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Friday, 9 March 2012

STORY OF NOKIA

The Nokia story

Always adapting

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The story so far

Once upon a time, by the Nokianvirta river…

Fredrik Idestam, founder of Nokia Ab
In 1865, mining engineer Fredrik Idestam sets up his first wood pulp mill at the Tammerkoski Rapids in south-western Finland. A few years later he opens a second mill on the banks of the Nokianvirta river, which inspires him to name his company Nokia Ab in 1871. 
How apt that Nokia begins by making paper – one of the most influential communications technologies in history.
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A vintage ad for Nokia Galoscher
The galoshes revolution

OK, so it’s not exactly a revolution. But in 1898, Eduard Polón founds Finnish Rubber Works, which later becomes Nokia’s rubber business, making everything from galoshes to tyres.
Nokia rubber boots become a bona fide design classic, still on sale to this day – though we no longer make them.
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A MikroMikko computer
Electronics go boom

In 1912, Arvid Wickström sets up Finnish Cable Works, the foundation of Nokia’s cable and electronics business.
By the 1960s, Finnish Cable Works – already working closely with Nokia Ab and Finnish Rubber Works – starts branching out into electronics. In 1962, it makes its first electronic device in-house: a pulse analyser for use in nuclear power plants.
In 1963, it starts developing radio telephones for the army and emergency services – Nokia’s first foray into telecommunications. In time, the company’s MikroMikko becomes the best known computer brand in Finland. And by 1987, Nokia is the third largest TV manufacturer in Europe.
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Nokia logos past and present
Three become one

Having been jointly owned since 1922, Nokia Ab, Finnish Cable Works and Finnish Rubber Works officially merge in 1967. The new Nokia Corporation has five businesses: rubber, cable, forestry, electronics and power generation. But as the 1980s come into view, it’s an entirely new industry that makes Nokia a household name around the world.

Big hair, big shoulder pads, big phones

By the late 1970s and early 1980s it seems everything – from Tom Selleck’s moustache to JR Ewing’s list of enemies – is seriously big. And as the mobile communications revolution starts to gather momentum, the early handsets continue the trend.
The new Nokia Corporation is ideally placed to take a pioneering role in this new industry, leading the way with some iconic – and by today’s standards, very large – products.
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The Mobira Senator car phone, launched in 1982
The mobile era begins

Nokia sets the ball rolling in 1979, creating radio telephone company Mobira Oy as a joint venture with leading Finnish TV maker Salora. 1981 then sees the launch of the Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT) service, the world’s first international cellular network and the first to allow international roaming.
The NMT standard catches on fast and the mobile phone industry begins to expand rapidly. In 1982, Nokia introduces the first car phone – the Mobira Senator – to the network. That same year, the Nokia DX200, the company’s first digital telephone switch, goes into operation.
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The Mobira Cityman handheld mobile phone, launched in 1987
Good enough for Gorbachev

In 1984, Nokia launches the Mobira Talkman portable car phone. Resembling a military field telephone, it’s a fairly cumbersome piece of kit – but it’s a start.
Then in 1987, Nokia introduces the Mobira Cityman, the first handheld mobile phone for NMT networks. Despite weighing in at 800 grams and a price tag of 24,000 Finnish Marks (around EUR 4,560), it goes on to become a classic. The Cityman even earns a nickname, the “Gorba”, after Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev is pictured using one to make a call from Helsinki to his communications minister in Moscow.
Over the next decade, millions of consumers worldwide enjoy their very own Gorbachev moment as the mobile revolution takes hold.

In 1987, GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is adopted as the European standard for digital mobile technology. With its high-quality voice calls, international roaming and support for text messages, GSM ignites a global mobile revolution.
As a key player in developing this new technology, Nokia is able to take full advantage.
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The Nokia 1011, our first digital handheld GSM phone
A new direction

On July 1, 1991, Finnish Prime Minister Harri Holkeri makes the world’s first GSM call, using Nokia equipment. And in 1992, Nokia launches its first digital handheld GSM phone, the Nokia 1011.
That same year, new Nokia President and CEO Jorma Ollila makes a crucial strategic decision: to focus exclusively on manufacturing mobile phones and telecommunications systems. Nokia’s rubber, cable and consumer electronics divisions are gradually sold off.
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The Nokia 2100 series, launched in 1994
Name that tune

In 1994, Nokia launches the 2100 series, the first phones to feature the Nokia Tune ringtone. Based on Gran Vals, a classical guitar piece composed by Francisco Tarrega in the 19th century, it is probably one of the most frequently played pieces of music in the world. The Nokia 2100 series goes on to sell 20 million phones worldwide. Nokia’s target had been 400,000.
1994 also sees the world’s first satellite call, made using a Nokia GSM handset.
Hear Gran Vals, the inspiration for the Nokia Tune.
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Snake, the classic game which made its debut in 1997
Snake bites

In 1997, everybody knows their Snake high score. An instant classic, the addictive game is launched on the Nokia 6110 and by 2010 its successors are available on an estimated 350 million mobile phones.
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Between 1996 and 2001, Nokia’s turnover increases almost fivefold
On top of the world

By 1998, Nokia is the world leader in mobile phones. The strategic decision to focus on telecommunications, plus early investment in GSM, has paid off. Between 1996 and 2001, Nokia’s turnover increases almost fivefold from EUR 6.5 billion to EUR 31 billion.
And with the new millennium comes a host of new possibilities as the internet goes mobile… 

Phone calls are so last year…

As the new millennium dawns, everything changes. New technology enables the internet to go mobile, opening up a world of possibilities for mobile users. No longer are phones just for phone calls.
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The Nokia 7110, launched in 1999
Multi-tasking mobiles

In 1999, Nokia launches the Nokia 7110, a phone capable of rudimentary web-based functions, including email. Then in November 2001 Nokia launches its first phone with a built-in camera, the Nokia 7650, and in September 2002 its first video capture phone, the Nokia 3650.
However, it’s when Nokia launches its first 3G phone (third generation), the Nokia 6650, in 2002 that things really take off. With 3G technology, phones can now be used to browse the web, download music, watch TV on the move, and more.
Mobiles will never be the same again.
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The Nokia 1100 in a range of colours
One billion and counting

In 2005, Nokia sells its billionth phone – a Nokia 1100 – in Nigeria, and global mobile phone subscriptions pass 2 billion. Two years later, Nokia is recognised as the 5th most valued brand in the world.
Things have come a long way since Fredrik Idestam opened his paper mill.
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Nokia is committed to environmental and social sustainability
Treading lightly

For years, Nokia has been working to make its business practices and products as environmentally and socially responsible as possible – from creating eco friendly handsets and establishing phone recycling schemes to bringing the benefits of mobility to emerging markets. This commitment to sustainability is recognised in a number of prestigious rankings. For example, in 2009 and 2010, the Dow Jones Indexes ranks Nokia as the world’s most sustainable technology company.
 In contrast, Nokia’s position in the mobile market faces its toughest challenge to date as competition intensifies in the burgeoning smartphone segment. Once again, the company’s ability to adapt is put to the test…

A new chapter begins

By 2010, having dominated the mobile world for over a decade, Nokia no longer has things all its own way. In the all-important smartphone market, competitors such as the iPhone and Android-based devices now pose a serious challenge. Clearly, it’s time for a rethink…
The good news is this is nothing new for Nokia. Adapting and transforming the business, finding innovative ideas and solutions, rolling up our sleeves and getting on with things: it’s in the company’s DNA.
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Stephen Elop, Nokia President and CEO
A fresh face at the helm

In September 2010, Nokia appoints Stephen Elop as President and CEO. Formerly head of Microsoft’s business division, following roles at Juniper Networks and Adobe Systems Inc., Elop has a strong software background and proven record in change management.
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In 2011, Nokia and Microsoft form a strategic partnership
A meeting of minds

In February 2011, Nokia announces it is joining forces with Microsoft to strengthen its position in the smartphone market. The strategic partnership sees Nokia smartphones adopting the new Windows 7 operating system, with the Symbian platform gradually being sidelined. The goal is to establish a third ecosystem to rival iOS and Android.
“The industry has shifted from a battle of devices to a war of ecosystems.”
Stephen Elop, President and CEO, Nokia
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Let battle commence

Nokia launches its first Nokia with Windows phones, the Nokia Lumia 800 and the Nokia Lumia 710, in October 2011.

Our structure

Diagram of the Nokia business structure

Smart Devices

Nokia’s Smart Devices team focuses on the creation of smartphones. We are continuing to deliver on our commitments to Symbian with new models and software updates; we have launched the Nokia N9, the outcome of efforts from our MeeGo program; and we are planning to further strengthen our smartphones portfolio with the launch of our first products on the Windows Phone platform.

Mobile Phones

Our Mobile Phones team’s focus is on bringing a modern and affordable mobile experience to people around the world. In particular, the team leverages its innovation and strength in growth markets to bring people affordable access to the internet and applications and – in many cases – provide them with their first ever internet experience.

Location & Commerce

Our Location & Commerce team is developing a new class of integrated social location products and services for consumers, as well as platform services and local commerce services for device manufacturers, application developers, internet services providers, merchants, and advertisers. The team is behind Nokia Maps, which gives people access to world-class mapping and navigation. It’s also responsible for the development of NAVTEQ, the leading provider of comprehensive digital map information and related location-based content and services for mobile navigation devices, automotive navigation systems, internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions.

Markets

The Markets team is responsible for selling our products, executing winning marketing and communications, creating a competitive local ecosystem, sourcing, customer care, manufacturing, IT and logistics across all Nokia products.

Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks, jointly owned by Nokia and Siemens, is one of the leading providers of telecommunications infrastructure hardware, software and professional services globally.
Nokia Head Office
Nokia Corporation
Visiting address:
Keilalahdentie 2-4,
FI-02150 Espoo
Post address:
P.O. Box 226,
FI-00045 Nokia Group Finland
Tel. +358 (0) 7180 08000
Business ID: 0112038-9
Place of registration: Helsinki, Finland

Production facilities

Nokia has production facilities located all over the world
Nokia has production facilities located all over the world and we’re working to make each one as sustainable as possible. In part, this means minimising any negative environmental and social impact the facility may have - for example, by reducing its energy consumption or ensuring materials are ethically sourced. But it also means maximising the positive impact our presence can have on the local community - from providing rewarding employment opportunities to supporting worthy causes, such as schools or hospitals.

1. Brazil - Manaus

Established: 1998
A great place to work
Chosen as one of the best places to work in Brazil in 2009 by Exame-Voce S/A guide, Nokia Manaus also established the Nokia Foundation. This wholly funded technical high school with 450 students is Nokia’s largest corporate responsibility investment globally.
Manaus has a strong sustainability ethos, using eco materials developed locally at INdT to replace plastics in products and packaging.

2. China - Beijing

Established: 1995
Leaner, greener operations
Responsible for smartphone and feature-rich phone production, our Beijing facility shows how good design can enhance sustainability. In 2000, we moved into the purpose-built XingWang industrial park, which clusters Nokia with several key suppliers. This helps reduce transportation costs, and offers significant savings on energy and emissions.

3. China - Dongguan

Established: 1995
Quality and quantity
Our Dongguan facility produces almost a third of Nokia’s entire mobile phone output yet there’s no compromise on quality. In fact, Dongguan is a five-time winner of the Nokia Global Quality Award - a credit to everyone who works there.
To help maintain these high standards, Dongguan provides internships to graduate students each year in collaboration with the local university.

4. Finland - Salo

Established: 1979
Leading by example
Diversity, innovation and sustainability are at the heart of our Salo facility. The workforce is 61% female and made up of 34 different nationalities. Flagship products have included the Nokia N8, N9, E7 and the first Nokia with Windows Phone. The amount of waste that goes to landfill is almost zero and all electricity used is green. And we even arrange public transport for employees from nearby areas.

5. Hungary - Komárom

Established: 1999
Making a difference
Boasting a workforce that’s around 70% female, Nokia plays a valued role in and around Komárom. We support the local hospital, fire department and schools, and Nokia employees help Komárom students learn English. We also funded a bypass road to the Nokia site, helping relieve traffic congestion and lower emissions in the area.

6. India - Chennai

Established: 2006
And the winner is...
Not only is Nokia Chennai one of our biggest facilities, it’s also big on sustainability. In 2010 it received the Golden Peacock Award for its high standards of environment management. And it’s highly active in the community with projects ranging from a local library programme to village regeneration projects.

7. Mexico - Reynosa

Established: 1996
Community minded
There’s a strong sense of community at Nokia Reynosa. Around 98% of the workforce comes from the area and the facility actively supports the local university, schools, orphanages and shelters. Situated just a few miles from the US border, Reynosa delivers smartphones to North, Central and South America.

8. South Korea - Masan

Established: 1984
World class technology
These are exciting times for our smartphone manufacturing team at Masan. A new state of the art facility, opening in 2012, promises to be more productive and more sustainable, and a more enjoyable place to work. Good news for the local community, which already supplies almost 99% of our workforce, 68% of whom are women.

9. Vietnam - Hanoi

Established: 2012
Watch this space
Construction is beginning on a new Nokia facility. We look forward to sharing more details when the facility is ready.

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