Orrefors was founded in 1898. In the beginning
they produced basic glass for industrial use and ordinary drinking
glasses.
Johan Ekman bought Orrefors in 1913, and this
was the start of a new era. In 1914 they began the production of
crystal glasses. Some of the designs which were developed during
the 30ies were produced as late as the late 80ies. Orrefors is part
of Swedish Glass group, which includes
Sandvik, Kosta Boda and Orrefors. SEA is part of the group
too, but it has its own trademark, exactly as Glasma AB, a supplier
of raw material.
Orrefors and Kosta Boda have extensive tourist programmes in
their plants in Smaaland. From the autumn of 1997 the company has
been part of the consortium Royal Scandinavia, owned by Axcel
industrial investor (51%), Carlsberg ( 28 %) and the Hans Rausing
family (21%), until 51 % of the shares were sold to New
Wave Group on June 1st 2005.