Our story

For nearly 100 years, Alhon Huopatehdas has been crafting wool felt products from sheep wool. Passed down through generations, our expertise, our own factory, and traditional methods make each product a unique part of Finnish felt heritage.

Founded in 1927 • Fourth-generation family business • Own factory in Jämsä, Finland

A humble beginning in a sauna

The story of Alhon Huopatehdas began in the early 1920s in Alhojärvi, Jämsä, in a small outdoor sauna. There, the first felt slippers were made from sheep wool. Crafting felt slippers required precision, time, and skill – just as it does today.

In 1927, Jalmari and Saima Alho established a felt factory of their own in Mäntyniemi, Partala village. Our factory still operates there today.

A tradition carried through generations

Alhon Huopatehdas has remained in the same family throughout its history and has continuously produced felt slippers to this day.

Over the years, the company has operated under different names, including Saima Alho & Co. and J. Alhon Huopatehdas, before becoming known as Alhon Huopatehdas.

Felt slippers made from sheep wool have always been at the heart of our production. In 1955, our felt boots were awarded a gold medal for quality at the Finnish Fair in Helsinki.

Our factory in Partala village

The brick factory buildings, constructed in the 1940s, were among the first in Partala village built specifically for industrial use. Production still takes place in these same buildings today.

The courtyard reflects the long history of the factory. It includes the old yellow storage buildings, the family home, the guesthouse, and the Factory Shop, opened in 2009.

The fourth generation continues the work

In May 2016, Johanna Alho, the fourth generation of the Alho family, took over the factory, continuing a tradition that has been carried forward for nearly a century.

At the same time, the company introduced a renewed visual identity, reflecting both its long heritage and a modern outlook.

Johanna has further developed both products and operations to meet today’s needs, ensuring that the craft of felt-making continues into the future.

"Our philosophy is strongly customer-oriented. We aim to create products that are versatile and high-quality. Each product is made with care and skill, so that our customers receive something truly well crafted – something that brings warmth and comfort to everyday life."

The tradition lives on in every pair

Felt slippers made at Alhon Huopatehdas are still created with the same principles as nearly a century ago. Each pair is part of a continuing story of Finnish craftsmanship, carried forward from one generation to the next.