We have the energy!
VAASA
The Vaasa Region is one of the most dynamic regions in Finland. Entrepreneurship is our way of life. Persistent with a strong will to
Energy Cluster Leads the Way
succeed – that’s us. Throughout
2
the centuries, starting your own
The region is a pioneer in
increases rapidly. Wärtsilä Finland,
business has been an attractive
electrical and energy technology:
ABB, Vacon, Vaasa Engineering,
option for making a living in the
The Western Finland Centre of
KWH Pipe and Citec are the
Vaasa area. As the region is
Expertise, specialized in energy
largest globally known industries
bilingual in Finnish and Swedish,
technology, is located in Vaasa, as
in the Vaasa region, all of them
we are used to hearing and using
well as the Vaasa Energy Institute,
with affiliate companies in other
languages other than our own –
a coalition of two polytechnics and
parts of the world. Marine ship
and that’s why we are better in
the University of Vaasa. Innovative
power engines and offshore
languages than the average Finn.
new ideas are turned into highly
installations, power and
developed products in the hands
automation technologies, AC
of professionals in more than 800
frequency converters, the list goes
energy technology companies.
on. These strong brands show the
Environmental technology has a
way for the smaller but yet equally
strong foothold as the demand for
innovative and success-hungry
renewable energy solutions
companies.
3
Multifaceted Business Environment The region’s economic structure
media branch is growing and
is diversified, which guarantees
attracting more and more
strength on a wide basis. Apart
productions to the beautiful,
from the energy cluster, the metals
versatile surroundings of the
industry is also thriving. Large and
Vaasa region. Nature’s offerings,
small, the region’s enterprises also
such as blueberries and
cover many a foreign company’s
buckthorn, among others, are
needs in the field of product
significant export articles both
development.
plain and processed.
The manufacture of prefabricated
Information on all enterprises in
wooden houses, as well as larger
the Vaasa region can be found
boats, satisfies quality-conscious
online through the Business
customers. The still fairly young
Search Engine at www.vasek.fi.
5
Success Factors Excellent road, rail, sea and plane
of Vaasa thanks to its young and
connections keep both industry
energetic atmosphere.
and people rolling. Frequent
7
passenger flights to Helsinki and
We work hard but also know how
Stockholm, as well as a daily
to balance work and leisure time.
cargo service, facilitate the
Summer cottages, more accurately
functioning of enterprises.
defined as second homes, are a
Within the region, distances are
popular place to recharge one’s
short and can be covered quickly.
batteries. Recreational activities
The area also houses Finland’s
for all tastes, spiced with a rich
longest bridge, which connects
cultural life, are abundant.
the archipelago with the mainland.
Seven university and polytechnic units offer education up to doctoral degrees and provide the region with a professional workforce. Foreign students in particular are drawn to the city
The Cover Photos: Jaakko J. Salo, Vaasa Parks Oy Ab The Other Photos: Mats Sandström / Wärtsilä, Botnia Marin Oy Ab, Oravais Talo-Hus Oy Ab, Formatic Finland Oy Ab, Jaakko J. Salo, Rita Lukkarinen, Mikko Käkelä / University of Vaasa, Pekka Mäkynen LAYOUT Mainostoimisto Pointer PRINTING Fram / 09.2008 3 000.
Managing Director Pekka Haapanen
A Gateway to the Vaasa Region Vaasa Region Development
company is to market the region’s
• partners in some specific field
Company VASEK is a regional
skills and competence.
• information on vacant offices
development company jointly
and industrial estates
owned by nine municipalities.
We at VASEK will be happy
VASEK promotes the growth of
to help you in matters like:
• planning to set up operations
small and medium-sized
• questions on local business
• information about the region
enterprises. A central task for the
in the region
life and industry
VASEK Vaasa Region Development Company Alatori 1 A, 65100 VAASA, Finland Phone +358 6 317 76 00 Fax +358 6 317 76 11
[email protected] www.vasek.fi
