Supply chain management as a strategic focus area

Fiskars' Operations function covers the Group's own production plants, outsourced production, logistics, distribution centers, and the processes used to manage Fiskars' supply chain. The company aims to develop a set of common, streamlined supply network processes capable of keeping Fiskars' customer service capabilities as efficient as possible.

In-house production focuses on core areas of expertise

Fiskars has a number of production plants producing garden tools, the largest of which are the garden tools and scissors plant at Billnäs in Finland, the Slupsk unit in Poland, and the Leborgne plant in France. The company also has three units producing planters and other plastic products in Germany, Britain, and the US.

In the Home business area in Finland, Fiskars' main production sites are the Iittala and Nuutajärvi glassworks, the Arabia ceramics plant, and a unit producing cookware at Sorsakoski. The company has a plant producing kitchen knives and cutlery in Italy.

Outdoor products are produced in-house in Sweden, the US, and China. The Inha Works' plant at Ähtäri in Finland is primarily focused on producing aluminum boats.

Many of the Group's plants have long experience and wide-ranging expertise in their specialist fields. The role of in-house production is emphasized in demand-driven operations, as it can respond flexibly and rapidly to the need for small production runs to meet changing customer trends.

Sourcing adds flexibility

Contract suppliers complement Fiskars' product range. Their expertise is particularly useful when there is no capacity or technology in-house or in products combining various specialist materials. Sourcing also brings cost-savings. Fiskars aims to establish long-term relationships with suppliers, and carefully reviews them on the basis of total costs, efficiency, quality, ability to deliver, and responsibility.

Logistics and distribution centers play an important role in guaranteeing flexible customer service and an efficient supply chain.