Lappeenranta - Wirma Lappeenranta Oy

Lappeenranta
– Energy for success
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Read more at www.wirma.fi
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Lappeenranta – the place
to go for growth
ƒƒ University city – world-class research and highly skilled
workforce for the benefit of businesses
ƒƒ Growing city – grow with us
ƒƒ Unique location along EU’s border with Russia
ƒƒ Green technology trailblazer and energy business cluster
ƒƒ Student city – university students make up one tenth of
the entire population
ƒƒ European biotechnology and forest industry capital
ƒƒ Commercial hub of southeastern Finland – offering full
range of services for businesses and their personnel
ƒƒ Attracting numerous investments
Lappeenranta is famous for its stunning lakeside location,
the friendliness of its people and its long tradition as a
hub of industrial activity. Today, it is also a popular holiday
destination and a green technology forerunner. Thanks
to its excellent transport links, the city’s industrial and
commercial sectors are thriving. Because of its location close
to the Finnish-Russian border, it is an excellent base for
international trade, particularly towards the east.
5401 business
locations in the
Lappeenranta
economic area
Regional centre
for Southern
Karelia
Second most
popular destination
in Finland for
foreign visitors
City population
72,600, commuter
belt population
100,000
8,000,000 people
within two-hour
radius
Founded in 1649
Make your decision based on information!
If you need to know
the amount of potential customers, the competitive products
in the market, the distribution of money spent by customers,
Approximately one
third of all retail
purchases made
by Russian visitors
take place in
Lappeenranta
sights of markets or the visibility of your company,
13,000 university
students
just contact us.
www.tak.fi
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Twinmax is Finland’s leading supplier of car tyres and wheels
to the Russian market. The company decided to expand its
operations to Lappeenranta in 2013 due to the city’s close
proximity to its Russian customer base. Experts at Wirma
Lappeenranta Ltd used their extensive local knowledge to help
Twinmax make the right contacts in preparation for a smooth
and effective launch.
“I would say that Wirma’s contribution to our relocation
project was extremely important, perhaps even vital.”
Magnus von Haartman, Managing Director, Twinmax Oy
A setting for success
Green Lappeenranta
10,000 university students
The city of Lappeenranta is committed to an ambitious set of
climate targets, offering an excellent setting for green energy
and environmental technology sector companies. One of the
city’s strategic objectives is to establish Lappeenranta as a model
city for sustainability, where growth is generated from a clean
environment and a waste-free world. In 2014, Lappeenranta
was the only Finnish city to be shortlisted among a total of
14 finalists in the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Earth Hour City
Challenge competition, which attracted a total of 160 entries
from 14 countries. In other words, it counts among the world’s
leading cities on environmental issues.
Lappeenranta is home to one of Finland’s three technical
universities, the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) as
well as the Saimaa University of Applied Sciences. LUT has the
largest energy technology faculty in Finland. Around 13,000
students are enrolled at the city’s universities. The educational
institutions all work closely with the local business sector. The
atmosphere is young and vibrant, offering an excellent setting
for knowledge-based businesses.
Lappeenranta is also the largest Finnish city to join the HINKU
carbon reduction initiative. The specific aim of the HINKU project
is to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030. The aim is to achieve
this by increasing the use of renewable energy and improving
energy efficiency. Currently, some 80% of the city’s energy is
generated from renewable sources. The city is also encouraging
local businesses to act climate smart. The city adheres to its own
set of environmental criteria in all its procurement activities and
acts as a trial environment for innovative solutions.
Many of Lappeenranta’s most innovative businesses are based
at the Skinnarila Green Campus, which was awarded in the
international Sustainable Campus Network competition as the
best campus in Excellence in the Campus category. Lappeenranta
University of Technology’s Green Campus is a unique research
and educational environment, where the university’s expertise in
energy as well as its own innovations are put to practical use.
Green Campus is home to Finland’s largest solar and wind farms,
which produce energy to support research and piloting as well
as to recharge the university’s electric cars, scooters and bikes.
In addition to its green technology, the campus area is also
green in a very practical sense: thanks to its parks and extensive
landscaped areas, it is a very attractive place to work and study.
An international business scene
As a base for your business, Lappeenranta is exceptionally
international in its orientation. Its location half-way between
the metropolitan areas of St. Petersburg and Helsinki
can be seen daily on the city’s streets. Visitors coming to
Lappeenranta for shopping, holiday and business opportunities
bring significant added purchasing power. Around 8,000,000
people live within a 200 km radius of the city. Indeed, the
Lappeenranta economic region has recorded significant growth
in recent years, thanks to international investments and rising
visitor numbers. Its proximity to the Russian border has also
served to attract manufacturing activity. More than 500
Russian businesses also operate in the area and the number of
knowledge-based and manufacturing sector businesses is rising
steadily. The city’s international orientation translates into
growth across nearly all sectors of the economy.
Modern office space
in prime location
Green deeds and new business ventures
Space also available at our recently
expanded Vapaudenaukio campus in the
heart of downtown Lappeenranta.
The Green Energy Showroom (GES) is a Lappeenranta-based
green energy network, with a membership
that is committed to working towards a
more sustainable future. GES objectives
are to promote networking among local
businesses, develop and enhance the local
business environment and deliver growth.
www.greenergyshowroom.fi
Technopolis is currently renewing the office
space at Skinnarila university campus
– home already to over 100 businesses.
Join us! Choose a turnkey office or design
your own space to match your specific
needs. With easy access from all directions,
also your staff will like it here!
At Technopolis’ fully serviced campus you
can focus on your own business.
Contact us now for an appointment!
www.technopolis.fi
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First in retail growth
in Finland
From chimneys to cutting edge
industry and service sector
Southern Karelia is home to Finland’s largest forest industry
cluster. Both UPM and Stora Enso have based their research
centres in the region. The Lappeenranta region’s key industries,
including biotechnology and forest, benefit from significant
levels of investment. The area’s strong technology, natural stone,
mineral, machinery and metal industries offer local businesses a
wealth of commercial opportunities, business partners and clients.
Going strong on energy and the
environment
Currently, several university-based start-ups, with genuine
potential to grow into significant job creators in the future,
operate in the Lappeenranta area. The local forest industry is
also investing heavily in energy and environmental innovations.
Environmental and energy technologies as well as sustainable
development are seen as the most promising local industry
sectors in the future.
UPM is currently constructing a biorefinery at its
Lappeenranta plant, with a total capacity of 100,000 tonnes
and worth some EUR 150 million. The world’s first biorefinery
producing wood-based biodiesel will reduce greenhouse
gas emissions of transport up to 80% in comparison to
fossil fuels. The biorefinery is the first significant investment
in a new innovative production plant during the ongoing
transformation period with the forest industry in Finland.
Metsä Fibre has invested EUR 20 million in a gasification
plant constructed at its Joutseno pulp mill. Gas is produced
from tree bark, previously a waste product generated by the
pulp mill. The mill produces no CO2 during normal operations,
making it a renewable energy forerunner.
Big names investing in Lappeenranta
The retail industry is also investing significantly in new
construction projects in Lappeenranta. In recent years, the
only large-scale building projects outside Helsinki have taken
place in Lappeenranta. Following the completion of the largest
indoor water park in the Nordic countries, several other projects
remain ongoing and new investments have been announced. It
is estimated that demand for new commercial property by 2025
will be somewhere between 500,000 and 1,700,000 m2.
One third of all spending by Russians in
Finland stays in Lappeenranta
Helsinki
Growing service sector
Lappeenranta is southeastern Finland’s most important retail hub.
The total value of local Tax Free sales has nearly doubled in the
past three years and the area attracts more Russian visitors than
the Finnish capital, Helsinki.
The Lappeenranta tourism industry has evolved rapidly in recent
years. This is thanks to the improved international transport
links, effective and long-term marketing strategies and a
range of first-class visitor attractions. In 2013, more than two
million international travellers visited Lappeenranta. The city’s
accommodation services, shops, restaurants, spas and other
leisure facilities have benefited from significant investments.
Demand for these services is predicted to increase significantly in
the coming years.
Health and well-being tourism is one of Lappeenranta’s growing
industries. Across the city, plans are underway for day surgery and
rehabilitation projects. Customer potential for this is significant;
it is estimated that around 120,000 Russian visitors access
medical treatment abroad every year.
In summer 2013, TuuliSaimaa Oy Oy completed the
construction of an inland wind farm at Muukko in
Lappeenranta, comprising seven 3 MW units, making it the
largest inland farm in Finland. There are further plans for more
wind farms at nearby Lemi and Ruokolahti and work is currently
underway to identify further potential sites in the area.
The IsoKristiina shopping centre in central Lappeenranta will
be enlarged and renewed. The total value of this investment
by Citycon Oy and Ilmarinen is estimated at around EUR 100
million.
Wihuri Oy Aarnion Metro-Tukku is one Finland’s
leading wholesalers of consumer goods. The
Metro wholesale store, which will be opened in
Lappeenranta in winter 2015, is part of this growing
domestic chain.
Lappeenranta
-Imatra - region
35,5 %
Rest of Finland
“Wirma provided us with up-to-date statistical
information to support our decision making. We
found their services not just useful but also friendly
and prompt.”
Ari Maijanen, Chain Director, Wihuri Oy Aarnio
Lappeenranta is an overwhelming favourite among Russian shoppers
visiting Finland. In 2013, Russian tourists spent some EUR 259
million on goods alone. More than 35% of all spending by Russian
visitors to Finland stays in Lappeenranta and its neighbouring town
of Imatra (EUR 64 million). Source: Market analysts Tutkimus- ja
Analysointikeskus TAK Oy, TAK Border survey 2013.
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At Lappeenranta, the rest of the world
is a lot closer than you would think.
Lappeenranta – unbeatable location,
first class logistical connections
By car:
By air:
• Helsinki 220 km
• St Petersburg 215 km
• Viborg 45 km
• Düsseldorf 3 hrs 35 min
• Milan 3 hrs 30 min
• Barcelona 4 hrs
By train:
By water:
• Helsinki 2 hrs
• St. Petersburg 90 min
• The Saimaa Canal starts
in Lappeenranta
• Excellent links with sea
ports in southern Finland
Thanks to its geographical location, logistical connections
and service infrastructure, Lappeenranta offers an excellent
base for companies looking for growth. Situated by the
largest inland waterway in Europe and close to the border
with Russia, the city offers exciting business opportunities,
a high standard of living and a first rate holiday destination.
Its location halfway between two metropolises, St. Petersburg
and Helsinki, offers the local companies a safe and secure
business environment with a huge market of over eight
million consumers. International logistical connections by
road, air, rail and water with the region’s six border crossing
points further enhance the commercial attractiveness of
Lappeenranta.
Our services for companies locating to
Lappeenranta
Expanding or relocating your business is a huge step. Regional
development company Wirma Lappeenranta Ltd. will ensure
a fast and soft relocation process to the region. Companies
relocating a business will get tailor-made business support
services starting from the first contact to the setting up of the
business and beyond. Services offered by Wirma are free of
charge.
ƒƒ A realistic and impartial survey of the business
opportunities available in the region
ƒƒ Labour market and education survey
ƒƒ Property search
ƒƒ Financial advice
ƒƒ Identifying potential local partners
ƒƒ Identifying potential local customers
ƒƒ Recruitment channels, education and training opportunities
Please contact us to find out what
Lappeenranta has to offer your business!
Lappeenranta’s international airport is a gateway to Europe
and to the rest of the world. The airport enjoys a central
location close to the city and can handle 300,000–500,000
passengers each year.
www.wirma.fi
As a rail hub, Lappeenranta offers excellent links to the rest
of Finland and further on to Russia. St. Petersburg can be
reached in just 90 minutes by the high speed train Allegro.
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0 km 2h
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The Saimaa Canal allows access by water to Europe’s sea
ports and beyond.
Highways 6 and 13 meet in Lappeenranta, making it
accessible by high-quality roads from elsewhere in Finland as
well as St. Petersburg.
Destination Lappeenranta
– relocation made easy
Lappeenranta
Helsinki
Pietari
Does your company
need financing?
For more information call our
Telephone service on 029 460 2582
or visit our website finnvera.fi.
How a about
a meeting?
Tarja Naumanen, manager, corporate banking
Telephone +358 10 258 5110
etela-karjalan.yrityspalvelut@op.fi
www.op.fi/etela-karjala
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Lappeenranta is renowned for the close collaboration
between its educational institutions and business sector,
which is a real driver for growth and success.
The broad educational opportunities and diverse research
environment are an excellent resource for local businesses.
Around 100 businesses and a team of 1,000 specialist staff
have joined forces on campus to create the largest technology
sector community in southeastern Finland. The businesses
work closely together and are always keen to welcome new
arrivals to the area.
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Flexim Security is Finland’s leading developer of door automation,
locking and working hours monitoring technology solutions and
a trusted service provider. Flexim expanded its operations to
Lappeenranta in 2013. Wirma’s relocation service provided a wealth
of up-to-date and impartial market data to support the company’s
internal decision-making process. In addition, Wirma briefed the
company on the types of commercial properties available in the
area, helped identify potential local business partners and assisted
with networking opportunities.
Divest Group Oy launched its new business services centre
in Lappeenranta in early September 2014. Known as Sametti,
the centre provides a wide range of outsourcing services
in finance, sales and customer service. The company chose
Lappeenranta as its new base largely thanks to the city’s highly
skilled workforce, but its business-friendly policies were also a
significant factor. Lappeenranta’s business development agency
Wirma Lappeenranta Ltd supported Divest Group throughout
the relocation process.
“We have dealt with a number of regional development agencies in
the past and I have no hesitation in saying that the service we received
in Lappeenranta was exceptional. The service Wirma provides and
their attitude to their work are lightyears ahead of the rest.”
“Wirma staff know the local business environment well and can
put you in touch with all the right people, saving you both time
and effort. Wirma’s relocation services really stand out from the
rest, thanks to their expertise and proactive attitude.”
Jukka Laakso, Managing Director, Flexim Security
Kari Haaja, Director, Divest Group Oy
Skinnarila Campus is buzzing with
intelligence and innovations
The Skinnarila campus is a regional hub for high-tech companies and higher
education built around the land area of Lappeenranta University of Technology.
Cross-disciplinary education and research in technology and business produces
highly skilled graduates for the local economy. The Saimaa University of
Applied Sciences (Saimia), also based at the same campus, teaches healthcare
professionals alongside business and technology experts.
Skinnarila in brief:
Currently, a number of educational, research and technology businesses at
the Skinnarila Campus employ around 2,000 persons. The entire student
community comprises approximately 10,000 university students. In addition to
a highly skilled workforce, the campus is also generating new business activity
through start-ups.
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businesses
Excellent examples of local businesses going for growth and international
success are The Switch Oy, Visedo Oy, Severa/Visma Oy, Miradore Oy and Mevea
Oy. The area is also home to big names such as CGI (previously Logica) and Tieto.
Skinnarila is a first-rate platform for growth, particularly for companies in the
energy and environmental sectors.
te-services.fi
1,000 staff
in a campus
area with
10,000
skilled
people
TE Services offer solutions in recruitment
needs
.
TE Services offer tailored recruitment solutions
to companies establishing/established in Lappeenranta region.
The earlier you start the recruitment process the
easier it is to find skilled employees for your needs.
Contact us:
Southeast Finland TE Services
(Kaakkois-Suomen TE-palvelut)
tel: +358 295 042 001
Our services:
• Advertising vacancies on te-palvelut.fi
• Direct marketing of vacancies to jobseekers
• CV-Net Service on te-palvelut.fi
• RecruitmentTraining
• Information on pay subsidy and apprenticeship
• Advice to foreign employees in Finland
Wirma Lappeenranta Ltd
www.wirma.fi
Laserkatu 6, FI-53850
Lappeenranta, Finland
tel: +358 (0)5 616 3400
Wirma Lappeenranta Ltd is a regional business
development agency owned by the city of
Lappeenranta and its neighbouring municipalities.
Follow us on Twitter
@WirmaLPR
fi.linkedin.com/company/
wirma-lappeenranta-oy
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Lappeenranta Business Facilities Ltd
ESS PREMIS
N
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S
ES
BU
Kauppakatu 40 D
FI-53100 Lappeenranta
tel. +358 5 616 2165
www.yritystila.fi
Tamora Legal Attorneys Ltd
www.tamoralegal.fi
info@tamoralegal.fi
+358 40 718 8655