advantage of that history," he added.
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