The Norwegian match industry prior to 1900

Abstract

The development of the match industry has many features characteristic of the period of the industrial breakthrough. Although the direct economic impact of the industry on Norway was not very great, matches themselves helped to revolutionise the everyday life of the individual. The industry stimulated chemists and technicians and attracted many entrepreneurs. In the early 1870s, one of the liveliest periods of expansion, it was among the most successful of new industries in attracting promoters. During that time, says Wetting, fourteen new factories were started, with the result that by the end of the period, the number of match factories in Norway had reached a total of eighteen.