The most important businessman of the 20th century fell into oblivion

Foss is more than just F.L. Smidth

Today, Alexander Foss (1858 – 1925) is known for making F.L. Smidth one of the largest companies in Denmark – but is this a suitable description of Foss?

According to Professor Kurt Jacobsen and Assistant Professor, PhD Steen Andersen, this achievement is only a small part of Foss’s efforts regarding development of the Danish industry. A partnership between Kurt Jacobsen and Steen Andersen and Danish Industry has resulted in the book ‘Foss’, which describes how Foss set the groundwork for Denmark as an industrial country.

Foss had a key role

According to the writers, Foss has never gained any recognition for everything he has contributed to the Danish welfare society. For instance, his significant role during World War 1 has up to now been forgotten. It was also Foss who formulated the playing rules when he took part in creating the Federation of Danish Industries, which over the years has turned into Danish Industry.

- He has laid the platform that carries the Danish industry, Steen Andersen explains.

Died before he developed his brand

It was not until Foss’s family contacted the authors, that the story of Foss unfolded and thereby the story of the Danish welfare society. When the authors began the project, they did not recognise the significance of Foss. But when they found themselves in London, with their hands buried deep in the archives, they realised that Foss was so much more than just any other businessman.

- There was not enough time for Foss to brand himself because of his early death. A few written memoirs were published in the 70’s, but that was it. He had probably hoped that his achievements would speak for themselves. And then the financial crisis came. Everything that Foss had fought for took a huge step backwards, says Steen Andersen.

The book ‘Foss’ is published by Børsens Forlag

Read more about the book