Axel's dream of exporting Carmen Curlers faces competition from Clarice Cosmetics. Birthe rallies factory workers, but a disgruntled group threatens to strike. Cooperation between the companies is a possibility.

During an American visit, factory worker Else suffers an accident. Birthe and Axel scramble to hide safety lapses before contract signing. They face pressure from Else's mother and media scrutiny over worker conditions.

50,000 sets of Carmen Curlers are on their way to the US, but now Europe also needs their supplies, so Axel expands and hires people for night shifts. Birthe is tasked with getting 70 ladies for the factory, but how do you do that when the whole of Denmark has a major labor shortage? Birthe recognizes that alternative methods must be used. Axel tries to enjoy his success but the loneliness begins to eat away at him.