The paraffin factory at Mandal: A study in business enterprise

Abstract

Large-scale paraffin production at Mandal, the most southerly of Norwegian towns, began in 1862 in a factory established by two former citizens, Theodor and Christian Salvesen, at that time living across the North Sea in the Scottish seaport towns of Grangemouth and Leith. Within a decade, however, the aspirations of the enthusiastic founders had come to nothing; production had ceased, the plant was being sold and the factory itself was in the process of being demolished. In most instances of business failure the records disappear with the firm, but in this case several documents have survived which allow us the rare opportunity of analysing the abortive development of an enterprise that failed, setting it in the context of the market situation and technical development within the paraffin oil industry, suggesting reasons for the failure, and perhaps throwing some light on the advantages or disadvantages of the family firm.

Wray Vamplew, born 1943. Ph. D. (Edinburgh 1969). At present he is a lecturer in economic history at the University of Edinburgh. He has published several articles on the economic effects of Scottish railway development and has recently completed a history of Christian Salvesen & Co. Ltd.

Wray Vamplew, born 1943. Ph. D. (Edinburgh 1969). At present he is a lecturer in economic history at the University of Edinburgh. He has published several articles on the economic effects of Scottish railway development and has recently completed a history of Christian Salvesen & Co. Ltd.

Notes

Wray Vamplew, born 1943. Ph. D. (Edinburgh 1969). At present he is a lecturer in economic history at the University of Edinburgh. He has published several articles on the economic effects of Scottish railway development and has recently completed a history of Christian Salvesen & Co. Ltd.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Wray Vamplew

I am indebted to the directors of Christian Salvesen (Managers) Ltd. for permission to use the firm's business records, now deposited in Edinburgh University Library. Thanks must also go to Dr John Butt, Mr. R. J. Morris, Dr T. C. Smout, Professor S. B. Saul and the late Captain H. K. Salvesen for helpful advice and comment.