Da Marshallhjelpen kom til Vennesla : Det amerikanske hjelpeprogrammets betydning for produksjonsutvikling og økonomisk vekst ved Hunsfos Fabrikker 1951-1960

Abstract

Marshall aid and its importance for the economic growththat arose in the 1950s and 1960s in Western Europe is a popular research topic. The debate is mainly about the impact that US aid had on business development, and what other factors were relevant. The research results are for the most partbased on macro-level analyzes. Where researchers have previously been concerned with seeing the effect of US aid on national economic development, I will in this case immerse myself in local conditions. The starting point for the analysis is Marshall's aid that was given to Hunsfos Fabrikker in Vennesla in 1951. The private wood processing company planned to buy a modern paper machine from the USA, but due to the dollar shortage it was impossible to finance the import goods. After receiving Marshall Aid in 1948, the Norwegian authorities financed the paper machine with the aid of Marshall Aid, and the machine project was thus regarded as an aid project.The machine project was considered part of the Norwegian reconstruction work because increased exports of fine paper products were expected to generate dollars into a slender national economy.The use of development aid was carefully regulated by the Norwegian and US authorities, and all investments had to be made in accordance with the American requirements that were imposed by Marshall Aid. Efficient production conditions, increased export production and use of own natural resources were central. These requirements were achived by the paper machine, and it was expected that the machine would produce good returns based on the boom in the international paper market.