A BRIGHT FUTURE OF SEINÄJOKI REGION IN Brightly Towards The Future

Openly Lightly With an Attitude

The Seinäjoki region in FINLAND Contents

COMMUNICATIONS AND LOGISTICS On the National Main Line ...... 5 SEINÄjoki SEINÄJOKI Urban Centre for the Future ...... 11 EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Success based on Education ...... 18 Region INNOVATIONS An Active Culture of Innovations ...... 25 A CENTRE OF SHOPPING Strong Shopping Streams, Developing Specialty Trade ...... 33 A CITY OF GARDENS in finland A Piece of the Finnish Dream ...... 40 WELLNESS A Full Spectrum of Wellness ...... 49 Seinäjoki region is one of the fastest-growing urban areas ed and the area produces food for the needs of the whole DESIGN in Finland and it is recently titled as “the most attractive of Finland. As a strongly developing and growing business From Country Roots to International Fame ...... 59 city in Finland”. Seinäjoki region is also the most entrepre- area, the new plans for shopping centres will also offer LEISURE TIME neurial county and famous for its strong willpower. A long potential for international companies. Seinäjoki, the city of Fresh Experiences ...... 65 term vision, wise decisions and 200,000 inhabitants is Finland´s fearless spirit to dream big have sixth largest commercial centre made Seinäjoki, the former back- “We Have the and with around 8,500 businesses water, to rank constantly high in Will to Succeed.” operating in the region. It´s easy to recent studies and to attract most do business in Seinäjoki region! domestic migration in Finland. As theyself say “we have the The high quality of life, easy living, many attractive will to succeed, to gather our strength and to act together”. events and excellent transport links by air, road and rail Seinäjoki region is the number one food-producing area have made Seinäjoki region one of the Finland´s top in Finland. The full chain of food supply is strongly represent- players.

SEINÄJOKI JALASJÄRVI ATTITUDE – CHANGE – A SUCCESS STORY

“The province of the setting sun. Southern is withering away. Ostrobothnians can no longer manage things on their own.” Cover of Helsingin Sanomat’s Sunday section, October 1999. COMMUNI- “This former one-horse town is now the country’s leading migration destination. Seinäjoki is the most attractive city in Finland.” Helsingin Sanomat, 5 September 2010.

“Seinäjoki proves that it’s the attitude that counts.” Reporter Hanna Säntti, Talouselämä magazine, 6 September 2010. CATIONS

“Since 2005, Seinäjoki has been a hugely popular migration destina- tion. The net migration is by far the highest in proportion to the city’s population.” VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Timo Aro’s research article: Popu- larity as a Migration Destination is a Strong Sign of a Region’s Potential, AND Kuntalehti magazine, 30 November 2010.

“Since the Ostrobothnian self-esteem gave in and the locals under- stood that there is expertise in other areas as well, the results have been impressive indeed. Seinäjoki has never been as active as in recent years. Something is happening everywhere. This is based on LOGISTICS people opening up and the unrestrained liberation. That is the most attractive thing at all, pretty dynamite.” Erkki Välimäki, Director of the City Development Department of the City of Seinäjoki, in the book Kymmenen vuotta Framilla (Ten Years at Frami). As the Seinäjoki region is located at the crossroads of five railway lines and six national routes, it is the logistical centre on THE of Western Finland. The main railway line from to and the Finnish national route 3 (E12) from Helsinki through to pass through NATIONAL the Seinäjoki region. The railway line and national route 3 are part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN). The way national transport invest- ments are channelled also reflects the MAIN LINE central location of Seinäjoki. Seinäjoki’s location along the national main line and the projects designed to improve these main lines will lay strong founda- tions for success in the region.

ROVANIEMI

OULU

KAJAANI

VAASA SEINÄJOKI

KASKINEN JYVÄSKYLÄ

MIKKELI TAMPERE

LAHTI KOUVOLA

HELSINKI

7 Seinäjoki’s objective is to become Seinäjoki to . The road section will services to operators, passengers and one of the most accessible regions. The replace the current road connection via travel agencies. Since there are large internal logistics of the region should the street network at the centre of Seinä- unconstructed areas in the immediate support the functional social structure and joki. The road section has been designed vicinity of the Seinäjoki Airport, located reduce environmental nuisances. The as a two-lane road equipped with a at Rengonkylä in the municipality of development of the transport network is median barrier and five grade-separated Ilmajoki, the grounds can be consistently closely linked to the planning of office and interchanges. The estimated costs are 63 developed and constructed. There is free 2014 business areas. million euros, and the road will be opened space even next to the airstrip. Some in 2014. areas owned by the municipalities have Better Connections The Centre for Economic Development, already been sold to investors. The loca- Transport and the Environment (ELY) of tion of the Seinäjoki Airport is ideal logis- Southern Ostrobothnia is drawing up a tically in terms of both the Helsinki–Tam- The Seinäjoki–Oulu railway line overhaul road plan for converting the Hyllykallio– pere–Oulu axis and for goods transport project is the most important project in Atria section into a four-lane road. The by road, for transport companies and for developing our railways in Finland. In plans will be made at the same time with the transport schedules of suppliers that addition to the overhaul and security the plans for the eastern bypass road of provide logistical services. The location improvements, there will be a double line Seinäjoki, since there is a strong technical of the airport at the mouth of the eastern along some sections. The goal is to speed and transportation link between the plans. bypass road is also a major benefit for up passenger traffic and increase the axle In addition, the connection between Ilma- logistics companies. weight of goods traffic.T he estimated cost joki, Seinäjoki and Lapua (Finnish national of the entire project is approx. 800 million route 67) will be improved. euros. The project will be carried out in stages: the first stage that was started in 2007 should be completed in 2011. In Discover the World addition to repairs to the main railway by Plane line, the Seinäjoki–Vaasa railway line will The Seinäjoki Airport be electrified by 2011. I

Thanks to the regular flights, there are mage: The construction of the eastern bypass • Produces all ground site services cost-effectively, including excellent connections to Helsinki and to check-in, security operations, loading and unloading.

road of Seinäjoki (Itäväylä) will begin in T Europe and the rest of the world. Direct aivaallinen • An international AFIS airport. 2011. It will reduce traffic in the centre • Easily accessible to large groups charter flights fromS einäjoki to southern and enable remarkable business construc- • Flexible and customer-oriented service

holiday destinations began in the spring Y • Free, large parking area tion projects. The eastern bypass road of ritys of 2009. • A lunch café with full on-licenses. Seinäjoki is part of Finnish national route O Seinäjoki Airport became an internation- company y/architectural 19, and it covers a stretch of road 18.5 www.seinajoenlentoasema.fi al airport in 2009. Seinäjoki can provide km long from Rengonkylä at the south of reliable, high-quality individual ground site

8 9 SEINÄJOKI CITY AREA OULU A logistic location YLIVIESKA OULU KOKKOLA KAUHAVA KRUUNUBY 19 Airport

63

VAASA JYVÄSKYLÄ Harbour VIITASAARI Airport 16 16 LAPUA

18 19 Fluent Logistics SEINÄJOKI

The design of the new environmentally-friendly logistics VAASA SEINÄJOKI I centre soon to be constructed at Seinäjoki takes into con- mage: ILMAJOKI 18 HAAPAMÄKI sideration both ecological aspects and intelligent solutions. T The centre will be constructed next to the Itäväylä regional aivaallinen 67 road, the main railway line and the Haapamäki railway KURIKKA RENGONKYLÄ

line. Y ritys ritys “The goal is to reduce the environmental strain and to 18 O 19 improve energy efficiency”, saysJukka Pajunen, Development company y/architectural 3 Manager at the Seinäjoki Region Business Service Centre. E12 The versatile needs of companies have been taken into ALAVUS Harbour TAMPERE JYVÄSKYLÄ consideration comprehensively already at the planning stage, and the region may include facilities such as food industry warehouses, frozen food stores, reserve stocks in exceptional circumstances, the supply of convenience goods, stores for specialty items and wholesale stores, and the transmission of energy. “We also intend to develop the province’s logistics centre cluster as part of the Nordic logistics network,” Pajunen explains. The location of Seinäjoki’s new logistics centre by the future Itäväylä road, the eastern bypass and the Seinäjoki Airport will guarantee flexible and effortless circulation even for heavy goods vehicles. 10 AN URBAN CENTRE FOR THE FUTURE

Seinäjoki has understood how important the attractive qualities of the city centre are for the future of the entire province. This is why Seinäjoki is striving to become a dis- tinctive urban centre that modernizes urban development in Finland. The city aspires to an annual population growth of 1.5 percent. Sixty percent of net migration comes from outside the province.

13 5b 5a City Centre character, thus creating a rich and varied supportive and additional services. mosaic of small parks. • The food industry and local food. 1 Development The image of the centre will be profiled • ’s urban architecture and the and reinforced by creating a framework creative riverside surroundings. The principle for developing the Seinäjoki for various services, operations and events The development of the city centre has 5c city centre is to transform it into a colour- on the one hand, and through milieu con- been determined in a structural model 3a ful pedestrian city, a functional business struction on the other. Its themes include: that illustrates the townscape objective. centre and an inspiring site for events. • The centre of Seinäjoki as a national In the structural model, the various con- 4c Pleasant common spaces will be created junction and the living room of the prov- struction stages of the city centre include at the city centre through a comprehensive ince. goals that are scheduled for completion network of parks and pocket parks. Each • The arena for the Seinäjoki Tango by 2017, 2024 and 2030. pocket park will have its own distinct Festivals and other events, including its

4d

5d 2

STRATEGIC CENTRES OF IMPORTANCE FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT 3b

1 City Centre and Urban Culture 2 The Itäväylä Road 3 Industrial and Office Areas a Roves b Southern Seinäjoki 4 Urban Housing a Niemistönmaa b Karhuvuori c Northern Törnävä – Kyrkösjärvi d Southern Seinäjoki The principle for developing the Seinäjoki city centre is to 5 Major Commercial Units transform it into a colourful pedestrian city, a functional (including businesses that require a lot of space) a Kauppa-Jouppi business centre and an inspiring site for events. b Citymarket, Prisma, Mini-Mani c Roves d Southern Seinäjoki Punkari Pirita Photo: 6 National City Park (cf. page 18)

14 15 City of Seinäjoki/City Planning and Zoning I A proposal has been made to add public The Lakea construction company’s mage: or social services at the Keskustori cen- Honkapuisto area represents a A

tral market place. The outline proposes new type of planning for blocks rkkitehtitoimisto a market hall and/or a centre for local of flats. The shape and the colour food at the street level and an art mu- of the buildings and the balcony Itikanmäki will add a new silhouette and seum or an equivalent cultural facility The festival grounds will connect the placement differ from the familiar visibility to the townscape. on the first floor. Aalto Centre to the business centre. design. The blocks of flats were E constructed by Lakea, and the ar- ero L chitectural plans were drawn up ahti

by the Arkkitehtitoimisto Juhani O

Romppainen architectural bureau. y I mage: mage: A rkkitehtitoimisto rkkitehtitoimisto I mage: mage: Juhani Juhani A R omppainen omppainen rkkitehtitoimisto rkkitehtitoimisto E ero ero L ahti ahti O O y y

A Lively Park Environment Modern Blocks of Flats terraced houses available near the city centre. Residential The look of Itikanmäki will be entirely transformed as the areas are located within a radius of seven kilometres from blocks of residential flats replace the old business proper- the centre. Since the distances to all important locations are ties, soon to be demolished. The attractive, high-quality The market place will be renovated to give it a clearer The housing construction at the Seinäjoki city centre is also short, it is easy to move around the city. residential area will be based on the winning entry of a perimeter. The market activities will be centred by the strongly characterised by a new type of flat planning and competition among architects. Approx. three hundred new Koulukatu street on a designated area bordered by trees. the consideration of environmental aspects. flats will be constructed atI tikanmäki. The pocket park connected to the market and the impres- The environmental aspects of the Honkapuisto sites devel- Itikanmäki to be “The goal is to transform the area into a lively urban dis- sive water theme will add to the area’s cosiness. The square oped by the Lakea construction company are pioneering. trict with blocks of residential flats, workplaces and cultural formed by the expansion of the Koulukatu street is a natural Both the buildings and the water they use are geothermally Transformed into a activities. The construction will take seven to ten years,” place for outdoor activities. heated. Solar heat collectors are used to heat household Cradle of Culture says Jorma Rasinmäki, the City Manager of Seinäjoki. The Lakeus Park festival grounds connect the Aalto Centre hot water when they produce enough power. Water is The area’s innovative environment for creative fields,R yt- to the business centre. In the structural model, a construction used for the waterborne floor heating and air conditioning The northern centre of the City of Seinäjoki, Itikanmäki, mikorjaamo (cf. page 33), further embroiders the townscape. site for the concert and congress hall has been reserved in reheating systems. Both solutions significantly reduce the will be transformed into an attractive district with urban The planning and construction of the area has been real- the area between the Aalto Centre and a hotel. The hall electricity costs for residents. residences, offices and cultural activities. T he area already ised by the Kiinteistöyhtiö Itikanmäki Oy property company will complement the administrative and cultural centre and The versatility of housing construction and alternative boasts Atria’s new and impressive eight-floor operating and the Peab Ltd. construction company in conjunction with harmonise the townscape. forms of housing will be emphasised at Seinäjoki. In ad- centre. Another eight-floor building will be constructed next the City of Seinäjoki. dition to blocks of flats, there are detached houses and to it as its mirror image.

16 17 Seinäjoki’s experiential exercise routes also The Lakeuden Virta provide singular opportunities to canoers. Park to be Included in the National City Park Network

The City of Seinäjoki has submitted an application to the Ministry of the Envi- EDUCATION, ronment to be included in the national city park network. The national city park “Lakeuden virta” stretches along the Seinäjoki River and Kyrönjoki River from the south of the city at Isosaari to Kitinoja, north of Seinäjoki. That is RESEARCH where the vast Southern Ostrobothnian plains open up. The area is bordered by Hallilanvuori Hill to the east and by the hills of Jouppilanvuori, Kyrkösvuori and Rintalanvuori to the west.

Lakeuden virta provides an exercise Photo: trail that offers unique experiences to A

nssi nssi AND park visitors. The stream of cultural O

experiences from the historical surround- rrenmaa ings of Törnävä’s Östermyra manor to the Aalto Centre and to the landscape of the plains. The network of expertise and knowledge also goes with the stream: the routes and paths connect the Frami DEVELOP- riverside innovation concentration to the city’s other expertise centres, Rytmikor- jaamo, Foodwest and the hospital area. Photo: Photo: S

The river was critical to the birth and growth of the City of Seinäjoki, kaupunki einäjoen particularly with the Östermyra manor in the district of Törnävä, the MENT area of the former iron and copper foundry and gunpowder factory. 18 SUCCESS BASED ON EDUCATION

The success of the region is based on its versatile educa- charge of research that can be effectively put into practice. tional possibilities – in Seinäjoki, you can also earn a doc- Over a hundred researchers work in the numerous interna- Photo:

toral degree. The multidisciplinary Seinäjoki University of tional research groups. S einäjoki einäjoki Applied Sciences, the University Consortium of Seinäjoki, The Southern Ostrobothnian Consortium of Higher Educa-

business education programmes and comprehensive adult tion and its foundations, which were established to support U niversity of of niversity education possibilities will continue to support the success the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences and the Univer- of the region in the future. sity Consortium of Seinäjoki, guarantees that educational A

The Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, the Voca- possibilities will be vigorously developed. The objective pplied tional Adult Education Sedu and the Vocational Education is to collect a working capital of ten million euros for the S Centre Sedu, the five universities of theU niversity Consor- Southern Ostrobothnian Consortium of Higher Education by ciences tium of Seinäjoki and the Epanet research network are in 2015.

21 UAS concentrates most of its activity in Seinäjoki at the Frami campus area. The goal is to create a functional and comfortable campus for Passion for Profession at Sedu students and staff members alike. The business school facilities will be completed by the 2013 winter term. The Frami area will then be home The joint objective of the Vocational Adult Education Sedu and the Voca- to more than 2,000 students at the University of Applied Sciences, including more than 300 foreign students. tional Education Centre Sedu (= Sedu) is to create attraction power. Sedu develops professional and business life by promoting the availability and entrepreneurship of qualified human resources. Sedu is a noteworthy national educational institution and an international operator characterised by active networking. Every year, it provides an at- tractive place of study for several thousands of students and qualifies valued professionals. The activities are developed to meet current challenges. As a strong regional institution, it is a desirable workplace that emphasises the promotion of welfare.

Vocational Adult Education Sedu

• Approx. 7,730 students per year, approx. 630 of which obtain a degree. • Approx. 150 members of teachers and other staff. • The school includes the following departments: Welfare, Agriculture and Forestry, Service, Technology, Business and Culture, Apprenticeship The Seinäjoki The Seinäjoki UAS’s key strategic include: Seinäjoki UAS Training, Business Services and Projects. Vocational Photo: • food industry and the promotion of • 22 educational Bachelor-level programmes, www.seduaikuiskoulutus.fi University of welfare two of them in English. • intelligent and energy-saving systems for • A Master-level degree can be obtained

Applied Sciences in seven programmes. One of them is in A

Vocational Education Centre Sedu dult industry and construction English. E

Aims for the Top • cultural and experience production • Approx. 4,800 degree students, including • The school offers vocational upper secondary education to young people. ducation approx. 800 adult students. The annual • innovative public services number of foreign students is approx. 500 • The school in 14 study locations provide training for nearly 40 different “Seinäjoki UAS (SeAMK) is a successful, by 2013. professions. S • There are approx. 400 employees. • The study community consists of approx. 4,400 students and more than edu international and entrepreneurial university Entrepreneurship and business compe- 500 professionals. • UAS has 200 foreign partner institutions of of applied sciences. Our operation mode tence are the profile areas that unite these higher education in 44 countries. In coop- is based on anticipating and analysing eration with foreign institutions of higher www.sedu.fi fields.S einäjoki UAS carries out applied education, it is possible to obtain double our operating environment. We promote research, development and innovation degrees in various fields. internationalisation in the region and ac- • Half of students at UAS spend a period of activities (RDI) that are centred on selected time studying abroad every year. The Finnish Institute for Training Air Wing at Kauhava tively participate in the development of the strategic areas. It is an important national • The research, development and innovation innovation system,” says Tapio Varmola, activities amount to approx. five million Enterprice Management and international operator, with approx. euros every year, with approx. a hundred The position of the Training Air Wing has been reinforced as President of the Seinäjoki University of 20 international projects yearly underway. ongoing projects. one of central operators in Finnish military aviation and as a The Finnish Institute for Enterprice Management (Suomen Yrittäjäopisto) has Applied Sciences. Seinäjoki UAS organises annual national national educational institution. The Training Air Wing also www.seamk.fi developed into a nationally recognised concentration of entrepreneurial and international conferences. provides international pilot training. expertise that operates in close cooperation with entrepreneurs.

www.puolustusvoimat.fi >> Air Force www.syo.fi 22 23 The University Consortium of forerunner in cooperation with companies and development organisations. This is how the University Consortium carries Seinäjoki Prepares Students out the socially interactive mission of universities. for the Future The core research of the University Consortium consists of Epanet research professorships located in five universities. The University Association of , formed The University Consortium of Seinäjoki scientifically studies INNO­ by municipalities and various departments at institutions of and develops the key sectors of Southern Ostrobothnian higher education, assists the university consortium of Seinä- business life and provides adult education in these fields. joki in the division and coordination of these professorships. The emphasis is on academically and socially applicable The research and educational activities have been divided multidisciplinary research. The University Consortium is a in four groups: product processes and production systems, foodstuffs and welfare, business expertise, and regions and The University Consortium of Seinäjoki culture. Three to six research professors, senior researchers • The modern university cooperation organisation oper- and a significant number of graduate students work in each VATIons ates at the Seinäjoki campus area. of these groups. There are a total of twenty professorships. • The centre has long-term partners in various parts of Southern Ostrobothnia, Finland and the rest of Europe. • The centre employs visiting international researchers. • There are more than a hundred employees. • There are approx. 4,500 students. • The member universities of the University Consortium include the University of Helsinki, Sibelius Academy, the University of Tampere, the Tampere University of Technology and the University of Vaasa. South Ostrobothnian Higher

www.ucs.fi Education Consortium www.epky.fi The University Consortium of Seinäjoki and the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences are developed together UNIVERSITY OF VAASA as South Ostrobothnian Consortium of Higher Learning.

THE UNIVERSITY CONSORTIUM Within the consortium, an increasingly large group of OF SEINÄJOKI experts will deal with the key specialities. It can serve the companies in the region and also accept responsibility THE TAMPERE UNIVERSITY ON TECHNOLOGY THE UNIVERSITY OF TAMPERE for overseeing international cooperation projects. The consortium also has a foundation for institutions of higher education that helps reinforce the financial foundations of its activities. THE UNIVERSITY OF TURKU

THE UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI SIBELIUS ACADEMY www.epkks.fi 24 In the 21st century, an active concentration of companies, educational, research and development organisations has been constructed in the Frami area.

AN ACTIVE CULTURE OF I mage: mage: INNOVATIONS A rto rto H alttunen

The business and science park linked to the Seinäjoki City The green and urban innovation setting of the Frami area is centre has transformed the culture of promising fields into reinforced by the Itikanmäki district located downstream. In ad- the culture of innovations and into the lively buzz of compa- dition to the Atria Ltd. head office, FoodwestL td. – the Centre nies and the scientific community.T he core of the business of Expertise in Food Development (cf. page 52) and the crea- and science park is the technology and innovation centre tive economy centre Rytmikorjaamo will be constructed there. Frami. In four construction stages, it has been expanded The expertise of the business and science park will also into an area of expertise with 36,000 square metres per be reinforced by the hospital hill healthcare units which floor.I n future years, several extensions will be added to the focus on healing and promoting the welfare of the human centre. body (cf. page 57).

27 I mage: mage: L assila & & assila H irvilammi irvilammi A rchitects rchitects L td. I mage: mage: S

einäjoen kaupunki einäjoen Frami G, the next Frami area business building, will be con- structed next to the Frami D section. The surface area will be The Frami area will expand both northward and southward. Institu- 10,000 square metres per floor. tions of higher education and companies will have more space at their disposal. Student apartments are also planned in the district.

Frami will offer expert-level jobs in both companies “We have many letters of the alphabet left,” Kantonen and research as well as in educational and development jokes, referring to the naming practice of the various Frami organisations. Technology and business service companies sections. may benefit from the educational and research services In addition to the buildings of the Technology and In- provided by the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences novation Centre Frami, the Frami area is preparing for the and the Seinäjoki university departments while recruiting construction of facilities for companies (e.g. Epec Ltd.). In new professionals in the neighbouring areas. the Frami area, parking spaces will also be added at two new car parks. The goal is to provide a total of 2,000 new More Space parking spaces by 2016. The Frami river bank by river Seinäjoki will be trans- formed into a comfortable park that can be used as a The Seinäjoki Centre for Technology and Innovation, setting for various events. renamed Frami Ltd., will continue to develop innovative settings over the next decade by constructing modern, con- vertible facilities for companies and by providing versatile Frami in 2011 development services. • 36,000 square metres per floor for companies and “It is our objective to develop the entire Seinäjoki region, educational and development organisations The Frami F section will be constructed for the business unit particularly by strengthening existing companies and add- • 60 companies of the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences by the 2013 • 700 employees ing openings at these companies,” CEO Hannu Kantonen winter term. It will cover 8,600 square metres per floor. The • 1,500 (Seinäjoki UAS) students says. Investments in the construction of a physical innova- expanding Frami campus area will then cater to more than 2,000 students attending the University of Applied Sciences. tion environment will continue during the next few years. www.frami.fi

28 29 I mage: Valvomo Valvomo mage: A rchitects rchitects

The Frami G building (on the right) whose construction is planned at a later date will be connected with the current Frami D building by a spacious inner court.

The Rytmikorjaamo courtyard will be designed as festival grounds that can offer a setting for various public events from skateboard competitions to rock concerts for up to 4,000 spectators. Various plans for the courtyard have been drafted together with young people. This plan is called “Rhythm Park”.

The Rytmikorjaamo hall has been dimensioned for large concerts and events. Rytmikorjaamo From an Oil Pit to a I

mage Rhythm Music Headquarters : : L assila & & assila The field of rhythm music is one of the strategical centres of development in the City of Seinäjoki. At Seinäjoki, Rytmikor­ H

irvilammi jaamo is the centre of rhythm music. During 2011, the former post vehicle depot with an oil pit will be transformed into

A impressive business premises for rhythm music and operators rchitects rchitects in the creative fields.I n addition to the premises, Rytmikorjaa- I mage: mage:

L mo can be used as a swinging setting for events, education, td. research and networking. A rkkitehtitoimisto rkkitehtitoimisto The idea for the future is that the area will grow into a nerve centre of creative operators. Rytmikorjaamo has space for creative ideas! A rk-Kantonen rk-Kantonen

30 31 O y During the renovations, additions include 25 of- fices for companies in the creative fields, business premises, a large hall for common use, a café and negotiating facilities. I mage: mage: S isustusarkkitehdit isustusarkkitehdit

2011 G ullstén- I nkinen nkinen A CENTRE OF SHOPPING

32 STRONG SHOPPING Streams, DEVELOPING SPECIALITY TRADE

The Seinäjoki City centre is a growing trade area. New Photo: Mikko Mikko Photo: commercial centres are constructed or planned at various parts of the city, and there are also projects to expand exist- ing sites. Visitors and local residents from across the region L ehtimäki can take their pick. 35 Strong Retail Trade “At Seinäjoki, the increasing trade is based not only on a Shopping Stream “Negotiations to rent the shopping cen- good in practice as well. The location growing population but also on the fact that there is a pow- tre premises are underway. The centre’s near the services at the Lapua city centre erful consumer base around the city. This is why we benefit Spreading at the hypermarket operator will be K-citymarket. and the good transport connections are Seinäjoki has established its position as an attractive shop- from considerable purchasing power and the natural pre- The involvement of Masku and Ideapark is perfectly suited to our concept. Until now, ping destination. Statistically, Seinäjoki is Finland’s sixth Lapua Ideapark conditions for developing speciality trade. When we also excellent, and it adds to the attraction of the region has also lacked a commercial largest market area after Finland’s largest, oldest and most believe that Seinäjoki is an extremely strong centre for car the project, says Raimo Virtanen, Result centre with versatile services,” says Toivo powerful cities. The volume of Seinäjoki’s retail trade is A new Ideapark shopping centre will be sales, which further emphasises the importance of trade,” Unit Manager at Skanska. Sukari from Masku Kiinteistö. 703 million euros. The high shopping figures indicate that constructed near the Lapua city centre explains Juha Luukko, Director at the Seinäjoki Region Busi- The intended surface area of the com- The large business district project will large flows of customers travel to the city daily from the rest at the junction of national routes 16 and ness Service Centre. mercial centre is approx. 53,000 square lay the foundations for new business activi- of the province. The immediate trade area has a total of 19, near Finnish national route 66. The The trade volumes also increase in connection with large metres per floor, and it will house more ties. It will also create approx. four to five 200,000 inhabitants, but approx. 900,000 people live location has good transport connections. annual events such as the Provinssirock music festival, the than a hundred shops. The complex will hundred commercial sector jobs. within a two-hour drive. Thanks to Ideapark, Lapua will boast Seinäjoki Tango Festival and the Seinäjoen Vauhtiajot race also include a central square with suffi- “After the construction of the Lapua one of Ostrobothnia’s largest commercial and rock festival. Visitors to these events also shop exten- cient space and opportunities to organise Cartridge Factory, the Ideapark is the centres. The goal is to construct a versatile sively while in the city. At Seinäjoki, trade has excellent diverse events. The area will probably largest individual business investment centre for clothing shops and leisure trade, prospects for the future. This is reflected by new shopping also include a transport station in a sepa- ever constructed at Lapua. Thanks to this, complete with cafés and restaurants. The centres, constructed both in the city centre and in the rate building. the city’s population and construction shopping centre will be built by construc- nearby service areas. Many speciality shops and other “With its different sections, the Ideapark projects will continue to increase and offer tion company Skanska. diverse options like ethnic restaurants expand on the range has been carefully planned from the be- new opportunities to various investors,” of services provided. ginning, and the concept has been proven explains Jouko Vuolle, Industry and Trade Investments in the development and high-quality design Manager at the City of Lapua. of business centres have also been made at municipalities Alavus, Kauhava and Kurikka. The purpose of the modern design of operating environments is to offer more functional and up-to-date business premises and areas.

Success Factors in Trade at Seinäjoki

• Finland’s sixth largest market area in Finland. • Impressive numbers of Ostrobothnian trade. • 360 degrees of market areas surrounding the city. • Customers arriving from a radius of approx. 200 km. • One of the largest motor vehicle sales locations in Fin- land. • Event tourism expertise. • A solid logistical location: – at the junction of six main roads and five railway lines – a growing and developing airport

– less than a four-hour drive to Oulu and the Helsinki area Photo:

36 37 S kanska South Ostrobothnia’s Regional Cooperative Eepee

The South Ostrobothnia’s Regional Cooperative Eepee is a mul- tisectoral regional retail trade company with more than 64,000 customer owners. Its branches of activity include supermarket trade, transport shop activities, liquid fuel trade, tourism and nutrition, ag- ricultural and hardware trade, and vehicle and automobile equip- The Lakeuden Ankkuri ment trade. In Southern Ostrobothnia, Eepee has eighty branch I Shopping Centre mage: offices with more than 1,200 local employees.W ith the total invest- ment of 95 million euros during the past five years, it is also one of H

The mega shopping centre Lakeuden Ankkuri will be con- leading trade areas, thus requiring a lot of room and Co & elin the leading constructors in its business area. structed near the Seinäjoki city centre at the Kauppa-Jouppi designed from top to bottom. The commercial business “Eepee will continue the solid development of its service network site. The future trade concentration will satisfy increasing premises to be constructed on a 30-hectare site will cover A in the next few years. Between 2010 and 2011, we will invest rchitects consumer demand by providing new and modern facilities. more than 100,000 square metres per floor.T he area will a total of approx. 30 million euros. The capacity for long-term Photo: Juha Juha Photo: It also seeks to attract international operators. benefit from a new transport station and a parking lot for activities is an integral part of our cooperative principles and our The region’s largest shopping centre is one of Finland’s more than 2,500 vehicles. large ownership structure. According to our founding principles,

we produce benefits and services for our customer owners while Eepee’s largest supermarket establishment, Prisma H arju consolidating our business territory,” says CEO Kimmo Simberg. Hyllykallio, is undergoing large-scale renovations. With the expansion, it will boast an additional The AVENAS Shopping Centre In addition, Eepee develops its native province in close coopera- 9,000 square metres. Roughly half of this will be tion with the province’s educational institutions. It is actively involved directly used as shop areas and restaurants visited in the South Ostrobothnian University Network Epanet where it by customers. This expansion will make it one of Finland’s largest Prisma supermarkets. particularly supports the professorships for consumer behaviour and Facilities that require a lot of room food safety.

Third stage: Commercial corridor “There is a vivid interest in the AVENAS shopping centre. business building. During the third stage, the actual shopping The Peab Ltd. construction company was in charge of We have discussed the development plans for the region centre will be constructed between the K-citymarket and the the most recent, roughly one-hectare K-citymarket for the and the companies’ willingness to settle there with several Tokmanni building. All commercial facilities will be intercon- AVENAS shopping centre in the Päivölä area in Seinäjoki. companies,” explains Mika Katajisto, Regional Manager nected by means of a commercial corridor. I The property, measuring over 11,000 square metres, also Peab mage: at Peab Ltd. “We will turn the AVENAS centre into an attractive com- houses a considerable number of other shops. The building The size of the Päivölä area also attracts companies mercial area. In addition to the shopping centre premises, permit allows the business construction of 60,000 square that do not currently operate in the Seinäjoki economical commercial facilities that require a lot of room can also be L metres per floor at an over nine-hectare site located at the td. area. The second stage in the construction of the AVENAS constructed in the area,” says Heikki Levo, manager of prop-

centre of the City of Seinäjoki. shopping centre began in March 2011 with the Tokmanni erty business at Peab Ltd. Harju Photo: Juha

38 39 I mage: City of of City mage: A lavus/ S akari akari T anttari A CITY OF

Alavus Service Concentration GARDENS In the City of Alavus, the city centre is being intensively developed. There is a new significant service concentration at the junction of national route 18 and Finnish national route 66. “The SOK Group and companies based at Alavus have constructed plenty of business premises and will continue to do so. More business premises will also be planned for the area. Over the next two or three years, we will probably have new premises that cover from 15,000 to 18,000 square metres per floor,” estimatesPekka Ala-Mäenpää, the City Manager of Alavus. The KESKO Group has also made investments in the Alavus city centre in recent years, and a national furniture chain has opened a large branch there. “Furthermore, new blocks of flats have been constructed at the town centre to allow people to live at the city centre while having a home by a lake. They too have contributed to livening up the centre,” Ala-Mäenpää explains cheer- fully.

40 A PIECE OF THE FINNISH DREAM

A detached house by a lake. In the immediate proximity of the city centre. Near services. This is what the beautiful Seinäjoki region has to offer. I mage: mage: L assila assila H irvilammi arkkitehdit arkkitehdit irvilammi The Seinäjoki city centre is being revived “Thanks to the municipalities surround- and modernised according to plans. ing Seinäjoki and its location as a provin- cial centre, the area can develop into a satellite-type garden city. There is a solid

O framework for modern food production y between the smallest city and municipal centres, and on the other hand, residen- tial areas are condensed into population centres,” explains Erkki Välimäki, Director of the City Development Department of the City of Seinäjoki. As for the provincial centre of Seinäjoki, it locates all metropolitan-type services nearby. The city boasts versatile hobby and shopping opportunities, top-notch A City of Gardens Other attractive and dynamic city centres are located at healthcare services, a rapidly developing an approx. 30-minute drive from the city centre at Lapua, café and restaurant culture and an active in the 21st Century Kurikka, Kauhava and Alavus. An active and lively village cultural calendar. The Seinäjoki City atmosphere can be found in the municipalities of Ilmajoki centre is quickly expanding and becoming The entire region will be transformed into a cosy, new type and Jalasjärvi. The region also includes plenty of original increasingly modern. The area’s smallest of Finnish garden city of the 21st century. The city centre residential areas. The strong community spirit and neigh- city centres are also eagerly developing of Seinäjoki is brimming with a modern urban atmosphere. bourly inclusion add to their vitality. their operating environment. There, the The city centre is surrounded with satellite service centres, attraction and comfort are increased by creative operating environments and attractive residential designing functional high-quality entities areas. Transport and urban planning will leave clear green Peace and Pulsations that take today’s needs into consideration. spaces for field and forest patches between the areas. All municipal centres of the region also At the Seinäjoki region, you can choose from a large These patches not only create a spacious living environ- provide versatile everyday services and selection of quality housing alternatives: modern life in an ment but also allow for modern local food and foodstuff a comfortable living environment. Large apartment in the middle of the pulsating city with services production. numbers of viable villages in the area nearby, in a cosy residential area with detached houses, in enrich the housing possibilities and offer a terraced house by the river, in a village community that has more alternatives to those still looking for a plenty of experiences to offer, or on a property of your own home of their own. in the fresh, natural and idyllic countryside. The region with 140,000 inhabitants has plenty of alternative living spaces to allow for locally produced food and a clean environment.

44 45 Renewable containers, geothermal heat systems and wind power Energy-Efficient components. Energy Technology The combined production of heat and power is a field Construction Solutions at Lapua of the future. In a combined heat and power plant, the efficiency is approx. 75 percent, though it falls to approx. A residential area with energy solutions developed in The increasing use of renewable energy 52 percent if only heat or power is produced. The prov- conjunction with the VTT Technical Research Centre of and the increase of self-sufficiency in ince has developed plants for the small-scale combined Finland will be constructed at Lapua. Energy-efficient energy are central goals in the region production of heat and power (CHP), and this development construction solutions will be used for the buildings in the and across the entire province. At Lapua, will continue in the future. These plants may be used by Alanurmo area, and some of the buildings will be used as the development organisation for energy large farms and companies that require plenty of heat and a pilot project for the use of renewable forms of energy. A matters is Thermopolis Ltd. Thermopolis power. regional heating plant using Finnish wood will also settle in has networked not only with several inter- the area, and a new school to be constructed at Lapua will national partners but also with expertise be used as a site for the introduction and use of renewable centres participating in the Finnish energy sources. energy technology cluster programme, research and educational institutions, companies and associations that operate in the field. In the renewable energy sector, Thermopolis specialises particularly in A plan for the Alanurmo heat pumps, bioenergy, solar energy residential area at Lapua. and wind power. The many companies operating in the area manufacture power plant boilers and other types of boilers for several purposes, mobile heating I mag: Pöyry mag: 46 47 I mage: mage: The Kurikka Business Centre Revival A rkkitehtitoimisto Mikko Mikko rkkitehtitoimisto The city of Kurikka has a population of 15,000 and is located just a half-hour drive southwest from the centre of Seinäjoki. In addition to the comfortable and affordable living environment, it will become increas- ingly attractive thanks to the ongoing revival of its profile.T he city centre

H will become a modern and cosy business centre that also offers more eikkilä eikkilä city-like housing solutions. In addition, the city is planning new attractive

O residential area for detached houses. The construction of the area and y settling there has been designed to make it as effortless as possible.

High-Quality Local Services WELL- at Kauhava

In the region, Kauhava has established its position as the de- veloping northern rural centre for commerce and services. The I mage: mage: widespread rural town of less than 20,000 inhabitants offers

several housing alternatives and leisure opportunities. The devel- S uunnittelu J. J. uunnittelu opment of the business centre and the educational and cultural environment of the Finnish Institute for Entrepreneurs will make the R

ajala ajala NESS city centre increasingly attractive. The Seinäjoki–Lapua–Kauhava

development corridor along national route 19 will bring new O y corporate investments to the area.

A new type of leisure accommodation area with allotment style gardens is A New Garden Village at Kuortane planned for the Kuortane municipality. There will be 70 allotments of 500 square metres. The area’s cabins are slightly larger than traditional allot- I mage: mage: ment garden cabins. Each cabin will have a washroom and a sauna. Dur-

S ing regional planning, plans were drafted for two different sizes of typical uunnittelutoimisto Motiivi Motiivi uunnittelutoimisto cabins that can be used as a basis for the building permit in determining construction materials, surface areas and roof tilts. The allotments have aroused plenty of interest: fifty reservations have already been made. In addition to inhabitants of the province, people living in the Greater Helsinki area and in Western Finland have also reserved their lot. O y 48 A FULL SPECTRUM OF WELLNESS

In Southern Ostrobothnia, wellness is a comprehensive concept. The Seinäjoki region aspires to create a centre of wellness. The food, exercise, healthcare and cultural sec- tor will each make an important contribution to it, along with all educational, research and development operators in the wellness sector.

5151 Traditional Cheese Ruokatalo Brings Production the Experts Together

The dairy company Juustoportti from The first architectural and space utilisation plans have al- Jalasjärvi has become Finland’s largest ready been drafted for the 9,000-square-metre Ruokatalo, producer of bread cheese and mozza- unique in Finland. The goal is to provide food sector educa- rella. The objective of Juustoportti is to al- tion, research, product development, analysis and consulta- Photo: Juustoportti Juustoportti Photo: ways improve on both company decisions tion services. The seven-floor building is scheduled to open and products. The recipe for Juustoportti’s in summer 2013. The estimated costs are slightly more than success consists of delicious products, per- ten million euros. The complex planned will attract more

L sonnel expertise and the high-quality milk foodstuff companies and research institutes from Finland td. used in the production. and abroad and increasingly reinforce Southern Ostroboth- nia’s position as a province specialising in foodstuffs. Clean Food The various operators are invited to participate in the innova- tion forum InnoAreena. InnoAreena deals with new trends, operational models and the latest research results critical to the In Southern Ostrobothnia, authentic Finnish food is pro- development of small and medium-sized enterprises. New ideas duced in much larger quantities than needed in the region. will be turned into innovations that benefit to the companies’ The region will be further reinforced as Finland’s most high- activities. The purpose of the project is to create dozens of new ly-developed food production area, allowing for profitable innovations and companies and new sub-contracting activities. economic activity with family farms, the use of bioenergy The project is governed by the Seinäjoki Region Business Service and a clean environment. Centre. The province provides a sustainable chain from the field to the dinner table.T he foodstuffs cluster includes the primary production, the food industry and its subcontract- Foodwest Ltd. ing network, machine and device manufacturers, logistics, training programmes and the service sector. The Southern • Established in 1995 • A stable, independent and reliable company of Ostrobothnian food sector expertise is strengthened by food development experts. combining it with operators that support comprehensive • A national Centre of Expertise in Food Development

designated by the Finnish Government. I wellness. The province is promoted as a nationally and mage: • The coordinator of Centres of Expertise in Food internationally renowned, healthy food province. Development in Finland. A The Food Province (Ruokaprovinssi) project combines the • Core expertise: product development, market rkkitehtitoimisto research, quality control and technical services. experience and research-based information of the food, exercise and wellness sectors, cultural entities, associations and experts. www.foodwest.fi S 52 5353 ipinen O 9000 y Competitive Agrotechnology based on special-purpose steel. The company is planning to focus further on designing these items. The expertise centre for research and development at the Kurikka unit is in The Seinäjoki region has a strong tradition and expertise charge of coming up with new technological solutions and in machines for agriculture, forestry and the overseeing product development projects for cockpits. The food industry. There are plenty of companies specialising in

Photo: Photo: unit also develops production processes. Virtual technology this field, some of which operate globally.O ur agricultural is used in the conceptual planning of a new generation of A machines that are intended for demanding conditions are tria tria cockpits.

L in great demand abroad. To preserve their international td. Epec Ltd., a company specialising in intelligent machine competitiveness and to increase it, manufacturers are ex- control technologies, also makes its own important contribu- pected to offer increasingly intelligent, efficient and flexible tion to the field.T he company designs and manufactures is a product line with minimal additives. In machines and devices. An expertise centre for intelligent Atria to Invest in Quality Products machine control systems, electronics and software for lead- 2010, Atria had a turnover of 1,300 mil- technology, administered by Frami Ltd., develops the field ing international manufacturers of mobile machinery used Organic Foods lion euros and employed 5,812 people. from a Modern in support of the companies. in various fields.T heir systems are designed for demanding Nearly 1,700 of them work at Seinäjoki. The ongoing corporate projects include the following: Distillery conditions. The region’s most important employer, The earliest cooperative enterprise was AGRO LIVING LAB – Operator-oriented design in the manu- Finland’s largest meat processing com- owned by its customers and established Epec was established in 1978. Today, it is the leading The production of Altia’s own products facture of agricultural machines. pany Atria Ltd., will now make significant in 1903. developer and manufacturer of embedded machine control largely relies on solid experience and AGRO INKA – An agrotechnology innovation and growth strategic inroads into the product market systems in Finland. In addition to its large home market expertise. Vodka has been distilled from programme. by taking into consideration people’s share, the company’s products are exported to Europe, the cereal for over 70 years at the Kosken­ METELI – Competitiveness based on the cooperation be- future needs in a genuinely consumer- Customised Milk Far East, , the United States, Canada and Brazil. The korva Factory, and at Altia, the roots tween the metal and food industry. oriented way. company employs approx. 130 people at Seinäjoki and Production of producing alcoholic beverages date Consumers increasingly appreciate the . The Epec Ltd. technology company is a member of back as early as the 19th century. The transparency of the food supply chain and The Valio Ltd. plant at Seinäjoki employs Global Demand the Ponsse Group. Koskenkorva Factory is a modern distillery responsibly produced foods. In the future, over 370 people. The key products of the As for the Pellon Group Oy based at Kauhava, it pro- that uses a 250-fold distilling method to Ruukki is the region’s second most important employer. The Atria will also launch organic products. Valio Seinäjoki processing plant include vides comprehensive solutions for the production or milk, produce 96 per cent grain spirit from Finn- company’s Kurikka unit produces cockpits that are ready-to- As a forerunner of the organic LUOMU Valio butter, Valio KevytLevi, Valio Oivariini, pork and beef and for horse stable complexes and indoor ish barley. The annual production volume install on machines. Globally operating customers use the commercialisation, Atria is looking to cre- industrial butter, buttermilk, fromage frais, riding arenas. The company’s solutions increase the produc- is approx. 23 million litres. In addition cockpits in their end products such as forestry, material han- ate an increasingly transparent production Valio Gefilus power drinks, cottage cheese tivity of farms and improve the welfare of animals. to the grain spirit, barley feed and starch dling and mine machinery and in construction machinery. chain where consumers and retailers can and milk powder. The Seinäjoki plant re- are made of the same raw material, and In its mechanical workshop activities, Ruukki focuses on make choices that support sustainable ceives approx. 400 million litres of milk per the by-products of the alcohol production the manufacture of cockpits and demanding components development. year. It is processed into approx. 80 million process include carbon dioxide, which Atria’s other investment object, which kilos of dairy products. is also commercialised. The top-quality the company uses to create a competitive Koskenkorva grain spirit is used as a basis advantage and differentiate its products, for Altia’s proprietary beverages. 54 55 Agricultural The product design and production “The advanced automation uses control of Junkkari Ltd. is also among the features such as welding robots and laser Developer latest innovations. The company manufac- cutting which increase the flexibility of the turing agricultural and forestry machines production process and speed it up. After The private family business group MSK designs, markets and produces machin- all, humans and their expertise are still at Group Oy, an innovative agrotechnology ery for sowing, transportation and forest the centre of modern technology.” development group, has cooperated with management. farmers and companies selling agricultural The family business background is machinery for three generations. The reflected in the Junkkari business activi- Photo: Photo: group is deeply rooted in the Finnish fields ties as the company’s genuinely humane

and in the development of agriculture. The T approach. Kuortane he MSK Group includes Maaseudun Kone Oy, Junkkari Ltd., Junkkari Muovi Oy and HEALTHCARE, REHABILITATION AND RESEARCH S

Juncar Oy. ports Maaseudun Kone, a company actively R The Y building will offer a modern healthcare frame- esort Customer-Oriented Care involved in the development of the entire work for urgent treatment, analysis and rehabilitation. The sector, manufactures secured cockpits for The new hospital building (s.c. Y building) will be construct- planning of the Y building focuses on customer-oriented Valtra tractors and cockpit frame structures ed next to the Seinäjoki Central Hospital between 2009 needs and the convertibility of the premises. An obstacle for Ponsse. and 2012. It is the most massive construction project the free design and various technical and functional solutions The company describes its operation hospital area has seen for decades. The project is devel- facilitate the circulation of clients in the buildings and their processes in a very customer-oriented oped by Kiinteistö Oy Seinäjoen Y-talo, a company owned surroundings and make their stay more comfortable. The way: “Each secured cockpit manufactured by the South Ostrobothnia Health Care District and the City therapy garden constructed in the inner court is suitable for at the plant is an individual who satisfies of Seinäjoki. The Y building will provide facilities for the independent and guided outdoor activities. The sick rooms the client’s equipment needs and meets the South Ostrobothnia Health Care District, the Health Centre in the bed department have a view of Kyrkösjärvi Lake. The country-specific regulations.T he flexible of Seinäjoki City and the Seinäjoki University of Applied windows allow patients to admire the view from their beds. customisation and the short production Sciences. The Y building is connected to the maintenance and turnaround times are based on advanced product and production planning, and supported by solid communication links to the client.” Photo: Junkkari Junkkari Photo:

56 57 L td. entrance floor of the main hospital building via corridors. The emergency ward of the Health Centre of Seinäjoki and the emergency centre of the Seinäjoki Central Hospital, operating on the premises of the Emergency Centre, are one of the crucial operations of the Y building.

The Kuortane Sports and Business Park

A sports and business park that caters to the needs of exer- cise, tourism and sports companies will be constructed at DESIGN the Kuortane Sports Resort site. Frami Ltd. will be in charge of the development of the park. At the Kuortane sports and business park, companies can make use of their expertise in the fields of health exercise and world-class sports as well as the potential of the professorship for child and adolescent sports. The Kuortane Sports Resort is one of Finland’s leading sports institutes. It is a training centre accredited by the In- ternational Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and a development centre accredited by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). In addition, the institute is a partner to the McLaren F1 stable Human Performance Program. Sev- eral top-ranking teams and athletes from Finland and other countries regularly train and carry out tests at Kuortane. The Kuortane Testing Lab is a service concept developed by Frami Ltd. and the Kuortane Sports Resort. The Testing Lab provides research and product development services

for sports and wellness technology products and is used as Photos: a testing and development site for sports equipment and the T S he Kuortane Kuortane he food industry. In addition to existing services, new premise ports

solutions satisfy the special needs of sports companies. R esort Traditional business premises or mobile office solutions offer flexible premise services to companies of various sizes.

58 FROM COUNTRY ROOTS TO INTERNATIONAL FAME Photo: Photo:

L Manual skills and design are part of Southern Ostroboth- The region boasts expertise that has been turned into suc- aitala aitala nian culture and are still dearly cherished. The weaver from cessful businesses over the decades. L td. Lapua, the furniture carpenter from and the knife mak- The region also has a furniture industry that arose from its er from Kauhava are well-known in Finland and abroad. craftsmanship and manuals skills. The strong handicraft tradi- Manual skills have a long tradition in the region that em- tions are also related to the textile industry, knife making, phasise the unique manufacturing process of local products. footwear and leather goods production. Ecological values have also always been well-respected.

6161 Photo: Photo: I nterface nterface

Modern equipment and materials enable mass produc- work, the tree trunks come with a twenty-year guarantee. to achieve more. Top-notch designers have also been O y tion, and Southern Ostrobothnian design currently conquers The high-quality bath and sauna textiles by Jokipiin invited to participate in the cause. homes around the world. The high-quality end products Pellava from Jalasjärvi are popular both in Finland and in The magnificent collections of textiles for interior deco- reflectS candinavian beauty and harmony. The Ostroboth- countries such as Germany, the United States and Japan. ration were designed by Jukka Rintala. They have been nian landscape, peace and tranquillity often serve as a The Junet collection, which pays homage to Jurva’s carpen- manufactured by Southern Ostrobothnian textile companies source of inspiration try tradition, includes practical items that delight the eye in Lennol and Jokipiin Pellava. Rintala’s work can be seen in a modern home. items such as Lennol Oy bedclothes and cushions and in From Handicrafts to Interface Oy from Kurikka wants to contribute to preserv- Jokipiin Pellava’s table runners, cloths and sauna textiles. Interface manufactures all its products ing professional carpentry skills by manufacturing all its The place setting can be completed by the Amfora ce- according to the clients’ wishes, and the Mass Production products in Finland. They are custom-made according to the ramics by designer Päivi Rintaniemi from Seinäjoki. carbon dioxide emissions of the locally- produced goods are very low. client’s needs and wishes, and the manufacturing process is The modern Jacquard linen factory owned by Lapuan One of the leading Scandinavian sofa manufacturers, environmentally friendly. Kankurit has honoured the strong Finnish textile tradition for Pohjanmaan Kaluste Ltd., still makes its products by hand. The traditions of carpentry and handicraft combined with four generations. It dates back to a wool and felt boot fac- Despite this, tens of thousands of three-piece suits are im- the modern manufacturing technology of wooden furniture tory established in the early 20th century. ported from Kurikka every year. The coniferous wood slowly are elegantly displayed in the Junet furniture collection. Ju- Many of the region’s successful brands have developed grown in northern conditions are dried on site to guarantee net, a company in keeping with Jurva’s carpentry tradition, from the sturdy expertise and enthusiasm of family business- the correct percentage of moisture. As a sign of their quality makes furniture that everyone can use to create a personal es. The founding principle of Lapuan Kankurit accurately safe haven in their homes by combining a large selection of summarises the philosophy of the entire region: “Success- shapes and colours. ful products are based on the most recent technology, top-notch designers, qualified personnel and a responsible The high-quality bath and sauna tex- attitude towards the environment and people, in respect of tiles by Jokipiin Pellava from Jalas- Top-Notch Design nature and traditions.” järvi are popular both in Finland and in countries such as Germany, and Cooperation the United States and Japan. The success of Ostrobothnian companies has been driven by mutual cooperation and a willingness to work together

The Junet collection, which pays homage to Jurva’s carpentry tradition, includes practical items that delight the eye in a modern home. Photo: Photo: Photo: Jokipiin Pellava Pellava Jokipiin Photo: Photo: Photo: The designer items by Lapuan Kankurit reflect

T Scandinavian beauty and nature. he Junet Collection Junet he L apuan Kankurit Kankurit apuan

62 63 L td. O y The ceramics sculptures by artist Päivi Rinta­ niemi from Seinäjoki are striking thanks to a unique combination of delicate clay materi- als and the contrasting, powerful shapes. The sculptures are on display at the Amfora Gallery in Seinäjoki. Photo: Photo: L ennol ennol Photo: Photo: O y A mfora mfora Lennol Oy from Jalasjärvi designs and manufactures wonderful textiles O y for interior decoration. The company also employs top-notch designers. Photo: Minna Mäkipernaa Minna Photo:

Photo: Pohjanmaan Kaluste Pohjanmaan Photo: LEISURE

Pohjanmaan Kaluste Ltd. is one of the leading Scandinavian Photo: Janita Janita Photo: TIME sofa manufacturers. The company’s development activities combine traditional handicrafts skills with modern and eco- logical technology. The principles of sustainable development have been followed in manufacturing the Luonto collection. O y

Knives manufactured at the Iisakki Järven- Janitan kenkätehdas, Finland’s largest foot- pää Knife Factory in Kauhava are famous wear factory specialising in women’s shoes, is all over the world. In the 21st century, based at Seinäjoki and employs nearly 200 the accessories used by the Lauri Tähkä & professional footwear manufacturers and sev- Elonkerjuu band have put the traditional eral sub-contractors. Janita’s shoes and ankle Ostrobothnian belt or “helavyö” on the map boots are worn in Finland, Sweden, Norway, in Finland. However, these belts have also the Baltic countries and in Russia. been seen in Paris Fashion Week and were worn by the American singer Cher as early as the 1970s. FRESH EXPERIENCES

Creative fields have a strong potential for successful activi- ties in the Seinäjoki region. The creative fields have plenty of potential for innovation, growth and internationalisation, which is why they have become an important source of de- velopment in the region. The goal is to create increasingly profitable and wider-scale business activities for companies operating in the sector. The creative fields include cottage industries, arts and

crafts, design, and the graphic industry and advertising, Mikko Photo: as well as various forms of cultural production such as event production, music, film and television production.I n L 67 aaksonen Finland’s largest and most versatile downhill skiing centre is located at Simpsiö, Lapua. New outdoor resort activities are addition, the creative fields can overlap ences and concerts organised at the Through this network, film makers and tel- constantly under construction. www.simpsio.fi and cooperate with sectors such as the Seinäjoki Areena. As for Rytmikorjaamo, evision crews will find suitable sets, props, www.simpsiohiihtokeskus.com furniture, food, metal and woodworking it is already one of Finland’s largest rock accommodation and catering services industries. clubs. and other local partners more easily. In conjunction with the City of Seinäjoki Several extensive and high-quality film and the Seinäjoki Live Music Association, Kauhava, projects have already been completed at Frami Ltd. develops the Rytmikorjaamo Kauhava, providing local residents with area as an innovative environment for Movie City valuable expertise. The new operating en- creative fields.T he objective is to support vironment is hoped to increase the interest entrepreneurship in the fields of rhythmi- The City of Kauhava is actively develop- of film groups and film-making profession- cal music and event production through ing film entrepreneurship.T he goal is to als in the region. I mage: mage: services and networks. At Seinäjoki, event create a nationally prominent operation-

expertise is one of the leading creative al environment for film professionals and S From Cartridge Kari eppo fields.O ver the years, people in the amateurs and to simultaneously improve region have acquired plenty of experience the operating conditions of cultural and Factory to Cultural in organising events. Even larger events tourism companies. Centre are organised flexibly and in the spirit of In the future, the cinema city’s produc- from a national cartridge factory to a cultural centre. A tude of 132 metres above sea level and 100 metres above workmanship. tion services will provide many different Over the years, the Vanha Paukku factory versatile events arena, the Vanha Paukku also offers casual the surrounding plains. At Simpsiö, you can choose from In relation to its size, the Seinäjoki services for the film industry, making a area at Lapua has been transformed passers-by various cultural attractions and new experiences: versatile leisure activities: the area boasts an observation region is the festival factory of Finland. local expertise network a priceless asset. concerts, lectures, year-round theatre programmes and tower, a well-marked nature path and a mountain biking Its events are visited annually by tens or high-quality film premieres. route, a network of fixed control points and the largest even hundreds of thousands of people. Cultural Centre Vanha In addition to this area with its valuable cultural history, multiple-slope centre for downhill skiing in Western Finland. The largest numbers of visitors flock to the Paukku will open as an the City of Lapua is developing the site into a more exten- There is also a restaurant on top. region for the Seinäjoki Tango Festival, the intimate events arena. sive residential area with a cultural centre. The goal of the According to a general land-use planning and develop- Provinssirock music festival, the Vauhtia- townscape plan is to create an attractive, operational and ment programme from 2006, Simpsiö is being developed jot race and rock festival, the Ilmajoki active district that will act as a business card for Lapua and into two areas: Luonto-Simpsiö, with a focus on nature, and Music Festival, the Haku Päällä (Find a a southern gateway to the centre. Aktiviteetti-Simpsiö, with a focus on recreational activities. Partner) matchmaking festival at Kurikka, The goal of the plans is to construct the large, diversified the Midnight Sun Airshow and the Knife Simpsiö Outdoor Resort for as large of a public as possible. and Handcraft Festival at Kauhava. The Simpsiö Outdoor Resort Some of the plans have already been realised: the annual number of visitors to the Seinäjoki Photo: Photo: current cottage accommodation includes a new holiday City Theatre makes it one of Finland’s most Southern Ostrobothnia has more to offer than plains with apartment building, and another is already being planned. L popular theatres. There are also tens of kaupunki apuan a view of Simpsiö Hill near the Lapua city centre at an alti- Simpsiö also boasts a new K50 jumping hill with a plastic thousands of visitors to the fairs, confer- covering for year-round use.

68 69 Ruuhikoski Golf

A Golfer’s Dream Experiences at the PowerPark

Set along the Ostrobothnian river landscape, the The legendary theme park covering an area of over a rich experiences for visitors. Estimates show that in 2010, Ruuhikoski golf course was designed by the well- hundred hectares has become an important tourism resort the PowerPark resort was Finland’s most popular recrea- known golf course architect Robert Trent Jones in Western Finland. The high-quality hotels, restaurants, the tional centre. According to a study by Taloustutkimus Oy, Photo: PowerPark Photo: Jr. His visions of course planning are evident at magical amusement park, horseback trekking, ATV safaris, the Särkänniemi and Linnanmäki amusement parks and

Photo: Photo: Ruuhikoski: players of all levels should be able to cottages, campsite, the largest karting hall in Europe and the Helsinki Zoo in Korkeasaari come in second, third and enjoy their game on the course. Accuracy should the impressive Mika Salo Circuit outdoor kart track provide fourth after PowerPark. R uuhikoski uuhikoski be more important as a criterion for success than for length. G olf

Botniaring Motor Racing Track

Various motor sports experiences are offered at the Botniaring in Jurva, Kurikka. In addition to national competitions, North European NEZ competitions for cir- cuit racing are also organised there. The Botniaring will be developed into an in- The Kalajärvi ternational motor racing track and a national driving instruction centre. The new 4.5-kilometre track will be the longest track in Finland and the first in the country Caravan Park to have an international classification.I n addition to circuit racing, competitions such as FK, rally cross and tractor pulling will be organised in the area. This will The Kalajärvi recreational resort is Fin- enrich the area’s leisure activities and develop it as a tourism resort. land’s most popular campsite at Seinäjoki. Kalajärvi has received national awards from visitors, such as Caravan Resort of the Year three times in a row and Finland’s Most Popular Campsite, by Caravan mag- azine. Kalajärvi is a four-star campsite. Photo: Botniaring Photo:

70 71 This publication was issued as part of the joint marketing project of the Seinäjoki region. Its main partners include Atria Ltd., the South Ostrobothnia’s Cooperative Enterprise, the Etelä-Pohjanmaan Osuuspankki bank, the Hospital District of South Ostrobothnia, Finncomm , Frami Ltd. (formerly the Seinäjoki Technology Centre Ltd.), Ilkka-Yhtymä Ltd., J. Rinta-Jouppi Ltd., Kesas Oy, Vocational Education Centre Sedu, Vocational Adult Education Sedu, Käyttöauto Ltd., Lakea Oy, Peab Ltd., Pohjanmaan Kaluste Ltd., the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences and the University Consortium of Seinäjoki. What is KOMIA?

Seinäjoki, Alavus, Ilmajoki, Jalasjärvi, Kau- hava, Kuortane, Kurikka and Lapua compose the Seinäjoki region. Komia marketing initiative is a joint marketing­ campaign carried out by these munici- palities, public communities and the business life. The goal of the marketing campaign is to increase the awareness and boost the image of the Seinäjoki region by telling stories about the region’s appeal factors and strong development.

The word “KOMIA” is Ostrobothnian dialect and means a little better than what others posses, ­attractive and great. That’s what we are like in the Seinäjoki region!

A BRIGHT FUTURE OF SEINÄJOKI REGION

Published by: KOMIA Seinäjoen kaupunkiseudun yhteismarkkinointi 2011.

Further information: Chairwoman Tuula , the KOMIA marketing group, Marketing Manager, the Seinäjoki Region Business Service Centre, [email protected]

WWW.KOMIAINFO.FI Project management: Place Marketing Ltd./Tuija Alihaanperä and Kari Veijonen Planning and design: Place Marketing Ltd./Pauliina Hartzell, Annukka Hautamäki, Ilkka Vaura and Pauliina Vesterinen.

THE SEINÄJOKI REGION HAS A POPULATION OF 140,000 AND PLENTY OF SOUTH OSTROBOTHNIAN WILL AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT TO BUILD ON. THE HEART OF THE REGION IS SEINÄJOKI, WHICH IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING AREAS IN FINLAND. SEINÄJOKI • ALAVUS • ILMAJOKI • JALASJÄRVI • KAUHAVA • KUORTANE • KURIKKA • LAPUA WHAT IS A BRIGHT FUTURE?

It is always challenging to predict the future. Instead of a crystal ball, this publication describes the BRIGHT FUTURE of the Seinäjoki region, its potential and development. The Seinäjoki region’s transformation has become a success story. A change in attitude made it possible – the key was opening up to success. The Seinäjoki region uses its positive attitude, effective cooperation and entrepreneurial spirit to build its future.