A children's clothing company founded in Kankaanpää is celebrating its 75th anniversary this week.

The story of the pioneer of the Finnish children's clothing industry began in post-war Kankaanpää in 1944. After the early days of work and protective clothing made from army surplus fabrics, production focused on durable outdoor clothing. The company's goal was to develop clothing, especially for children, that was practical, comfortable and easy to care for.

Over the years, Reima has grown into the largest children's clothing manufacturer in the Nordic countries. All Finns are familiar with the company's Enstex fabric, its practical padded and ice skating overalls, and the overalls included in maternity kits. Today, Reima's clothing is sold all over the world.

Reima has great significance for the people of Kankaanpää

In Kankaanpää, Reima was the largest employer from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. For decades, it has had some impact on the everyday life of every Kankaanpää resident. The factory's production was moved abroad in the 1990s. Administration and product development were centralized in Vantaa and Tampere at the beginning of 2015.

You can learn about Reima's history in Kankaanpää Kankaanpää City MuseumFollowing the exhibition “REIMAA MEININKIÄ – Reima Oy in Kankaanpää 2016–2017” on display in 1944–2014, the museum’s permanent exhibition features Reima Oy’s production. In addition to the collection on display, the museum preserves and grows the world’s largest collection of Reima products.

Reima was also a strong artistic influence in Kankaanpää

The City Museum has a collection of 35 works from the art collection of Reima Oy. The donation was made to the museum in 2015, when Reima Oy's operations were transferred from Kankaanpää to Tampere and Vantaa. The gems of the collection include, of course, the works of the teachers of the Kankaanpää Art School who have already gained a reputation, as well as the works of talented students starting their careers, such as Teemu Saukkonen.

Especially in the 1960s–80s, REIMA Oy can be said to have been a strong cultural patron in Kankaanpää. When the Kankaanpää Art School was founded in 1965, Reima came to support the school in many ways. The company saw a diverse cultural life as strengthening the economic life and overall well-being of the area. The company supported the Kankaanpää Art School with, among other things, teacher and facility resources (Reima Oy's designers taught composition and product design at the school in the early years, including Kristina Jakobsson-Kärki and Reino Koski), in addition to this, it acquired works by local artists and the most talented students. The largest of the works donated by Reima Oy are currently on display and open to the public in the city museum's permanent art exhibition.

Kankaanpää City Museum Niinisalo is open during the autumn and winter season on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:16 to XNUMX:XNUMX. Group visits and guided tours are available by appointment. The office and information service is also open during office hours on weekdays.