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