Important industries in Porsgrunn are:
Porsgrunn was named after a small shrub called Pors (Myrica gale), which grew on marshy grounds along the banks of the Telemark River, where the porcelain factory is today. Porsgrunn has been an important harbour town in the grenland area since the late 16th century. In 1653, the customs was moved further down the Telemark River from Skien to Porsgrunn mainly because industrial waste such as sawdust and mud made the river to shallow to allow boats to goo any further up the river. Moving the customs house from Skien to Porsgrunn in 1653 added to the flourishing harbour activity, and Porsgrunn became a thriving market town. It was granted urban status in 1807, and in 1842, Porsgrunn became an independent municipality.
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