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Key Competitive Attractions

Seinäjoki is the fastest-growing city in Finland and one of the country’s most thriving business locations. The region is home to 200,000 inhabitants and has achieved over the last ten years a reputation for innovation, helping to attract a high number of internal migrants and investment. In 2010, the largest newspaper in Finland, Helsingin Sanomat, declared Seinäjoki to be the most attractive city in the country.

The region is among the largest commercial centres in Finland, with around 8,500 businesses in operation. As one of the most popular destinations for relocation within Finland, Seinäjoki aspires to an annual population growth of 1.5%. The rate of new jobs created is over twice the national average.

Seinäjoki is a highly industrialised city, with major industries in the fields of food/drink production, aerospace, and ICT. The city has many developments underway, including shopping centres and housing, which promise to provide further incentives for investment. Indeed, as the fastest expanding city in the country, Seinäjoki is enjoying a boom in the construction industry.

The city is also a logistical hub, located at the junction of five railways lines, two main roads, and six highways. It is served by Seinäjoki Airport, which offers regular flights to Helsinki.

Seinäjoki has, according to New European Economy, weathered the financial crisis better than any other town in Finland, becoming a centre for foreign direct investment.

Further information on Seinäjoki as a business location is available here.

Assistance and Support For New Business Investors

Invest in Seinäjoki is the first point of contact for potential investors to Seinäjoki. The development agency coordinates the efforts of the Seinäjoki Region Business Service Centre; the Seinäjoki Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment; and the Seinäjoki Employment and Economic Development Office.

In addition, Frami Ltd provides customers with full-services packages including market surveys and start-up assistance (premises, personnel, and networking). Funding options are available through the Seinäjoki Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment.

More information is available under Funding and Support and under Mr Mayor Dr Jorma Rasinmaki's comments in New European Economy on pages 46 - 49.

Existing Business Base

Seinäjoki is home to several large and a plethora of small companies, testimony to the reputation that the region enjoys with regards to entrepreneurial spirit. There are 8,500 companies already established including: Atria Plc, Juustoportti Ltd, Valio, FoodWest, Tuulikello, Kauhavan Konepaja Ltd, Lapua Chain, Seicon, Minimani Ltd, Urho Viljanmaa Ltd, Eepee, Amfora Ky, Interface Ltd, Alavuden Varjostin, Janita Ltd, Ilkka Group, South Ostrobothnia OP Bank, Seinäjoen Energia Ltd, Thermopolis Ltd, Pohjanmaan Kaluste Ltd, Jokipiin Pellava, Junet, Lennol Ltd, Kankurit, PEAB Oy, Altia Plc, Norbiox Ltd, Ayanda Ltd, MSK Group Ltd, Rautaruukki Ltd, South Ostrobothnia Cooperativa Society, Seinäjoen Käyttöauto Ltd, Luoman Ltd, Metso Power Ltd, ja Nammo Lapua Ltd, Lumikko Ltd, Plantool Ltd, Epec Ltd, Finn-Power Ltd, Pellon Ltd and Sofor Ltd.

For a company directory, please see the following website: SEEK. 

Investment opportunities are available at the Seinäjoki Science Park, the city’s most prominent business location. The park is home to the region’s top educational and research centres, as well as thriving enterprises in ICT, sports equipment, health food, and creative industries. Young entrepreneurs may also benefit from incubator facilities.