ETELÄ-SAVO - The Heart of Finnish Lakeland

The region of Etelä-Savo is located in the south-east of Finland, just a couple of hours' drive from the large markets of the Finnish capital Helsinki – and the Russian metropolis St. Petersburg, too.

Various other factors are also conducive to business life in Etelä-Savo. These include favourable attitudes and relatively low start up costs. A high-quality infrastructure, variety of leisure activities and unspoilt nature make an enjoyable environment for both business leaders and their employees.

Etelä-Savo is perhaps best known for the great Lake Saimaa with its countless islands. Unspoiled lakeshores stretch for thousands of kilometres. However, there is much more that Etelä -Savo can offer.

Ahlstrom Glassfibre, Andritz, Environics, Exel, Fibrocom, Franke Finland, Mölnlycke Health Care, Saimatec, Savcor and Veisto are just some of Etelä-Savo's many successful businesses, which have become world leaders in their particular fields of expertise.

These companies have specialised in the production of computer components and programmes, environmental technology and a number of specialist products manufactured from new materials. Clients are often located outside Finland.

Livelihoods dependant on wood

The largest part of Etelä-Savo's industrial production is based on forestry and the associated metal industry. Part of the Andritz concern, the Savonlinna Works produces state-of-the-art factory equipment for the pulp and paper industry, its developments blazing the trail on a worldwide level.

The graphics industry is a significant employer, too, and information technology is one of the central focuses of development.

The region's investments in research and product development in the fields of materials, environmental and fibre technologies improve the competitiveness of local businesses and help to link them up with clusters elsewhere in Finland and in other countries.

Our own commercial agency in St. Petersburg

The region of Etelä-Savo has been very active for years in co-operation with St. Petersburg and the region of former Leningrad. These Finnish and Russian regions have cooperation projects for example in the sectors of food industries, environmental technology and business economics. Etelä-Savo has in St. Petersburg its own commercial agency which helps enterprises into the large Russian markets.

Skilled workforce available

Research institutions and other development organisations in the area work in close co-operation with local businesses and offer their services by finding solutions to practical problems. Conditions for economic activity are promoted through various means, including EU financed development programmes.

Polytechnics, university faculties and numerous institutions of vocational education ensure that a skilled and qualified workforce is available for the region's businesses.

Etelä-Savo is a great place to live and work – and make business, too.

Come and find out yourself!
 

Contact information
Regional Council of Etelä-Savo
Hallituskatu 3 A, FIN – 50100 Mikkeli

Tel: + 358 – 15 – 321 130
Fax: +358 – 15 – 321 1359
E-mail: kirjaamo@esavo.fi
Web: www.esavo.fii

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