The factory called Wasa Bomulls Manufaktur Aktiebolag was the first industrial plant to be built on the seafront in the newly built town after most of Vaasa had burned down in 1852. The factory, founded by August Alexander Levón, started its operations in 1859. In its very first year, it employed 188 people. For the first 10 years, the factory manufactured only cotton yarn, after which the weaving of fabrics was also begun. In its almost 100 years of operation, the factory produced sewing thread, paper twine, paper cloth, fishing nets and wadding.