Dalsbruk
Wrede was recruited to lead AB Dalsbruk in 1922; Dalsbruk produced basic ironware products, such as bar iron, chain and nails. Finland was in an economical upswing and Wrede started an investment programme. Despite intense price competition, the company's order book was filled. In January 1924 Dalsbruk became part of the German Wuppermann company, which secured its financial status giving security to investments; the most important ones were a new foundry and a modern rolling mill. The Wuppermann family had high expectations for the potential of the Dalsbruk factory and invested a total of 23.5 million Finnish marks in it. The youngest son of the owning family Gerhard Wuppermann was appointed deputy director.[1]
Already in 1926 the company started to have problems; it was hit by recession and a strike that lasted over two months from June until August. The problems continued the following year, with strikes and a lockout for a total of seven months. When this was over, the economic cycle had deteriorated further. Dalsbruk then operated with just a four-day week and the number of shifts was cut down. The Wuppermann family had to fund the operations by bills of exchange. The company still owned large areas of land which was eventually sold; this reduced the need for borrowing money. In 1929 the company's debt reached 5.5 million marks and in addition the Wuppermann family had worked up a debt for Dalsbruk for 10.5 million. The Wuppermanns decided to run down operations in Dalsbruk in a hygienic manner. In September 1930 the family gave the Dalsbruk shares to Wrede, who then had to make the tough decisions. The salaries were cut, the chain and nail production was sold off and the headcount was reduced. As the Finnish government changed its tariff policy ro more favourable levels, Wrede managed to press the losses down in 1930–1931. Abandoning of gold standard in autumn 1931 and the subsequent devaluation improved Dalsbruk's competitiveness. On the other hand, following the collapse of the international raw material bar cartel, competition had become more intense and prices dropped.[1]
In 1932 Dalsbruk got a large order for train wheels and axles from the State Railways, which led to an immediate improvement; prices had stabilised, the factory was saved, Wrede had become its owner and paid compensation to the Wuppermann family for continuation of operations. Wrede continued investing in the Dalsbruk.[1]
Before Dalsbruk, Wrede had succeeded in his life mainly because of his noble background and wealthy family. The experience he gained as manager had a major impact on the rest of his life and toughened him to perform in his later duties.[1] In 1939 he sold his Dalsbruk shares to Wärtsilä Group, a company led by his brother-in-law, Wilhelm Wahlforss.[3]
During 1924–1934 Wrede led Suomen Pultti ja Konetehdas Oy and in 1935–1946 he worked as manager of Suomen Lasitehdas.[1]
When the Winter War broke out in 1939, Wrede was appointed the acting manager of Wärtsilä Group in the meantime when Wahlforss travelled abroad to negotiate about war material purchasing.[4]
