Lappeenranta– Energy for success

22

� University city – world-class research and highly skilled workforce for the benefit of businesses

� Growing city – grow with us � Unique location along EU’s border with Russia � Green technology trailblazer and energy business cluster � Student city – university students make up one tenth of

the entire population � European biotechnology and forest industry capital � Commercial hub of southeastern Finland – offering full

range of services for businesses and their personnel � 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.

Read more at www.wirma.fi

Lappeenranta – the place to go for growth

5401 business locations in the Lappeenranta economic area

Regional centre for Southern Karelia

City population 72,600, commuter belt population 100,000

Founded in 1649

13,000 university students

Approximately one third of all retail purchases made by Russian visitors take place in Lappeenranta

8,000,000 people within two-hour radius

Second most popular destination in Finland for foreign visitors

3

the amount of potential customers, the competitive products

in the market, the distribution of money spent by customers,

sights of markets or the visibility of your company,

just contact us.

Make your decision based on information!

www.tak.fi

If you need to know

3

4

A setting for success

Green LappeenrantaThe 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 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.

10,000 university studentsLappeenranta 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.

An international business sceneAs 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.

Green deeds and new business ventures

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

4

5

Modern office space in prime location 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.

Space also available at our recently expanded Vapaudenaukio campus in the heart of downtown Lappeenranta.

Contact us now for an appointment!www.technopolis.fi

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

5

6

From chimneys to cutting edge industry and service sectorSouthern 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 environmentCurrently, 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.

Growing service sectorLappeenranta 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.

6

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.

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.

7

First in retail growth in Finland

7

One third of all spending by Russians in Finland stays in Lappeenranta

7

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.

“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.

Helsinki

Rest of FinlandLappeenranta-Imatra - region 35,5 %

Big names investing in LappeenrantaThe 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.

8

Helsinki

Lappeenranta

Pietari

200 km / 2h

8

Lappeenranta – unbeatable location, first class logistical connections

By car:• Helsinki 220 km• St Petersburg 215 km• Viborg 45 km

By train:• Helsinki 2 hrs• St. Petersburg 90 min

By air:• Düsseldorf 3 hrs 35 min• Milan 3 hrs 30 min• Barcelona 4 hrs

By water:• The Saimaa Canal starts

in Lappeenranta• Excellent links with sea

ports in southern Finland

At Lappeenranta, the rest of the world is a lot closer than you would think.

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.

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.

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.

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.

9

For more information call our Telephone service on 029 460 2582or visit our website finnvera.fi.

Does your company need financing?

Telephone +358 10 258 5110 etela-karjalan.yrityspalvelut@op.fi www.op.fi/etela-karjala

How a about a meeting?

Tarja Naumanen, manager, corporate banking

Destination Lappeenranta – relocation made easy 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.

Our services for companies locating to Lappeenranta

� A realistic and impartial survey of the business opportunities available in the region

� Labour market and education survey � Property search � Financial advice � Identifying potential local partners � Identifying potential local customers � Recruitment channels, education and training opportunities

9

Please contact us to find out what Lappeenranta has to offer your business!www.wirma.fi

10

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.

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.

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.

Skinnarila Campus is buzzing with intelligence and innovations

10

100 businesses

1,000 staff

in a campus area with

10,000 skilled people

Skinnarila in brief:

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.

11

TE Services offer solutions in recruitment needsTE Services offer tailored recruitment solutions to companies establishing/established in Lappeen-ranta 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

te-services.fi

.

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

11

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.

“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.”

Kari Haaja, Director, Divest Group Oy

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.

“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.”

Jukka Laakso, Managing Director, Flexim Security

Kauppakatu 40 DFI-53100 Lappeenranta

tel. +358 5 616 2165www.yritystila.fi

BUSINESS PREMISES

Lappeenranta Business Facilities Ltd

Tamora Legal Attorneys Ltdwww.tamoralegal.fiinfo@tamoralegal.fi+358 40 718 8655

Wirma Lappeenranta LtdLaserkatu 6, FI-53850 Lappeenranta, Finlandtel: +358 (0)5 616 3400

www.wirma.fiWirma Lappeenranta Ltd is a regional business development agency owned by the city of Lappeenranta and its neighbouring municipalities.

fi.linkedin.com/company/ wirma-lappeenranta-oy

Follow us on Twitter @WirmaLPR

Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/WirmaLappeenranta