Nordicum - Real Estate Annual Finland 2012 | Page 57

LAHTI region fast facts More information: www.lahtiregion.net, www.lakes.fi Mr. Miika Laakso, [email protected] Anssi Rantasalo, CEO of Kemppi. cial launch of Kempact RA takes place in early 2012. “For us, the recognition is important because it shows we’re heading the right way,” Rantasalo says, adding that the Kemppi employees are excited and proud of the accomplishment. Still, this kind of attention is nothing new to a company that has received a lot awards for its design prowess in recent years – among them, several red dot awards. According to Essi Alaluukas, the companies of the Lahti region recognise that design is a crucial competitive factor – and its importance will only grow in the coming years. “While production may migrate to other countries in some cases, the design and R&D functions of companies are likely to stay right here in Finland,” Alaluukas says, while adding that production facilities may be competitive as well: “If Finnish companies are able to re- new their processes and concepts, also production functions can thrive here,” she says. Global Reach Again, Kemppi provides an example of how to strengthen the local manufacturing base. In 2009, the company invested in a new electronics plant that integrates into the existing plant. In addition, the company has a new production facility in India. When asked about what it takes to handle the global logistics of an international technology company, Rantasalo replies by Nordicum 55