"Iron-Birger" Olsson
The King of Orsa
Birger Olsson, known as "Järnbirger" ("Iron-Birger"), built a business empire that included hardware stores, a chain factory and, together with Erik Timander, the Orsa Saw-Blade Factory.
From clerk to business owner
Hardware merchant Birger Olsson (1884-1962) came to Orsa from Ulricehamn in 1909. He first worked as a clerk at Forsberg's hardware store. When he later took over the business, he moved it to the building known as "Titanic" and renamed it Birger Olsson's Hardware Store.
Although Forsberg's hardware store had gone bankrupt, Birger Olsson successfully transformed the business into a thriving company with a turnover of millions of kronor.
Building a business group
His new company, Järnbirger AB ("Iron-Birger"), grew into a business group that included Orsa Kättingfabrik AB, Orsa Sågbladsfabrik AB, Älvdalens Järnaffär AB and AB Bertas & Co.
The King of Orsa
Known as the "King of Orsa", Olsson was widely regarded as a determined businessman with a strong will and a talent for building successful enterprises.