Gustaf Wrede

Early years and studies

Wrede's parents were Freiherr, manager Carolus Wrede and Siri née Söderhjelm. The affluent Wrede family had been involved in industrial development for generations already. Carolus Wrede was the main owner of engineering companies Åbo Jernmanufaktur and Åbo Waggonfabrik. It was rather natural, that also Gustaf Wrede became oriented to engineering. He studied eight grades in Swedish-speaking Nya svenska läroverket in Helsinki. In 1907 he started studies in Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany where he graduated in 1911 as Mechanical Engineer.

Kullervo

Carolus Wrede's companies produced agricultural machinery and he became interested in tractors, as he saw a big market potential in Russian Plains where fields reached as far as eye can see. Right after his studies Gustaf Wrede to United States to learn more about vehicle production. He worked for a number of automotive companies in 1911–1912. During 1912–1914 he worked as Chief Engineer for Jackson Automobile Company in Michigan, where he focused on learning tractor technology. In 1914 Wrede returned to Finland and became Chief Engineer of Åbo Jernmanufaktur, where he started to develop a tractor. The First World War, which started shortly after, slowed down the development work; the factory was completely stopped during Civil War in 1918. The new tractor was finally introduced in the following autumn. In the meantime, Finland had become an independent state and the prominent Russian market was closed. However, the market of Baltic states looked promising. Serial production of Wrede's tractor named Kullervo started in 1919. Kullervo was produced in two variants of different engine outputs. The stronger, 30-hp version was originally intended for the Russian export. The smaller, 15-hp model was designed for domestic market. While the construction was modern, Kullervo was not sales success; despite of government subsidies, American Fordson ruled the Finnish market. Production ceased in 1924, until when just 300 units were sold.

In 1920–1922 Wrede worked as General Manager in another agricultural machinery producer Tykö bruks Ab.

Dalsbruk

Wrede was recruited to lead Ab Dalsbruk in 1922; Dalsbruk produced basic ironware products, such as bar iron, chain and nails. Finland was in economical upswing and Wrede started an investment programme. Despite of intense price competition, the company's order book was in a good level. In January 1924 Dalsbruk became part of German Wuppermann company, which secured its financial status giving security to investments; the most important ones were a new foundry and modern rolling mill. The Wuppermann family had high expectations for potential of the Dalsbruk factory and invested on it total 23.5 million Finnish marks. The youngest son of the owning family Gerhard Wuppermann was appointed Deputy Director.

Already in 1926 the company started to have problems; it was hit by recession and a strike that took for over two months from June until August. Problems continued in the following year, when Dalsbruk was in strike and lockout for total seven months. When this was over, the economic cycle had turned worse. Dalsbruk operated then just four days per week and the number of shifts was cut down. Wuppermann family had to fund the operations by bills of exchange. The company still owned large areas of land which was eventually sold; this reduced the need for money borrowed. In 1929 the company debt reached 5.5 million marks and in addition Wuppermann family had taken debt for Dalsbruk for 10.5 million. The Wuppermanns decided to run down operations in Dalsbruk in a hygienic manner. In September 1930 the family gave Dalsbruk shares to Wrede, whose task was now to make the tough decisions. Salaries were cut, chain and nail production was sold and headcount was reduced. As the Finnish government changed its tariff policy more favourable, Wrede managed to press the losses down in 1930–1931. Abandoning of gold standard in autumn 1931 and the subsequent devaluation improved Dalsbruk's competitiveness. On the other hand, following collapse of international raw material bar cartel, competition had become more intense and prices dropped.

In 1932 Dalsbruk got a large order for train wheels and axles from the State Railways, which led to immediate improvement; prices had stabilised, the factory was saved, Wrede had become its owner and paid compensation to Wuppermann family for continuation of operations. Wrede continued investing on the Dalsbruk.

Before Dalsbruk, Wrede had succeeded in his life mainly because of his noble background and wealthy family. The experience he gained as manager had a major impact on the rest of his life and toughened him to perform in his later duties.

During 1924–1934 Wrede led Suomen Pultti ja Konetehdas Oy and in 1935–1946 he worked as manager of Suomen Lasitehdas.

Petsamon Nikkeli

Outbreak of the Second World War changed the situation again; export of metal products ceased. Wrede got an offer for manager position in Petsamon Nikkeli Oy in Petsamo 1940, right after the Winter War. He took the challenging position and sold his Dalsbruk shares. The company management had recently decided to invest on Kolosjoki mine and Wrede led the construction project determinedly. The mine was in focal point in global politics: Petsamon Nikkeli belonged to British Mond Nickel Company which wanted to close the mine when the Finnish-German relations started to improve during the Interim Peace. In response, the Finnish government took the mine under its control. Mining began in 1940 and the nickel was sold to Germany for low price. Continuation War between Finland and Soviet Union began in 1941. Wrede worked under high pressure negotiating about deliveries and other conditions with the German customers. In addition to the company, Wrede led the community grown around the mine. Due to political conditions, Wrede had to leave the mine in September 1944; he placed the company keys on his office desk before he left. Subsequently, Petsamo was ceded to Soviet Union in Moscow Armistice.

Valmet

After the war Wrede was called to lead metal industry production in Delegation of War Reparation Industry (Soteva), where he worked in 1944–1952. In 1945–1951 he worked as manager of Ares Oy. He was nominated to lead Valmet but the left-wing member of the board resisted the idea. Situation changed in the 1950s after Finland had paid off the war reparations – Valmet fell into crisis, as it had to find new lines of business and start working in free market. The company needed an experienced and determined leader, and Wrede became selected new manager of Valmet in 1954 after nomination by Väinö Tanner. Valmet had been formed by putting together a number of companies, many of them experienced in defence industry. When seeking for a new direction, Valmet had started producing tractors. Wrede had a passion to the subject, originating from his youth, and he participated actively on tractor designing. Finnish agriculture mechanised rapidly in the 1950s and Valmet tractors gained a strong foothold in the domestic market.

Gustaf Wrede died at his home in Königstedt estate in February 1958 after suffering of cancer.

Political career and organisational activities

During 1937–1940 Wrede was chairman of the Finnish Metal Industry Employers' Association. He was board member in Employers' Central Association in 1932–1933, 1937–1943 and 1955–1956 and chairman in 1941–1942.

In 1935–1940 Wrede was chairman of Dragsfjärd municipal council.

Character

Wrede was regarded as proficient engineer. As a manager Wrede was an old school industrialist who rather built connections than oriented on marketing. There are number of examples when Wrede rather approached politicians instead of competing in open market.

Personal life

Wrede was married for three times. A 1915 started marriage with Ebba née Tollet ended in divorce in 1919. He got married again in 1920 to Karin Sophie née Andelin in 1920 and the couple divorced in 1946. In 1948 Wrede got married to Asta née Örtengren; this marriage lasted until Wrede's death.

In 1949 Wrede bought Königstedt estate for his residence.