Eric Wahlforss

Career in Finland Wahlforss repatriated and got employed as main chemist at A. Ahlström Oy Varkaus factory in 1937. In 1941 he became executive director in Wärtsilä Selluloosa Oy Äänekoski Pulp Mill and in the following year he was appointed managing director. At the time, the Chief Executive of Wärtsilä Group was his older brother Wilhelm Wahlforss. 92% of the Äänekoski production was newsprint. The times were difficult due to the prevailing war and the company's paper machine was down most of the time. Later the company built a chemical factory, which produced spirits, vinegar, yeast, weed control agent and detergent. Eric Wahlforss led the plant until he died in 1951.

Positions of trust Wahlforss was the Director of Teknolog-Förening in 1920 and Vice Chairman of American Chemical Society in 1930–1933. He was member of the Äänekoski town council in 1941–1944.

Personal life Wahlforss was an outdoor person and his main interest was focused on hunting and dogs.

During his years in the United States, Wahlforss had developed a drinking problem. It got worse by time and he started to have difficulties to get along with his assistants and subordinates. He had often disputes with his brother about the way how the company should be managed, but the brothers had cordial relations. In Wilhelm's 60th anniversary celebration, June 1951, Eric gave a speech in which he expressed respect and admire about his brother's achievements. When Eric Wahlforss committed to suicide in the same October, Wilhelm was deeply shocked, and subsequently sold the whole business unit.