Nordicum - Real Estate Annual Finland 2017 | Page 46

Photo : Joel Haapamäki

Gaining Momentum

The versatile Turku Region is a hotbed of innovative industries – both old and new

S hips , ahoy ! The Turku shipyard has

made a new record with as many as ten vessels in the orderbook . Reborn as Meyer Turku , the shipyard is investing in new technology and hiring more and more “ metal heads ” to build the world ’ s finest cruise ships . Jouko Turto , Director of Turku Municipal Property Corporation , says that the Turku shipyard is a fine example of the local industrial prowess – but it is not the only success story around here .
“ If you look at the region ’ s pharmaceutical industry , for example , you see that growth is on an unprecedented level there , too .” To name but one company , Bayer , the world ’ s third largest pharmaceutical company , has a cutting-edge production plant in Turku which serves as one of the company ’ s global pharmaceutical supply centers .
Similarly , trending sectors include biotech and ICT which both have a great track record with decades of innovation . But what is that secret ingredient that makes all this
46 Nordicum local success possible ? Jouko Turto believes he has some sense of the answer :
“ While everybody talks about the importance of networks , Turku industries have been able to build networks that truly work . Recognising that nobody can do everything all by themselves is the starting point in all of this ,” he says , pointing out that an atmosphere of trust may take years to develop – but as soon as companies embrace collaboration , great things are likely to happen .
Lifting All Boats
According to Turto , the new orders from the shipyard drive the success of subcontractor companies of the Turku Region and beyond . “ Pretty soon everybody ’ s hiring new people ,” Turto says , adding that the view to the horizon supports smooth sailing for quite some time – the shipyard ’ s orderbook extends to 2024 .
“ It ’ s all about the ecosystem that is being created and developed onwards . In this type of scenario , all actors are able to reap the rewards .”
The influx of workers into the area means increasing demands on residential construction . One executive of a big construction company hit the nail right on the head as he remarked that “ Turku is glowing ” – and that is no overnight sensation . Pekka Sundman , Director for the City Development Group , points out that over the past decade Turku ’ s population has been growing faster , proportionately speaking , than any other city in the land . Currently , there are about 187,000 inhabitants in town ( 317,000 in the Turku Region ).
“ We are seeing a situation where traditional , labour-intensive industries are keeping the momentum going . The present dynamic in the Turku Region has great balance , with all types of top-level expertise in the mix ,” says Sundman .