Nordicum - Real Estate Annual Finland 2011 | Page 50
Valkeakoski
– Lakeland
Logistics Hub
Logiera is energising the entire Tampere Region. One
of the cities ready to take on the challenge of integrated
logistics is Valkeakoski, located situated 35 km southeast
of Tampere. Mikko Seppälä, Business Director for the City
of Valkeakoski, says that the community is well positioned
to serve the Logiera strategy. Especially the Jutikkala
logistics area fits the bill perfectly.
“W
ith great connections
to numerous cities
– in addition to Tampere, also
Turku and Lahti – Jutikkala area has the ability to function as
a significant contributor in the
Logiera city logistics scheme.
In addition, Jutikkala can also
serve as a modern inland harbour according to the strategy.”
Jutikkala area also has
plenty of room to grow, when
the concept really takes off.
“We have a zoning plan in
place which allows for additional construction very easily.”
Valkeakoski is located in
the centre of Finland’s lakeland
and has a population of 20,800.
Due to a rich industrial past, the
local businesses are as internationally-minded as any you’ll
find in the nation – and this approach runs through entire organisation, whether big or small.
“Exports and imports are
really in the DNA of the locals
here,” Seppälä grins.
48 Nordicum
Tech Smarts
Another forte of the natives
is top-level engineering/planning expertise, especially with
regards to hi-tech machines.
In addition, the Tampere University of Technology is only a short drive away, and the
R&D efforts of the local companies have benefitted a great
deal from cooperation with the
University and local University
of Applied Sciences.
Seppälä says that there is
an atmosphere of “let’s make it
happen” in the local business
scene. The City’s Business Services fully reflect this spirit –
any and all problems are solved
in an effective manner.
“We like to move fast,”
Seppälä confirms.
The City of Valkeakoski
is also in a good position financially, which means that the City
can offer first-class services –
even in national comparison. b