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HUSQVARNA SEWING MACHINES
1872 Huskvarna - Sweden
On 27 April 1689 King Charles XI of Sweden authorised Count Eric Dahlberg (architect) to build a musket manufacture. Thus, Husqvarna Rifle Factory was founded alongside the waterfalls in the village of Huskvarna. The weapons were first manufactured for the Swedish army that fought over lost territory against Denmark at the time.
On February 5, 1872 , facing declining demand for firearms, the Board of Directors decided to start manufacturing sewing machines. The new machine equipment acquired in the mid 19th century for the production of the army's new rifle, proved to be excellent also for the production of sewing machines.
The first model was given the name "Nordsjernan" (The Northern Star).
Today Husqvarna Viking is a worldwide organization that still designs high-quality sewing machines in Sweden, and markets consumer embroidery machines and sergers all across the globe.
In (1883 ? ) the Freja model was an immediate success. It was capable of sewing stitches in a neat line - something earlier models could not do. This machine was driven by gears, and all small mechanical parts were enclosed. In various guises, the Freja model was manufactured until 1925, the longest ever period of production in the Husqvarna factory. Over 200.000 of these machines were sold.
In 1903 introduction of the oscillating bobbin - " the sewing machine for families and craftsmen." This dominated the world market for more than 50 years.
The 30's were characterized by functionality, which contrasted strongly to the earlier ornate styling. The style had become more strict when the first Husqvarna electric sewing machine was presented.
In 1934, the CBN Class 12 model was the first electric, Husqvarna sewing machine. It was manufactured until 1958 when the rights were sold to Egypt.
Prior to World War II the company output reached 40.000 machines per year.
In 1946 it was 73.000.
In 1947 the first free-arm machine was introduced: the Husqvarna Zig-Zag. The free arm offered easy access to tubular areas, while the zig-zag stitch opened the door to many new sewing possibilities.
In 1951 the company production passed the 100.000 mark.
In 1953 Husqvarna invents the 100% jam-proof hook (A modern version of this hook is fitted on modern Husqvarna sewing machines)
In 1971 Husqvarna invents life-long lubricating Model 6030. The large iron foundry at Husqvarna, was closed down in 1971, although some casting still continued for a while, for some sewing machine models. The company changed its name to Husqvarna AB and a new logotype was introduced.
In 1977, the big Swedish company Electrolux purchased Husqvarna. The company then became a subsidiary of the Electrolux Group.
In 1879 the model 6680, " the computer sewing machine ", becomes reality. Husqvarna utilized a micro-computer to electronically guide the formation of stitch patterns.
In 1980 The world's first "writing" sewing machine, the 6690, was able to sew letters.
In 2006 Electrolux cut off Husqvarna, which again became an independent company.
In January 2012, the company changed its company name to Husqvarna Group, but the legal name still remains Husqvarna AB.
2012
A rare tribute
Since our first sewing machine, the NORTHERN STAR™ saw the light of day the HUSQVARNA VIKING® brand has been at the forefront of sewing innovations that delight sewers. As we celebrate our 140th anniversary, we present a specially designed Limited Edition line with two machines appropriately named TRIBUTE™ 140M and TRIBUTE™ 140C.
Husqvarna are now VSM Group AB, ( Viking Sewing Machines ) and the company is still based in Huskvarna, Sweden.
The Husqvarna brand is also, currently, used by two more companies, Electrolux (appliances) and KTM (motorcycles).
Allan Eriksson, a self-taught sewing machine technician, invented many systems. He managed to secure 4 worldwide patents and over 20 national patents. he worked for Husqvarna for over 50 years and invented, among others, the jam-proof hook whose modern version is still in use on today's machines.
