Nokia is a name synonymous with mobile phones and telecommunications, but the company’s origins are much more fascinating than one might expect. In this article, we’ll take a look at Nokia’s journey from a simple rubber and paper mill to a global telecommunications giant, and the unlikely story of how they even sold toilet paper.
Nokia’s Origins and Rise to Prominence
Nokia was founded in 1865 by Fredrik Idestam, a mining engineer, at the Tammerkoski Rapids in Finland. The company initially specialized in producing paper, rubber, and cables, as well as equipment for the Finnish Army. In 1967, the company merged with another Finnish company, Nokia Ab, and changed its name to Nokia Corporation.
In the early 1970s, the company shifted its focus from paper and rubber to telecommunications, with the establishment of Nokia’s telephone exchanges. With the introduction of the first Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT) system, Nokia began to expand its operations and established several joint ventures throughout Europe.
In the late 1980s, Nokia released its first consumer mobile phone, the Nokia Mobira Cityman 900. The phone was an instant success, and Nokia quickly began to dominate the mobile phone market. By the mid-90s, the company was the world’s leading mobile phone manufacturer, and the Nokia brand was ubiquitous.
When Nokia Started Selling Toilet Paper
In the late 1990s, Nokia made a surprising move and began to sell toilet paper. The company had identified a need for toilet paper in Finland and decided to capitalize on the opportunity. Nokia released its own brand of toilet paper, which became an instant hit with consumers.
The success of Nokia’s toilet paper was due to the company’s commitment to quality. Nokia’s toilet paper was made from 100% recycled paper, and the company used a unique manufacturing process that resulted in a soft, absorbent product. The toilet paper was also packaged in a stylish and convenient way, making it easy for consumers to purchase and use.
Nokia’s toilet paper was so popular that the company even established its own retail stores, which sold the product alongside its mobile phones. This proved to be a smart move, as it allowed the company to tap into a new market and expand its presence in Finland.
Nokia’s Success Selling Toilet Paper
Nokia’s success with toilet paper continued into the 2000s. The company’s toilet paper was so popular that it became the number one selling brand in Finland. Nokia’s success with toilet paper was due to its commitment to quality and convenient packaging.
The toilet paper was also marketed in a clever way, with Nokia creating a series of humorous advertisements that highlighted the product’s quality and convenience. This innovative approach to marketing helped to boost sales and solidify Nokia’s position as a leader in the Finnish toilet paper market.
Nokia’s success with toilet paper also helped to strengthen the company’s brand. The company was able to leverage its success with toilet paper to promote its other products, including its mobile phones. This helped to further establish Nokia’s presence in the Finnish market, and the company’s brand eventually became synonymous with quality.
The Decline of Nokia and Toilet Paper Sales
Unfortunately, Nokia’s success with toilet paper would not last. The company began to struggle as the mobile phone market became increasingly competitive. Nokia’s toilet paper sales began to decline, and the company eventually discontinued the product in the early 2000s.
Nokia’s mobile phone business also began to suffer, and the company eventually lost its position as the world’s leading mobile phone manufacturer. The company’s fortunes continued to decline, and in 2013, the company sold its mobile phone business to Microsoft.
Conclusion
Nokia’s story is an incredible one, and the company’s success with selling toilet paper is an interesting footnote in its history. The company’s commitment to quality and innovative marketing helped to make it a leader in the Finnish toilet paper market, and the company was able to leverage its success to promote its other products.
Unfortunately, Nokia’s success was not to last, and the company eventually had to discontinue its toilet paper business. The company’s mobile phone business also suffered, and the company eventually sold its business to Microsoft. Despite these setbacks, Nokia remains an iconic brand, and its story is an inspiring reminder of how far a company can come with a commitment to quality and innovation.
References:
Vapriikki Museum Centre, Tampere
Hämeenlinna artillery museum
Buzz2day Tech
Tech Trivias – Acumen IT
