In 1871, Fredrik established a joint com ... In 1871, Fredrik established a joint company named Nokia Ab with his companion Leo Mechelin. After Fredrik Idestam's retirement, Leo Mechelin took over as the company's chairman in 1896. Following the retirement of his associate, Leo Mechelin extended the operations of Nokia Ab by adding electricity generation in 1902, despite Fredrik's disapproval. Nevertheless, the expansion of the company's operations continued. Due to the impact of World War I, Nokia Ab faced financial difficulties in 1922 and was on the brink of bankruptcy.