Vihtori Luhtanen established his own company in Lahti in 1907. His wife designed and sewed while Vihtori was responsible for the sales. In the early 1910s Vihtori Luhtanen employed two seamstresses; this was the first step towards an industrial sewing shop. 

The first industrial sewing shop 

At the age of 23, Jaakko Luhtanen travelled to Helsinki to negotiate with the Board Members of the Wholesalers Association, and the company became a customer of the association. This was a significant step in the growth of the business. The first industrial sewing shop was completed in 1928 in the Asemantausta district in Lahti. Gradually, the market trade was replaced by wholesale trade in the courtyard building in Asemantausta. The number of employees was 30.

Large investments

Thrift saved the company during the recession in the early 1930s. The economic approach was emphasized in the face of fierce competition. Only direct labor costs and material were taken into account in pricing. Everybody was working hard and at great speed. 

After the recession, activity picked up. The Luhtanens bought a plot of land for a wholesale business right next to the church and built new modern facilities. The business expanded considerably, and the number of employees had already grown to 231.

Trust between generations

Vihtori Luhtanen gradually delegated the business responsibilities to the next generation, and in 1944 Jaakko Luhtanen became the managing director of the company. 

The war years were difficult, and the years immediately following the war weren’t easy either as there was a constant shortage of textile materials. Fabrics were mainly woven from paper. Almost every possible textile and garment was included in the production program, from hats to ties. After the war, the goods (which were in great demand but in limited supply) were sold to the former customers in the same proportion that they had been purchasing in 1939. No new customers were taken on and no short-term profits were sought. A deep sense of trust developed between the customers and the seller.

Rationalization of production 

In the 1950s supply increased and the competition situation returned to normal. The product range was consolidated and increasingly focused on clothing for leisure. The Luhta factory’s breakthrough and subsequent development into Finland’s largest manufacturer of outdoor clothing occurred in the 1950s. 

A decade of fashion and globalization 

In the 1960s a modern, technically lighter collection was created and could be used in general use. This marked the beginning of Luhta becoming a pioneer in colorful and lightweight clothing. 

The industrial and wholesale activities were split into independent profit centers. Luhta Wholesale concentrated on selling textiles from other suppliers and clothing that complemented its own industrial activities.

Open-minded product development 

In the early 1970s Luhta made its international breakthrough. The strong sales growth required a significant increase in production capacity in Finland. The Lahti and Nastola factories were expanded and, at the end of the decade, a new sewing unit was set up in Hamina. 

Luhta’s product range was developed with an open mind. A new type of men’s suit, weighing only half of a traditional suit, was introduced to the markets. After initial resistance, the product became a popular article. A clear dichotomy began to emerge in the product range: traditional clothing and colorful, easy-care leisurewear. 

The unique Luhta style emerges

The early 1980s was still a period of strong growth in Finland. The final market breakthrough for Luhta’s sportswear took place in Continental Europe. Above all, the rapid growth of skiwear and the unique design in line with the trends of the decade were important factors in this development. 

Sales of suits, shirts and trousers were discontinued, and the design focus was on sporty leisurewear products. These were sold in Finland as general leisurewear and in Continental Europe as skiwear. 

Period of significant changes 

The 1990s in Finland began during a long and difficult recession. The Finnish clothing industry crisis that began in the 1980s wiped out most of the companies in the sector and the number of employees fell from 30,000 to 6,000. 

The company’s growth potential was enhanced by the acquisition of well-known Finnish clothing brands and their key operations. These included Rukka, Torstai, Big-L, J.A.P. and Beavers, and they were formed into separate business units. The company was finally structured into a group organization and its name was changed to L-Fashion Group to correspond with activities.

The early 2000s have been a period of growth, development, investment and major changes for Luhta. Operations in China were rapidly expanded, the divisional model gave a new boost to sales, and all production was transferred from Europe to China. One of the most significant decisions in Luhta’s history was made at the turn of the 21st century when the traditional industrial clothing company entered the retail sector. Luhta acquired the Vaatehuone and Aleksi 13 chains from Kesko.

With the course set in the right direction, one might think it’s now time to enjoy the fruits of the work done. But, alas, tomorrow’s success is made today. By combining the skills, creativity and passion of the company’s professionals with cost-efficient operations it’s possible to continue creating success in the future.