In 1924, another factory was built in Kopli, called “Eesti Kummitööstus” or the Estonian Rubber Factory which produced products like boots, rubber coats, rubber toys, and pacifiers. It was nationalized by the Soviets in the 1940s, renamed “Põhjala Tehas” (Põhjala Factory) and produced the same rubber products as before. By the late 1970s, they employed more than 700 people. It was privatized after re-independence in 1991 and this large collection of run down buildings is presently undergoing a massive renovation effort. The transformation that’s taking place in Põhjala Tehas is representative of the huge transformation that the district of Kopli and Estonia on the whole have undergone since re-independence. Spend some time in this up-and-coming neighbourhood and enjoy the newfound vibe.
