14. The 1980’s
The 1980’s: inauguration of new premises for Brunberg
In the 80’s the Brunberg production grew to previously unknown heights.
In the 50’s a production of barely 150 tons was reached, in the 60’s almost 250 tons and in the 70’s 600 tons – now the factory reached a production of 1 200 tons.
The volume had increased almost tenfold in 30 years.
It was a period of economic upswing for the whole country, not only for Brunberg.
Consumers had more purchasing power than ever before. The Finnish people bought branded products, water beds, household appliances, portable cassette players and video-recorders. Vacation trips abroad were popular, the markets were deregulated and bank loans were granted without difficulty.
The competition in the sweets industry was tough, but the Brunberg sweets had found their place in the hearts of generations of Finns.
Best-selling product was the Kiss, second place went to milk chocolate and these were followed by liquorice, rice chocolate, Alku caramel candy, Brenda and mocha truffle bars. Truffle, Taiga and Brunette were seasonal products.
The factory shop sold handmade marmalade and rum bars made from inferior production material.
The fast increase in production made a new plant necessary. In September of 1988 the new factory premises, twice as big as the previous ones, were inaugurated at Veckjärventie.
In connection with the inauguration, the Brunberg fund was set up with the aim to support culture, especially music, in Porvoo. The fund was started in memory of and to honor the long-standing owner and CEO, Lennart Brunberg, a prominent person who, during his lifetime, actively developed and promoted music in Porvoo.
The fund awards scholarships to young talented music students.
Towards the end of the decade, stories of stock market sharks were published in the papers and many tried their luck in the stock market. However, the upswing did not last and the mood changed.
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