ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how Falconbridge handled questions regarding taxation, labour relations, access to natural resources and environmental issues. The study analyses of three main aspects concerning the development of the nickel refinery in Kristiansand are: Multinationals, Subsidiaries and National Business Systems. Multinational companies and their subsidiaries steadily increase in number this may enhance our understanding of international capitalism. It analyses the making of a subsidiary in the nickel industry of Falconbridge's nickel refinery in Kristiansand in Southern Norway. The company's main problem was access to raw material. Most studies of multinational enterprises focus on the parent company, while the subsidiaries tend to be neglected. A very important issue in the history of multinationals and their affiliates abroad is how they adapt to the business systems of their host countries. Information on the modus vivendi of multinationals would therefore enhance our understanding of the economic development of countries like Norway where foreign-owned companies and their subsidiaries plays an important role.
