Find 2014-2016 by Oulun kauppakamari

2014â€“2016

Life and Business in Oulu Region in Finland

2014–2016 Life and Business in Oulu Region in Finland

FIND 2014–2016

Life and Business in the Oulu Region 2014–2016

Published by the Oulu Chamber of Commerce Address:

Uusikatu 53, FI-90120 Oulu

Telephone: +358 50 5629 933 Email:

firstname.lastname@chamber.fi

Web site:

www.oulu.chamber.fi

Chief Editor Jaakko Okkonen Editing Oulun Viestintätaito Oy Address:

Ojakatu 2, FI-90100 Oulu

Telephone: +358 400 683 257 Email:

firstname.lastname@viestintataito.fi

Web site:

www.viestintataito.fi

Project Manager Armi Lahdenkauppi Layout Marja Sarkkinen Editors Kari Arokylä Armi Lahdenkauppi Hannele Lamusuo and companies’ own articles Translation Translation Agency BSF and companies’ own translations Photos Studio Juha Sarkkinen and company archives Printed by Joutsen Median Painotalo, Oulu Printed on MultiArt Silk produced at Stora Enso Oulu Mill ISSN 1459-7160

FIND 2014–2016

CONTENTS Presenting the Top Companies in the Oulu Region

Pohjois-Suomen Messut – Success Through

Raahe – a Good Place for Your Business

Know-how and Experience

Port of Raahe – Industry´s Logistical Hub

6–7

The Oulu Region, with its Numerous Possibilities,

Rahjan Huolinta – Up-to-date Port Operator

is Unique

Logmer – Logging Technology of the Future

8-9

Oulu – a Metropolis of Healthy Operating Environments

10-11

Oulu Start-up Ecosystem is Reborn

12-13

OuluHealth: at the Heart of Innovation

14-15

VTT – Technology for business

16-17

Technopolis – Growth and Internationalization

18-19

Nokia Solutions and Networks – Sights Set on

20-21

Jot Automation – for Better Smart Productions,

5G Mobile Communications

Proventia Group – Emission Control for Cleaner Air,

Exists Already Today 61

E.T. Listat – Quality Trimming for Builders and Interior Decorators

62-63

Maaselän Kone’s Hakki Pilke Processors are Spreading Around the World

64-65

Northern Scandinavia has Huge Investment Opportunities

Storvik – Business Development Services in Arctic Europe

Mediracer – Point of Care Diagnostics

Nosturiliike Sulkala – Professional in Lifting and Transporting

22-23

Sanmina – Leading Prototype Manufacturing Expert

LTR – High-quality Construction Since 1983

24-25

Anite Finland – Optimizer of Wireless Networks

Hartela-Forum – 70 years of Top-level Expertise

Ii – A Vibrant Municipality

Liminka is Known for Its Birds

26-27

Capricode – Luxury at a Reasonable Price

28-29

Haltian – Wirelessness Brings Productivity

Ericsson – Making a Difference

Boogie Software – The World´s Best Mobile

in Construction

72-73

Pudasjärvi is a Pioneer in Log Construction

Software

in Finland

32-33

Videra – Expert in Video Communication Services

74-75

Ruka-Kuusamo: Where Lapland Begins

34-35

Elektrobit is recognized worldwide for its know-how

76-77

Naturpolis Believes: Well-being Originates

36-37

Betamet – Art of Installation

38-39

Nuottasaari – Unique Factory Milieu Adjacent

from Nature 78

to the City of Oulu 40-41

Stora Enso – A Global Market Rethinker

University of Oulu – Internationally Top-level Research and Education

Oulu Business School – Accredited Business

Arizona Chemical – World’s Market Leader in Pine Chemical Manufacturing

Biocenter Oulu – Bioresearch for Better Health

NabLabs – High-quality Analyses and

International Master´s Degree Programmes

Measurements

in Education Attract Future Experts from All

Maintpartner – Comprehensive Industrial Services

Around the World

Eka Synthomer – Latex Enhances the Properties

Excellence

AkzoNobel – The Best for Pulp Bleaching

Efora – One of Finland’s Largest Maintenance

Sah-Ko’s Unique Raiko Ice Breaker is Capturing

Port of Oulu – Good Service in a New Form

Companies

the World’s Markets

50-51

Honkamajat – Healthy and Ecological Housing Since 1963

52-53

Centre of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research – New Knowledge, New Treatments

of Paper 83

Center for Internet Excellence – Developing the Future Internet

84-85

Oulu University of Applied Sciences: A More Agile University of Applied Sciences

Toimitusjohtajakoulu Spurs Growth and Internationalization

87 88-89

Kymppi Group – A Professional in Insulation and

POHTO – New Channels Require New Know-How Bothnian Arc Will Be Northern Europe’s Most Functionally Unified Border Region

Scaffolding Solutions

Northern Ostrobothnia – a Region of Opportunities

Profiilikeskus – Finnish Rollforming Expertise

Council of Oulu Region – Creating Prerequisites

UKI Arkkitehdit – User-oriented Architecture

Raahepolis – from Real Estate Developer

92-93

Arina, for the benefit of its customer owners

to Business Builder

94-95

Oulu Welcomes Conventions, Events, and Meetings

for Business Development

FIND 2014–2016

Oulu has Plenty of Strengths Veli-Matti Puutio, chairman of the Oulu Chamber of Com-

In addition to these, one big factor must also be men-

merce, watches events and development in the Oulu Region

tioned. Veli-Matti Puutio reminds us that Oulu’s location is

closely. He, if anyone, knows the opportunities that Oulu offers

constantly becoming more advantageous as the focus of the

to both Finnish and foreign companies. He is also well versed

world’s economy shifts northward. This development can also

in the region’s strengths—and its development needs.

be seen and felt in Oulu’s neighboring areas. Huge investments

So, why is it worth operating in Oulu, and why is it worth locating here? Puutio mentions four factors. “This region has an excellent workforce, good travel connections, beautiful nature, and a high quality of life,” he lists.

in industry and the energy and mining sectors are being planned or already being implemented in Northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway. These are all opening entirely new opportunities for companies operating in the Oulu Region.

Excellent workforce Ouluites are splendid workers in many ways. The level of

Center of know-how

competence here is high, but people’s sense of commitment

in mobile technology

and their attitude toward work are also exceptional. Veli-Matti

One of Oulu’s special characteristics is the unusually large

Puutio says he continuously hears praise for how productive

number of professionals in information and communications

the people in Oulu are. The fact that the population in the

technology—especially mobile communications. There is a vast

Oulu Region is unusually young is also significant.

amount of research, product development, and production in

Travel connections from Oulu to other parts of Finland and other countries are excellent. Road, rail, sea, and air traffic connections are all in good shape. Puutio especially wants

mobile communications. “ICT is undergoing quite an upheaval everywhere. This

to mention Oulu Airport, which was recently expanded and

also impacts the Oulu Region. However, it has been seen that

renovated into excellent condition.

major changes create new opportunities. People’s know-how

Oulu offers magnificent natural surroundings only a few

has not gone anywhere. Now it has been applied in new ways

kilometers from the center of town—or to be precise, right in

and in new sectors. Activities and business operations that

the middle of town. And it is only a short drive to the nearest

could not even have been imagined earlier have now been

fell area. Oulu and its surroundings offer unique opportunities

created,” says Veli-Matti Puutio.

for outdoor activities, refreshment, and pursuing hobbies. Beautiful nature and environment are part of the good

the ICT sector here. Oulu is one of the world’s major players in

Oulu has extensive resources in ICT, yet of course they are not unlimited. Indeed, Chairman of the Chamber of Com-

quality of life in Oulu. And life in Oulu is pleasant for other

merce Puutio emphasizes that correct focusing of know-how is

reasons, too: here it is safe to live, there are good services, and

very important from the standpoint of Oulu’s development and

leisure-time activities abound.

competitiveness.

FIND 2014–2016

“This region has an excellent workforce,

The University of Oulu and Oulu University of Applied

good travel connections, beautiful nature,

Sciences are doing their part to create a competitive edge for

and a high quality of life.”

the region and a foundation for the future. Puutio says they are of crucial importance in educating competent workers and creating new jobs and activities that spawn innovations. “The university is opening new visions for working life without compromising its own academic independence,” he says. The fact that Oulu Business School was one of the first Nordic schools of economics to earn international AACSB accreditation speaks of the high quality level of the University of Oulu. Accreditation elevates Oulu Business School among the most recognized players in the world.

Smooth cooperation According to Veli-Matti Puutio, cooperation between business life, research institutes, and educational institutions functions quite well in the Oulu Region. Of course, there is always room for improvement. Opening up a larger portion of public sector activity to competition would be a step forward. This would allow companies to participate in producing services provided by the public sector and would thus create new business opportunities. At the same time it would increase the efficiency of service production. “It would be great to make progress in this area in the Oulu Region. Good examples already exist, but we need more,” Puutio states. He feels development of Oulu’s city center is also promising. Creating a more attractive center is a mutually accepted goal in the city. A vibrant center offers possibilities especially for service sector companies. At the same time it creates the prerequisites for growth in tourism. “In Oulu we are looking ahead 5–10 years into the future. We want to reinforce our position as the capital of Northern Scandinavia,” Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Puutio emphasizes.

Oulu Chamber of Commerce Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Uusikatu 53, FI-90120 Oulu +358 (0)50 562 9933 info.oulu@chamber.fi www.oulu.chamber.fi FIND 2014–2016

The capital of Northern Scandinavia offers operating environments complete with direct connections

Oulu – A Metropolis of Healthy Operating Environments

Oulu has created an ecosystem of innovative operat-

focus on educational standards, which keeps the nation of 5.4

ing environments where the needs of businesses,

million people competitive.” (Reuters December 22, 2013)

effective infrastructure, the internationality provided by direct connections and the well-being of personnel

Export income through innovativeness

all go hand-in-hand. One of the biggest strengths of

The goal of Oulu is to become the best urban region in Finland

the region is its age structure; the average age of the

and Northern Scandinavia for innovative entrepreneurship

youngest population in Finland is just 34.5 years.

and internationalizing business operations. This goal is backed by a new strategy that supports business operations, start-ups,

Oulu has been repeatedly named one of the best innovation

exports and sales, created by BusinessOulu in cooperation

centers in the world. These are significant merits that prove

with companies, universities, and, for example, the innovation

that there is a good reason why Oulu, a region of nearly

centers of the Oulu Innovation Alliance, or IOA.

quarter of a million inhabitants, has come to be known as the Capital of Northern Scandinavia. The city has twice been ranked among the finalists of the

The Oulu region is the most vibrant center in Northern Scandinavia thanks to it being highly networked and active. The region’s globally significant expertise is based on high

ICF smartest community in Europe survey (ICF, New York),

technology education, which ranks among the top of its field.

first in 2012 and again in 2013. Oulu was also rated as one of

The region’s trust in the development and continuity of the

the six best innovation cities (FORTUNE September 14, 2012)

ecosystem is strong.

and one the most promising start-up entrepreneurship cities (CNN September 19, 2012.). What’s more, when the American

Favorable location in an

CNBC television channel evaluated the world’s best technology

environment of growing sectors

cities, it ranked Oulu in fifth place (“TOP 15 Surprising Global

Oulu’s location is excellent now that the substantial natural

Technology Cities in the World”, CNBC October 10, 2012).

resources of the north are being developed. In Northern

Recently, the world’s leading economic news corporation

Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden and northern Finland), there

Thomson Rueters praised the city concept of Oulu: “Oulu’s

are estimated investments of EUR 125 billion currently under-

resilience is in part a national story, the fruits of a determined

way or in the planning stages. These relate to, among others,

FIND 2014–2016

mining operations, infrastructure, nuclear power, the Arctic

Alliance are the Centre for Environment and Energy CEE, the

Corridor railway project, natural gas and tourism.

Center for Internet Excellence CIE, the Research Centre for

Oulu is the most important logistics center in the north

Printed Electronics PrintoCent, the Martti Ahtisaari Institute

in terms of road, rail, sea, and air traffic. Oulu Airport, which

of Global Business and Economics MAI, and the Center for

is the second busiest airport in Finland, serves a million

Health and Technology, CHT.

passengers annually and has the capacity for significant traffic growth. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Erkki

These innovation centers work in close cooperation with the education, research, business and public sectors. OIA’s strength lies in top-class university research (such as software

Tuomioja, recently recognized Oulu in the opening ceremony

engineering, service design, electronics, data security, radio

of BusinessOulu’s Suomi-talo (“Finland House”) in Tromsø,

technologies, material technologies), higher education institu-

Norway: “Oulu has taken an exemplary leadership role in

tions and the Oulu-based expertise of VTT Technical Research

creating contacts across national borders in the region with

Centre of Finland.

Norway, Sweden and Russia. As a result, Oulu has become a true pioneer!” (Tromsø January 21, 2014).

Agile development environments create new kinds of entrepreneurship

OuluHealth, leader of the Health

One of the key aspects of the Oulu city concept is a diverse

of the Future scheme

network of development environments that supports the

OuluHealth is the leading community of the Finnish Innova-

needs of start-up and growth

tive Cities program (INKA) in the major project concerning

companies. The city supports

Oulu’s healthcare and well-being sector. The Health of the

the establishment of new

Future scheme is one of Northern Scandinavia’s most signifi-

companies with the help of

cant objectives for this expertise center of ICT, bio, health

business development services

and well-being service companies, professionals and research

and operating environments

communities.

that constantly monitor

The Hospital of the Future 2030 plan by Oulu University Hospital is in itself an investment target worth EUR 500 mil-

current demand. For example, Oulu

lion. Dozens of promising companies are already operating on

Business Kitchen effectively steers the business expertise

the OuluHealth campus at Kontinkangas. The aim is to attract

of university students and staff and trains them towards

more local and international companies to invest in the area.

entrepreneurship. Meanwhile various business incubators and accelerators

Arctic SmartCity develops housing of the future

provide a good and well-informed framework for productizing

Currently, Oulu is involved in an extensive cooperation

new ideas. This is further supported by local clusters and

program with various companies in order to develop the future

networks.

city district of Hiukkavaara, which will be the largest city

The Oulu region has also established its own venture

district to be built in Oulu and the whole of northern Finland

capital mechanisms that aim to secure quick funding for the

in the coming decades.

growth of new companies. The aim is to also make interna-

The goal is to utilize the expertise of Oulu to create a

tional and national venture capital and business angel networks

sustainable Arctic SmartCity of the future − a user-friendly

available to Oulu-based companies. Company success stories

city district with smart energy efficiency that acts as the center

increase the attractiveness of the region, which results in more

of city life in all four seasons.

investment capital. Oulu has been active in developing an international

OIA turns research findings into business The Oulu Innovation Alliance (IOA) is a unique coopera-

network, especially in Northern Scandinavia and other growth markets. The goal is to make sure that the numerous start-ups

tion concept that strengthens the innovation capacity of the

based in the Oulu region immediately find customers beyond

Oulu region. The expertise centers of the Oulu Innovation

Finland’s borders, thus ensuring strong growth.

FIND 2014–2016

“Valopaa Oy is a Finnish company that develops and manufactures smart LED lighting systems and LED luminaires as well as related technology platforms. Our products provide customers with life cycle benefits through high energy efficiency, a long and reliable lifetime and easy maintenance. Our smart systems and luminaires are well-suited for lighting streets and parks, parking areas and spaces, bridges and pedestrian underpasses as well as gas stations and industrial

Oulu Start-up Ecosystem is Reborn

areas, among others.” www.valopaa.com

“Cajo Technologies manufactures, sells and offers accompanying services for a unique color patterning laser technology. The technology is based on a patented method, which allows imprinting a wide range of patterns on almost any type of material without any additives or colorings. Mobilemarking

The Oulu area is the country’s innovation capital. According

is a pioneer in dyeing and imprinting free patterns like color

to the statistics of the Foundation for Finnish Inventions,

images on stainless steel surfaces.” www.cajo.fi

the Oulu region creates the most innovations per capita in Finland. In addition to private R&D, our universities and the

“FilmMe is a video recording system that films and follows

local Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) are the

its target by automatically zooming. FilmMe Group Oy was

main sources of innovations.

founded by Tapio Koivukangas, Jani Lehto, both ex-Nokia

During the previous ten years, these innovations were

staff, and media personality and entrepreneur Lauri Salovaara.

deployed mostly by large companies. Due to structural change,

FilmMe holds the all-time record number of points scored

nowadays most innovations are deployed by young companies

in the international Technopolis Oyj-organized Money Talks

that are aiming for rapid growth.

investor event, in 2012 in Espoo, Finland. The points awarded

The number of these startups operating in the area is significant. During the previous two to three-year period, we

were 4.53/5.00. FilmMe was nominated for an Innovation Award in Equitana, Germany in March 2013.” www.filmme.tv

have seen over 400 new startups generated by local incubators

and other platforms and programs. Currently most startups

“GIN Ltd develops and manufactures standardized, modular

have a big corporation background but in the future many

and space saving solutions for Point Of Care diagnostics device

will also develop from academic and other research groups.

manufacturing. GIN specialises in disposable microstructure-

The best of these startups are financed by Finnish and

based solutions such as microfluidics and minimally invasive

international venture capital funds and business angels. Hope-

sensors. Liquid handling using our patented GIN EMB™ and

fully, some will develop into the next listed companies and big

GIN PAB™ dispensing pumps is precise and efficient. Our

employers with headquarters and sizeable operations in the

non-contact dispensing pumps handle volumes from 1 nl to

Oulu area.

150 μl. GIN offers contract manufacturing services for diag-

The importance of new innovative growth companies

nostic tests for customers that require high quality and reliable

is significant. As highlighted in the May 2013 study by the

production for their products. We also provide high-precision

Ministry of Employment and the Economy, new workplaces

manufacturing services for medical and dental implants using

are mostly created by very small companies aiming for growth.

Kolibri CNC machine.” www.go-gin.com

FIND 2014–2016

“Haltian provides the easiest way to design, develop and

“Cyberlightning Ltd is a leading 3D Internet company with

launch a high quality wireless product. We offer innovative

vast experience of the Internet of Things and mobile devices.

mobile and sensor technology solutions from handhelds to

Our open standards-based solutions for Smart Cities and

M2M and cloud services. We’re experts in micro-sized mobile

intellectual environments provide a unified controlling and

products, especially power management and seamless HW &

monitoring 3D user interface for various industrial and IT

SW integration. We guarantee the latest insights into technol-

systems. By combining the 3D model with the real-time big

ogy and business at a competitive, controlled cost.”

data and functions, Cyberlightning enables future-proof

www.haltian.com

3D Internet features in mobile devices and the web.” www. cyberlightning.com

“Valkee is a health technology company focused on harnessing the benefits of bright light to the human mind and performance. Based on long-term scientific research and develop-

“Fingersoft provides fun-filled content for mobile device

ment work together with the University of Oulu, Finland,

owners. Fingersoft started its mobile app business at the end

Valkee introduced the world’s first bright light headset in 2010.

of 2011. Together with other popular games and apps, such as

Valkee is clinically proven to alleviate seasonal affective

Hill Climb Racing, Benji Bananas and Fail Hard, Fingersoft

disorder symptoms. The Valkee user base has already grown to

currently gets over 500,000 average daily downloads, totaling

over 45,000 people in more than twenty countries. A stagger-

over 160 million downloads all around the world. Games and

ing 87% of users recommend Valkee to their friends. Valkee

apps are available for Android through Google Play, for iOS

continues their pioneering research and looks forward to

through Apple’s App Store, for Windows 8/RT and Windows

helping more people feel better. With the unique, pocked-sized

Phone 8 through Windows Store, and for Amazon Kindle

Valkee LED headset, bright light treatment is no longer just

devices through the Amazon Appstore.” www.fingersoft.net

a bulky lamp on a desk, but a beautifully designed personal appliance to accompany users wherever they go.”

“Pint Please is a free mobile app for beer lovers. It’s the

www.valkee.com

simplest way to keep track of your favorite beers and get recommendations for new beers to try out. Pint please is also

“In 2009 we founded Aava Mobile with a focus on open

highly social. You can share the best beers and pubs with your

OS smartphones and handhelds. Members of our team have

friends and other beer lovers around the world. Pint Please will

worked for all the Tier 1 Mobile Phone OEMs. In recent years,

be launched in Finland in March 2014 and in the UK during

we have brought our smartphone skills to the purpose-build

the summer of 2014.! www.pintplease.com

tablet and handheld market. Today we offer tablets and handhelds for semi-professional and professional markets. Our offering includes customer-

“Presefy is the easiest and fastest way to show your presenta-

specific tablet and handheld developments as well as Aava

tion to remote and local audiences. Just give them a simple

roadmap products for various vertical markets.

link and they will be able to see your slides in real time while

We work with our partners and customers to address their

you keep control of the show. No downloads or installations

specific needs for vertical market devices.”

are needed, and it works on all devices. Get started today at

www.aavamobile.com/en

presefy.com!”

FIND 2014–2016

OULUHEALTH

OuluHealth: at the Heart of Innovation

Health care is changing

The need for an ecosystem

An aging population, a shortage of healthcare workers and

Providing the highest level of care requires that people become

the skyrocketing cost of medical services are prompting mu-

engaged with the patient and work together and interact in a

nicipalities to develop a more efficient use of communication

meaningful way in an environment that supports personalized

technology to provide better health services. By strategically

care. OuluHealth works towards this innovative environment

combining several related sectors, OuluHealth can facilitate

by facilitating cooperation between health providers such as

close cooperation between professionals in health technology,

Oulu University Hospital, research institutes, the City of Oulu,

boost business development and give citizens greater control of

scientists, industry partners and technology stakeholders.

their health. OuluHealth is a network (ecosystem) of experts from health, natural sciences, information technology, academic

connected health

know-how and business all focusing on one goal; to create an

Like many other cities around the world, Oulu is adopting

innovative health environment and deliver sustainable services

information technology as a way of accessing and sharing

to health companies in the region.

information. Connected health requires collaboration among

While healthcare is often referred to as a singular entity, it

the stakeholders involved in the patient’s health. For instance,

is actually a patchwork of organizations, businesses, hospitals,

good communication and the effective use of technology by

research institutes and disease-specific clinics, each with their

health professionals and patients can make a difference in

own priorities and benefits.

detecting illnesses, improve the quality of care, and facilitate

The problem of fragmentation, an outcome of patients often going from nurse to doctor to laboratory to specialist

Individualized

clinical and consumer decision-making. Oulu’s Health campus, with over 100 private life science

to therapist, is at the root of the skyrocketing cost of medical

companies (SMEs) and about 8400 professionals, is located

services; and despite the good intentions of government,

in Kontinkangas, a suburb 5 km from the city center next to

healthcare workers and service providers, there’s often limited

Highway 4, the major road link between Helsinki and Oulu,

interaction, allowing the patient to easily fall through the net.

and just 15 minutes from Oulu airport.

FIND 2014–2016

Why do we think Oulu is a good place

Collaboration

for health innovation?

Oulu is a member of Eurocities, the Intelligent Community

1. Oulu has a leading function in Finland. In July 2013,

Forum (ICF) and the European Connected Health Alliance

the Ministry of Employment and Economy appointed

(ECHA), a network of European health and wellbeing ecosys-

OuluHealth to lead the Future Health theme in the

tems. As home to one of the main offices of ECHA, Oulu is

national Innovative Cities (INKA) program. Together

guaranteed easy access to the latest information on European

with

development projects as well as participation in international

other cities, OuluHealth will create an action plan

(2014-2020) that aims to facilitate research and innovation

cooperation through, for example, multinational EU projects.

and to improve patient care in Finland. 2. With its ICT competence and workforce (7000 engineers

From best practices to policies

work in the research and development sector), Oulu has the

Oulu Living Urban Lab is a user-centered, open-innovation

potential to develop self‐service technologies that allow

eco system where new technologies are tested in an authentic

people to take greater control of their health.

environment and where people are integrated into the entire

3. The people at OuluHealth are committed to facilitating

development process as users and co-creators. The aim of the

an infrastructure and access for professionals, companies

Oulu Living Urban Lab is to develop user‐centric knowledge

and investors interested in Oulu know-how.

for better appliances and services for inhabitants, as well as to

4. Since 1966, Oulu has been running a health information data base (epidemiological and longitudinal research)

trigger economical growth in the Oulu region. The “OulunOmahoito” online health portal, for instance,

called Cohort 1966. The collected data offer a wealth of

provides the possibility to schedule appointments; it offers

information to researchers, interested in diseases, based

access to health data and laboratory results as well as the

on genetic, biological, social or behavioral risk factors in

opportunity to communicate with health providers such as

northern Finland.

doctors and nurses.

A sustainable northern winter city to create new businesses Hiukkavaara will be the largest development to be built

logies. The goal is to focus on energy-efficient city planning

in the Oulu area and the whole of northern Finland in

and construction that answer the challenges imposed by

the coming decades. Oulu’s new Hiukkavaara district

the extreme conditions of the Arctic.

is an example of how the city can contribute to the

Oulu is also making use of integrative city planning

creation of a sustainable society when sustainability is

practices, where the different interest groups related to the

set as a goal from the get-go.

development process and construction of the district are

Located near the old garrison area, Hiukkavaara will offer

given the chance to participate in planning right from the

20,000 homes to new residents, while the new Hiukkavaara

beginning.

center will offer services to some 40,000 Oulu residents living in nearby areas. Hiukkavaara is a sustainable northern winter com-

Capital of Northern Scandinavia In summary, Oulu is a first-rate operating environment for

munity – a district that is user-oriented, intelligently energy-

companies. The city has developed a multifaceted and

efficient and serves as a center for urban life throughout all

extensive ecosystem that offers a strong basis for compa-

four seasons.

nies’ growth and development. The goal is to develop Hiukkavaara into an international-level exhibit of competence

Arctic Smart City utilizes ICT technologies

in Oulu, a piloting environment for new businesses and a

The Hiukkavaara Living Lab, an urban environment that

development environment for ICT, systems and business.

promotes innovation, is being developed in accordance

Oulu is also operating in the theme of Smart City and

with the Arctic Smart City theme. Another major theme is

Renewable Industry in the national Innovative Cities (INKA)

the construction of a smart city that utilizes ICT techno-

program.

FIND 2014–2016

VTT - Technology for business

VTT provides a full range of business services that clients leverage to accelerate development and gain a competitive edge. These include technology and market forecasts, rapid prototyping, product and service development, small scale production, as well as licensing and intellectual property rights opportunities.

ICT as an enabler

contribute to the global future only by being the home to

The focus of ICT involves research into the production,

world-class industry.

delivery and utilization of digital information. The key

VTT’s spearhead programme ‘Productivity Leap with

challenge for the future is the wider adoption of the best

Internet of Things’ (Pro-IoT) seeks to capture the opportuni-

practises of different businesses and industries, also known as

ties presented by the Internet of Things as a powerful enabler

digital convergence, due

of productivity gains. Target areas of the programme are

to the digitalization of

Global Asset Management and Smart Lighting including also

everything. Not only does

deep work on enabling technologies such as IoT connectivity

it improve the efficiency

or service discovery.

of existing businesses, but it also allows for the

Key challenges of electronics for the future

emergence of completely

Research in electronics is changing in many ways. The manu-

new ones.

facturing electronics industry has significant opportunities in

The technical chal-

Finland in other sectors of industry besides the manufacturing

lenges comprise usability and user-interfaces, information

of mobile phones. The manufacturing of MEMS sensors, for

security, high capacity wireless broadband with energy

example, is believed to continue to be a strongly growing field

efficiency, diversification in computing platforms, and software

that has several areas of application and markets. Rapidly

production efficiency for new digital services. The application

growing segments can be found in many vertically integrated

areas include telecom industry, machinery, energy production,

applications, in which new component technologies are used

traffic & logistics and health & wellness.

to manufacture new instruments, for example. Growing areas of application for electronics are found in sensors for

Internet of Things

consumer devices, measuring devices for the process industry,

Increased productivity is vital to the future of Finland and

environmental applications, the traffic and transport sector,

Europe. We can sustain the western living standards and

health care and industry.

FIND 2014–2016

Our key competences in the Oulu area

Advanced radio systems towards 5G

Optical measurements

Implementing advanced radio systems, like LTE and cognitive

VTT’s optical measurement systems consist of solutions based

radio, requires special skills and years of experience. VTT has

on spectroscopy and machine vision technologies. Our optical

over 20 years of experience and draws upon a broad global

analysers and methods are currently in use in very demanding

network of resources. We also play an active role in major

industrial applications. VTT has also a long tradition of

regulatory bodies and standardisation organisations. Our

camera technology and machine vision-related measurement

competencies include cognitive radio technology research,

systems, which are used in high-speed industrial applications.

prototyping and licensing, radio system modelling and implementation and also LTE, 4G and Wi-Fi testing services. With

eHealth

our solutions you get your products and services to market

VTT is a strong contributor to recent developments in

more quickly.

eHealth, the application of ICT for healthcare delivery and personal health management. The provision of useful, motivat-

Printed intelligence

ing and secure electronic services for citizens is predicated

Over 100 experienced experts work at VTT’s internationally

on the interoperability of different health related devices and

renowned innovation centre on printed intelligence and

services. eHealth services can support health professionals

unique roll-to-roll processing. VTT delivers great value

in the health coaching of their customers or services can be

to customers through its advanced application know-how,

designed straight forward to citizens. Future eHealth services

partner networks, streamlined processes, first-class facilities,

contain automated features in data collection, personal health

and high quality rolls, among other things. Our ultimate vision

profiling, health behaviour change support, intervention

is to employ printing processes to create easy-to-use and cost-

recommendation and feedback generation.

effective products for sensing, light-emitting surfaces, energy foils, optical films and electrical circuits.

Our highly skilled and motivated staff are looking forward to serving you.

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is a globally networked multitechnological applied research organization. VTT provides high-end technology solutions and innovation services. We enhance our customers’ competitiveness, thereby creating prerequisites for society’s sustainable development, employment, and well-being. www.vtt.fi

FIND 2014–2016

Growth and Internationalization

Technopolis Plc has campuses abroad in St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Oslo. Technopolis’ premises in the center of Oulu in the photo.

Technopolis’ growth and internationalization have accelerated

Space and services

more than ever in recent years. At the same time the company

Technopolis’ operating idea is to offer its customers space and

has become an even stronger background player in the success

services that promote success. The flexible space is modifiable

of its customer companies and organizations. Technopolis

and of high quality, and the services are well-rounded and

offers its customers a stable foundation which allows them to

bring added value to the customers. The customers are able to

improve their competitiveness and expand their operations to

concentrate on their own core business and leave many issues

new locations.

related to space and office routines in the care of Technopolis.

Marko Lind, director of Technopolis’ business operations in Oulu, emphasizes that expansion of the company’s opera-

Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, and

tions directly benefits its customers.

Lappeenranta. Technopolis has campuses abroad in St. Peters-

“We are truly able to facilitate our customers’ internationalization and expansion of operations to new locations. It is much easier for them to go to new locations and enter new

burg, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Oslo. The company currently has altogether twenty-one campuses in twelve cities. The campuses in Vilnius and Oslo were acquired by

markets when we are already there. Technopolis provides local

Technopolis in 2013—and the company’s advance surely will

specialist assistance in many types of matters. We are also able

not stop there.

to open doors which otherwise might have remained closed,” he describes.

The company’s Finnish campuses are located in Oulu,

FIND 2014–2016

“We have defined our expansion policy to include the Baltic Sea area and Scandinavia. The next potential countries

“We currently have as our customers about 1,500 companies and other organizations which employ a total of around 32,000 people,” says Marko Lind, director of Technopolis’ business operations in Oulu.

could include Latvia, Sweden, and Denmark. We are especially interested in office campuses over 40,000 m2 with good locations. This is the minimum size we need to make our service concept function efficiently,” says Lind.

Responsibility for the Broad customer base

environment emphasized

In all, Technopolis currently has as its customers about 1,500

Attending to its environmental responsibility has become an

companies and other organizations which employ a total of

increasingly important part of Technopolis’ operation. Accord-

around 32,000 people. The company seeks a customer struc-

ing to Marko Lind, also customers pay more attention to envi-

ture that is decentralized geographically and spread among

ronmental issues—both their own and those of Technopolis.

many sectors. Indeed, according to Marko Lind, Technopolis’

“Our clear goal is to reduce our energy and water

customers include, in addition to companies, also universities,

consumption and decrease the amount of carbon dioxide

colleges, research institutes, and various public organizations.

emissions and unsorted waste we produce,” he lists.

“A well-rounded customer portfolio is very important to

Implementation of environmental responsibility requires

us. Earlier, most of our customers were companies in the infor-

practical measures. Technopolis conducts energy audits at

mation and communication technology or electronics sectors,

its campuses, renews its energy certificates, and develops its

but now the range of sectors is much broader. Of course,

waste management. The electricity consumed by the company’s

a large proportion of our customers comprise companies

Finnish campuses is entirely produced by renewable energy

involved in high levels of refinement value and competence,”

sources. Meeting rooms have energy-efficient lighting and

he explains.

carbon dioxide regulation in the ventilation system. Video-

Our customers include companies in all phases of their

conferencing services and Business Lounge workspace at the

life cycle—start-up companies, those that have reached a phase

campuses save time, money, and environmental loading caused

of robust growth, and mature companies that already have an

by travel.

established position. “Common to all segments is the need to form networks

Technopolis requires cafeterias operating at its campuses and partners responsible for cleaning and property manage-

in their operating environment. Therefore, we arrange about

ment to have environmental and quality plans. Cleaning is

a hundred different events a year for this purpose at our

done with eco-labeled products where possible, and a fully

campuses,” Marko Lind says.

waterless cleaning option is also offered. Some campuses also

Director Lind emphasizes that Technopolis also wants to

have car rental and charging stations for electric vehicles.

react quickly to changes in its environment. A good example of

“The more international our operation is, the more sig-

this is Oulu, where the ICT industry has gone through a major

nificant environmental issues become. Large global companies

structural upheaval.

may ask right at the beginning of negotiations how we have

“We have responded to this by operating even more flexibly and innovatively. We have diversified our customer base

taken care of our environmental responsibility,” says director Lind.

and tailored our products and services. In addition, we are participating in many development projects with the purpose of enhancing the progress of the Oulu region,” he notes.

TECHNOPOLIS Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Elektroniikkatie 8, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland +358 46 712 0000 info@technopolis.fi www.technopolis.fi FIND 2014–2016

NSN (Nokia Solutions and Networks)

Sights Set on 5G Mobile Communications The fourth generation of mobile communications— 4G—is

NSN is a global company whose customers are operators

rapidly dominating the market. The rapid building of 4G

all over the world. In 2013 the company employed around

networks is keeping NSN’s (Nokia Solutions and Networks)

49,000 people and its net sales during the same year was about

Oulu campus busy. The campus develops and manufactures

€11.3 billion euros.

base stations needed in wireless networks for its customers around the world. Despite today’s hurries, NSN Oulu also has its sights set much further ahead—to the year 2020 and the fifth generation

Juhani Helakari, head of NSN Oulu technology center, summarizes the company’s strategy in three words: focus, innovation, and quality. “Focus means concentrating on mobile broadband.

of mobile communications—5G. The company’s goal is no

Essential in innovation—in addition to development of new

more or less than to be right at the forefront of 5G as the

things—is that the work is done with an eye on our customers’

developer and manufacturer of the best products and the pilot

needs and in collaboration with them. Emphasis on quality

of new applications and business models.

means zero tolerance with respect to faults and doing everything exactly as agreed,” he explains.

FIND 2014–2016

Global technology center NSN Oulu is one of the company’s global technology centers. Oulu is responsible for radio technology research and design. In addition, NSN has a base station factory in Oulu. “The factory primarily has NPI (new product introduction) responsibilities, meaning that it is situated between R&D and volume production. The Oulu factory produces new products first, and fine-tunes the products’ manufacturability so they can be moved to volume production in other factories,” Helakari explains. Of course, if necessary, the Oulu factory also participates in actual volume production. NSN Oulu currently employs about 2,300 people, of whom 1,200 are in R&D, 950 are in production, and 150 are involved in other tasks. Over the years the number of employees has

Once again, higher data transmission speeds

gradually increased, and Helakari believes this trend will

But what does 5G really mean and what does it bring with it?

continue.

Juhani Helakari is the right person to provide the answer. He reminds us that every new generation in mobile com-

“We continuously need people with international and multicultural orientation who have good language skills, are

munications has meant, above all, higher data transmission

able to network, are quick to adopt changes, and are creative,”

rates. This is also true for 5G. 5G will make it possible for each

he lists.

and every mobile network customer—any consumer—to use one gigabyte of data per day. “In practice this means a thousand fold amount of data compared with the present,” he compares. This again means the consumer can, for example, view two

Oulu is a good operating environment Technology Center Head Juhani Helakari is very satisfied with the Oulu Region as an operating environment for NSN. He reminds us that Oulu has one of the world’s most active

hours of streamed video, download 200 music performances,

concentrations of start-up companies and is a world-class

post 4,000 Facebook images, or send and receive 50,000 email

player in wireless technology research—including

messages during the course of one day with a mobile device.

5G. The region has over 2000

Specifically, the use of videos is expected to be so common

engineers in this sector.

in the future that much higher performance levels will be required of mobile networks. 5G will not be created nor will it flood the market in one

What’s more, Oulu-based companies have robust experience in manufacturing products based on

blow. Instead, it will be a question of gradual evolvement

wireless technology and in serving

toward the new generation and the services it will enable.

demanding customers.

Neither will 5G be only one uniform technology—it will merge several different technologies. Juhani Helakari emphasizes that 5G will bring with it very

“The ecosystem in Oulu forms an exceptional base for NSN’s operation,” Helakari notes.

large challenges to everyone involved in the value chain of wireless data. For example, operators will have to figure out how to design their networks and services so that their operation will be profitable in the 5G environment.

NSN / Oulu Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Kaapelitie 4, FI-90620 Oulu +358 (0)400 682 574 juhani.helakari@nsn.com www.nsn.com FIND 2014–2016

POINT OF CARE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

Sustainable Development Means Well-being, Responsibility and Care Growth requires sustainable development and responsibil-

For better smart products

ity for the environment. That was the initial thought of

JOT Automation develops test and production solutions for

entrepreneur Veikko Lesonen, when he founded Head Invest

smart products, components and electronics.

in Oulu in 2000. For Head Invest and its companies, Veikko’s

The airbags in your car or the blood glucose meter you use

philosophy means responsible investments of resources in new

may have been assembled and tested by JOT’s robots. Since

environmental technologies. Now and in the future.

JOT’s founding in 1988, billions of mobile phones have been

The company is owned by its founder Veikko Lesonen and his family. It operates as the parent company of a diversified

manufactured with the help of JOT solutions. Today JOT employs over 400 people and has grown from a

group. Its business areas cover industrial manufacturing in

garage-sized startup into a global partner for several industry-

JOT’s automation, Proventia’s environmental, and Mediracer’s

leading companies including telecom, automotive and life

healthcare technologies. With its technological expertise,

science industries.

Head Invest is on a mission to promote the well-being of the environment and people.

Jot Automation Ltd. Elektroniikkatie 17, 90590 Oulu Tel: +358 10 301 5000 info@jotautomation.com www.jotautomation.com

FIND 2014–2016

Emission control for cleaner air

Point of Care diagnostics

Proventia Group provides complete customized emission

Mediracer’s mission is to provide cost-effective and reliable

control solutions for machines and vehicles in OEM and

ICT-based solutions for diagnosing common diseases more

retrofitting markets.

quickly, in other words, helping patients to get correct treat-

Proventia’s core competences are in PM (particulate matter) and NOx (nitrogen oxide) reducing technologies. They are

ment at the right time. Mediracer’s current focus is on developing the Point of

innovatively combined with in-house

Care (POC) diagnostic testing equip-

product development, engineering,

ment for diseases of the peripheral

design and test services. Over 60,000

nervous system. Over the next few

Proventia systems are in use in over 50

years, the POC product family will

countries worldwide.

have numerous new products.

Smart tailoring the Proventia way

The core idea in Mediracer’s

means applying available technologies

product concepts is to make expert

and product concepts to your engines

services easily available to individual

and machines, and designing and

healthcare units throughout the world

engineering emission control systems

– by creating the “mobile phones” of the

that fit your applications perfectly.

healthcare industry.

Proventia Group

Mediracer Ltd.

Tietotie 1, 90460 Oulunsalo Tel. +358 20 781 0200 sales@proventia.com www.proventia.com

Elektroniikkatie 3, 90590 Oulu Tel: +358 45 899 2626 info@mediracer.com www.mediracer.com FIND 2014–2016

Sanmina, Haukipudas:

Leading Prototype Manufacturing Expert

Sanmina Haukipudas is Finlandâ€™s only tier one global IMS [Integrated Manufacturing Service] provider.

FIND 2014â€“2016

Sanmina makes some of the most complex and innovative optical, electronic, and mechanical products in the world.

Sanmina makes some of the most complex and innovative

“We also manufacture products for the medical industry,

optical, electronic, and mechanical products in the world. As

wellness technology, and equipment for emergency response,”

one of Sanmina’s 75 facilities, the Haukipudas, Oulu facility

says Kylmänen. “In all of these sectors, Sanmina has expertise

specializes in high-technology product design, manufacturing,

in other facilities all over the world.”

and New Product Introduction (NPI) for a wide variety of

Oulu has a long-standing reputation as a region with

products including complex telecommunications, medical,

robust technological expertise. “Thanks to our history in elec-

industrial, and LED lighting products. With approximately

tronics manufacturing and the low turnover rate among our

200 employees and a wide range of experience, Sanmina

employees, we are a strong, competent player in this sector.”

Haukipudas, Oulu can provide services beyond Scandinavia, and extend to the rest of Europe. “We partner with customers on high technology prototyp-

Quality is also guaranteed by the plant’s many certifications: ISO 9001:2008, TL9000 Ver. 4.0, ISO 14001:2004, ANSI/ESD S20.20 Compliance, AQAP 2120, and 13485-2003.

ing, test equipment development, and product launch, all tailored to our customer’s needs,” says Eeva-Liisa Kylmänen,

Efficient and flexible

Sanmina Haukipudas’ Plant Manager. “Since we are also

customer deliveries

Finland’s only tier one global IMS [Integrated Manufacturing

Sanmina has facilities located in all major regions throughout

Service] provider, customers benefit from a comprehensive

the world. Customers benefit from product development and

global footprint and integrated supply chain services.”

NPI services close to their own facilities, while Sanmina’s

The manufacturing process is designed and implemented

global footprint of 75 facilities extends their global reach.

as a complete, end-to-end solution tailored for each customer.

“Sanmina’s centralized material purchasing system and global

The facility has the unique advantage of Sanmina’s global

purchasing channels help our customers with establishing a

footprint, ensuring the flexible and cost-effective transfer of

truly global supply chain and reducing product costs,” says

products to our customer’s operating environment anywhere

Kylmänen.

in the world.

Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior

Versatile contract manufacturer

quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers

“Sanmina has invested several million Euros in equipment

(OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense

and facility upgrades, ensuring our facility is capable of

and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical,

designing and manufacturing products with state-of-the-art

multimedia, computing and storage, automotive, and clean

component technology. Our facility has new clean rooms that

technology sectors.

enable optical assembly. We have a wide range of equipment

For more information, visit http://www.sanmina.com.

employing both the latest technology, as well as equipment that provides end-of-life and after-sales production for more mature products”, says Kylmänen. The facility began operation in 2001 as a telecommunications contract manufacturer. Since then, the staff ’s expertise has expanded and diversified.

Sanmina EMS Haukipudas Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Teollisuustie 1, FI-90830 Haukipudas, Finland +358 (0)20 770 0100 firstname.lastname@sanmina.com www.sanmina.com FIND 2014–2016

Anite Finland Ltd

Optimizer of Wireless Networks

Managing Director Petri Toljamo (left) and Chief Technology Officer Kai Ojala (right).

The surge in wireless communication shows no signs of fading

Strong engineering competence

out—if anything, just the opposite! Networks, services, and

Petri Toljamo describes Anite in a positive sense as a highly

terminals are developing at an accelerating pace. At the same

engineer-led company. Its success is based on strong engi-

time customers’ demands are increasing: more and more is

neering competence that guarantees the quality, reliability,

required from network equipment manufacturers, network

cost-efficiency, and innovativeness of Nemo products, which

operators, and service providers.

comprise hardware and software.

The Anite Network Testing business unit, headquartered

“Nemo products are used to measure the quality of

in Oulu, provides solutions that facilitate response to these

audio, video, and data transmitted on wireless networks. They

demands.

help customers test, optimize, benchmark, and monitor the

“Our Nemo products are reliable, innovative tools for mobile network testing. They enable optimization of wireless networks and services and improve the customer experience,” Anite’s Managing Director Petri Toljamo describes.

performance of wireless networks regardless of the technology they employ,” he says. In addition to testing mobile networks, Nemo products are also used to measure WLAN as well as TETRA networks used by regulatory bodies.

FIND 2014–2016

Anite has a strong position in the wireless network testing market. The company’s customers include hundreds of operators, network equipment manufacturers, and regulatory bodies in over a hundred countries.

“Indoor testing has become increasingly important.

Strong market position

Customers want to verify the operation of wireless services and

Anite has succeeded in achieving a strong position in the wire-

networks precisely in locations they are used most,” Toljamo

less network testing market. According to Marketing Director

notes.

Jari Keskimaula, the company’s customers currently include more than four hundred operators, network equipment manu-

Optimization and problem solving Toljamo gives a few examples of places where Nemo solutions are used: Operators utilize Nemo products for continuous optimiza-

facturers, and regulatory bodies in over a hundred countries. Keskimaula emphasizes that the sector’s market area is global. Over 95% of Anite’s customers are outside of Finland. Despite the fact that the company is led by engineers—or

tion and fine-tuning of their networks and to resolve various

perhaps precisely because of that—Anite also invests

types of problems. The solutions are suitable for all phases

considerably in marketing.

of the network’s life cycle. Operators can also use them to

“We have almost twenty sales offices in different countries.

monitor network performance and quality from the end users’

In addition, our products are sold by approximately fifty retail-

perspective.

ers around the world. Our management and product develop-

“We provide ‘quality of experience’ measurements, which

ment are in Finnish hands, but it is important that sales and

target exactly the services that customers use—for example,

product support are managed locally, close to the customer,”

how well YouTube videos run or Facebook works, or the

Keskimaula emphasizes.

quality of Skype calls,” he explains. Nemo products also facilitate validation and construc-

Independent business operation

tion of networks that combine older and newer generation

Anite Finland Ltd is part of the British Anite Plc Group, which

technologies. According to Managing Director Toljamo, Nemo

is listed on the London stock exchange. In addition to wireless

solutions can be used to test all new wireless technologies and

network testing specialist Anite Finland, the Group also

services.

includes Anite Telecoms, which specializes in wireless handset

Just recently—in December 2013—Anite was able to verify that the highest data transfer rate on TeliaSonera’s commercial 4G network (LTE Cat 4) is 144 megabits per second. The test

testing, and Anite Travel, which offers software solutions for the travel industry. “Our business operation here is completely independent.

indicated that the maximum transfer rates can effectively be

Anite Plc is a very understanding and financially sound

reached on the network and that it is possible to measure them

owner,” says Managing Director Toljamo.

with Nemo tools. To succeed, these types of measurements also place major demands on the test equipment.

Anite Finland Ltd Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Yrttipellontie 10, FI-90230 Oulu, Finland +358 (0)50 395 7700 nemo@anite.com www.anite.com/nemo FIND 2014–2016

Luxury at a Reasonable Price

Capricode Oy offers high-quality software solutions for secure use and management of smartphones and tablets. Capricode’s main product is available as a cloud service or is installed in the company’s own premises. “We are entirely European—a Finnish company. Capricode has one hundred percent ownership of its product rights. Thanks to our own software architecture, we are able to provide quality services very cost-effectively,” Capricode’s chairman of the board Jonny Kaarlenkaski summarizes. Security is a significant factor in Capricode’s device management. “We have a technically sound product that is easy to manage and maintain on all mobile platforms and in all operating systems. We create a security policy for BYOD/ CYOD (bring your own device or choose your own device) phones and tablets with which all devices can be remotely managed from one central location according to the mobile strategy defined by the customer.”

FIND 2014–2016

A pioneer in mobile device security and usage policy, Capricode has spread from Oulu to all the Scandinavian countries, Germanspeaking European countries, Africa, Singapore, and Japan. Chairman of the board Jonny Kaarlenkaski is in the photo.

Both the company and individual users can be sure

Minimize effort, maximize benefits with SyncShield Trusted partner, T no empty promises

that no one else has access to data contained in the devices. The efficiency and ease of working without compromising information security is improved. Users get all the settings

European solution, strongly patented (+20) technology

and software they need on their own smartphones or tablets automatically from the mobile network. They also receive help in error situations. Having long been a pioneer in mobile device security and

Chosen by the leading operators in Nordics: TeliaSonera, TELE2, Elisa

usage policy, Capricode is a member of FISC (Finland Information Security Cluster). Capricode also offers companies ramp-up projects and user training, if necessary.

Capricode has over 10 years of experience in mobile device management technology

Connectible to one’s own product The integration feature brings added value to, for example, mobile application and security software manufacturers, as the OEM+SDK (original equipment manufacturer + software devel-

Competitive pricing for every service package

opment kit) component introduced by Capricode can also be easily used via other user interfaces. Information flow between systems happens automatically and software applications are able to communicate with mobile devices.

Linux-based architecture enables easy and fast implementation of device management without any hardware investments, scalability is excellent

“For example, our OEM product gives automobile manufacturers excellent opportunities to improve their online information systems.” Capricode’s strength lies in the fact that all software code is owned by Capricode and protected by numerous international patents.

No hidden costs, version updates are included in license prices

Around the world through partnerships Established in 2002, Capricode is a top expert in the MDM (mobile device management) sector. The company played a

Easily integrated to 3rd party systems (SDK)

part in the telecommunications achievements of Oulu’s Nokia during the peak years. After that the company has evolved into a strong player in the mobile sector.

Customer-oriented poduct development – ”we listen and cooperate”

From Oulu Capricode has spread through its network of partners to all the Scandinavian countries, German-speaking European countries, Africa, Singapore, and Japan. “We already have a strong persence in Scandinavia. We have begun operations in Asia. Now we are targeting the European markets. Our partners provide sales assistance and function as a product distribution network.”

Capricode Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Yrttipellontie 10, FI-90230 Oulu +358 (0)40 301 2300 firstname.lastname@capricode.com www.capricode.com FIND 2014–2016

Wirelessness Brings Productivity

Wireless technology is now rapidly spreading to sectors where

operational efficiency of different segments in the ICT sector

it was previously used very little or not at all. The velocity of

and companies in the basic industries. The company was

the technology’s adoption is no surprise since wirelessness

founded as recently as 2012, but it already has robust experi-

often brings a decisive amount of advantages. First and fore-

ence behind it. Haltian’s CEO Pasi Leipälä points out that

most, it is able to lift a company’s productivity to an entirely

all of the company’s founding shareholders are former Nokia

new level.

employees.

Contract designer Haltian Ltd, based in Oulu, knows exactly how wireless technology can be used to boost the

FIND 2014–2016

“We are transferring our know-how in wireless technology we accumulated at Nokia to our client companies operating

Haltian is one of the Oulu Region’s fastest growing companies in terms of turnover and number of employees. The company knows exactly how wireless technology can be used to boost the operational efficiency of different segments in the ICT sector and companies in the basic industries.

in different fields. This is the basic idea of our company, and I dare say we are excellent at what we do. We have succeeded in putting together a very good team,” he reports. Haltian specializes in mechanics, electronics, and software design. If required, the company can even design a complete electronic device for its customer, with necessary software and cloud services included. “We work primarily for large international companies operating in different fields. Many of them operate in the ICT industry, but there are also some based in more traditional sectors. There are no mobile phones on our job list. Most of our operation is focused abroad, particularly in the USA and Central Europe,” he explains. Haltian not only offers contract design for its customers, it also develops its own products. According to Pasi Leipälä, their commercialization is gradually picking up speed. The development work has centered on building a tracking and monitoring system for logistics use such as highly valuable cargo. Haltian has forged ahead right from the day it was founded. It is one of the Oulu Region’s fastest growing companies in terms of turnover and number of employees. Even Leipälä himself concedes to have been surprised by the strength of their progress. “Of course we’ll also try to keep this pace in the future. I believe our growth and profitability will continue from here on as well,” he says. CEO Leipälä is able to list a few core reasons for the company’s success: a competent team, a suitable market niche, plenty of hard work—and of course, good luck.

Haltian Ltd Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Yrttipellontie 1 D, FI-90230 Oulu +358 (0)40 543 4579 info@haltian.com www.haltian.com FIND 2014–2016

Making a Difference

At Ericsson we use innovation to empower people, business

collaborate and share. We call this new emerging society—of

and society. We envisage a Networked Society that is sustain-

which we have only seen the beginning—the Networked

able, and where everything that can benefit from a connection

Society.

will have one. Our mobile and fixed networks, multimedia solutions and telecom services make a real difference to

A leading ICT player

people’s lives, and the world we live in.

Ericsson is a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and services to mobile and fixed network operators.

A connected world

Our portfolio also includes products for the enterprise, cable,

is just the beginning

mobile platform and power module markets. We are one of the

Mobile and digital technologies are expanding into more and

few companies worldwide that can offer end-to-end solutions

more areas of society, business and private life. This develop-

for all major mobile communication standards. Our networks,

ment comes with opportunities for fundamental innovation.

telecom services and multimedia solutions make it easier for

New forms of communication will emerge and the arising

people, across the world, to communicate. Over 1,000 net-

business opportunities are endless and will span across all

works in more than 180 countries use our network equipment,

societies, organizations and individuals. It will change how

and more than 40 percent of the world’s mobile traffic passes

businesses are organized, as well as how we organize work,

through Ericsson networks.

www.ericsson.com

FIND 2014–2016

The World’s Best Mobile Software Boogie Software is a company that enjoys challenges. The more demanding a customer or difficult a project, the more enthusiastic Boogie is. And why not be enthusiastic—the company has attracted the cream of mobile software creators under one roof. CEO Jari Silaste says straight out that the company employs a very select group of people. “We have people here who used to create mobile applications and services for smartphones—already before the rest of the world knew such technology even existed,” he explains. With offices in Oulu and Helsinki, Boogie builds mobile systems or their components for its customers. Systems are

“We build mobile systems or their components for our customers. Systems are comprised of various terminals and cloud servers,” CEO Jari Silaste explains.

comprised of various terminals and cloud servers. Usually the technology platform is an iPhone or Android phone or a tablet. Boogie also provides consultant and specialist services for its customers. Boogie’s customers are primarily leading global companies

Boogie was founded in 2006 when a group of top professionals from several software companies united. “It quickly became clear that our level of competence

in the information security, finance, well-being, mobile

would be uniquely strong. This has allowed us to have super

marketing, and game sectors. The company also makes a few

simple internal systems and an atmosphere of trust without

products of its own, typically pushing the borders of new

bureaucratic structures. In the end, the possibility for everyone

technologies.

to own shares ensures mutual motivation,” CEO Silaste

There’s no end in sight for Boogie’s work, as mobile solutions are continuously penetrating new sectors. Development

explains. Silaste says that from the philosophical point of view

is driven by the increase in productivity that these solutions

Boogie’s people are reminded that work is not the most

enable. Boogie’s project manager and partner Miikka

important thing in life.

Pakkanen reminds us that the rapid progress in terminals, technology, and people’s habits of using things creates

“But it is great to watch top professionals sparring with each other to build something unique,” he smiles.

openings for applications previously unheard of. “Mobility is still in its infancy. For example, it is going to enable much larger business in the entertainment industry. Many exciting things are still ahead,” he summarizes.

Boogie Software Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Kasarmintie 15, FI-90130 Oulu +358 (0)40 501 2980 sales@boogiesoftware.com www.boogiesoftware.com FIND 2014–2016

Video Communication Services for Many Applications

FIND 2014â€“2016

Participate in a meeting without traveling to the location. Meet

More and more, people attend videoconferences instead

with a bank consultant while sitting at home. As a salesperson,

of gathering for traditional meetings. This saves time, money,

influence your customers’ purchasing decisions. Modern

and the environment. Meeting via video also makes work more

video communication offers countless possibilities to improve

efficient and flexible. Videra’s videoconferencing services are

contacts, increase customer satisfaction, and make activities

used in over a hundred countries. The company’s customer

more efficient and flexible.

base includes many kinds of firms and organizations of all

Specializing in video communication services, Videra of Oulu began its operation twenty years ago. Originally the

sizes—among the most well-known are Ikea and the UN. “Our biggest customers may have several videoconfer-

company was highly oriented toward technology and concen-

ence studios. Yet, more important is the fact that in a large

trated on videoconferencing equipment. Since then Videra

company, thousands of people may use the system via their

has refined its mode of operation significantly. Today it offers

computer,” Martinmäki notes.

its customers high-quality video communication services for

Various types of video-based services are also becoming more popular at an accelerating pace. Banks, for example,

many different applications. Videra’s managing director Harri Martinmäki emphasizes that this was a major strategic change. “Customers do not buy servers or other hardware from us—they purchase services. We give our customers a promise

have started to utilize them. Customers no longer need to go to the bank office, as they can be in personal contact via video—thereby saving time and effort. Videra’s digital signage is a service intended especially

regarding our service, and we also keep this promise. Our

as a tool for retail trade. Large signs placed in stores have a

customers can concentrate on taking care of their own busi-

definite impact on customers’ purchasing decisions and also

ness,” he states.

allow stores to react quickly to changing circumstances. It has

Videra’s video communication services consist of

also been proved that digital signage increases sales. Videra

videoconferences, video-based customer services, and digital

has developed advanced methods for studying the impact of

signage.

signage. Videra is an independent subsidiary of Elisa Plc and is in charge of the group’s visual communication solutions. ManagVidera’s video communication services consist of videoconferences, videobased customer services, and digital signage.

ing director Martinmäki looks at the future with confidence. He says there really is no limit in sight for the growth of video communication.

Videra Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Elektroniikkatie 2 B, FI-90590 Oulu +358 (0)10 322 6200 sales@videra.com www.videra.com FIND 2014–2016

EB creates advanced technology and turns it into enriching end-user experiences. EB is specialized in demanding embedded software and hardware solutions for wireless and automotive industries. The net sales from continuing operations in 2013 totaled EUR 199.3 million and operating profit was EUR 8.1 million. Elektrobit Corporation is listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.elektrobit.com

EB GUIDE

EB Tough VoIP Field Phone

FIND 2014â€“2016

EB Specialized Device Platform

Automotive Business Segment’s

Wireless Business Segment’s

products and services

EB offers software products and R&D services for carmakers,

In the Wireless Business Segment EB offers products and prod-

car electronics suppliers and other suppliers to the automotive

uct platforms for defense, public safety and other authorities

industry. The offering includes engineering services and

markets as well as for industrial use. Further, EB offers product

incar infotainment solutions, such as navigation and human

development services and customized solutions for wireless

machine interfaces (HMI), as well as software for electronic

communications markets and for companies needing wireless

control units (ECU) and driver assistance (DA).

connectivity for their products.

EB’s products and services in the Automotive Business Segment are: • EB street director – a versatile navigation software platform with customization capabilities; • EB GUIDE – an innovative, flexible HMI development and speech dialog platform; • EB tresos – a product line of seamlessly collaborating

In addition, EB offers for the latest wireless technologies and applications a broad range of R&D services, such as consulting, integration, and development of software and hardware. EB’s products in the Wireless Business Segment are: • EB Tactical Wireless IP Network for tactical communications,

AUTOSAR software components used in ECUs

• EB Tough VoIP for tactical IP-based communication,

(Electronic Control Units) and tools for their

• EB Wideband COMINT Sensor for signals intelligence,

configuration;

• the Android-based EB Specialized Device Platform,

• EB Assist – an extensive product line with tooling and a software development kit for driver assistance solutions; • Engineering services – comprehensive services

• EB Ruggedized Android Tablet for specialized markets, • EB LTE Connectivity Module for specialized markets, • a broad range of R&D services for the latest wireless

concerning the software development for infotainment,

technologies and applications, such as consulting,

driver assistance and ECU in the automotive industry.

integration, and development of software and hardware.

B By combining its software products and R&D services, EB is creating unique, customized solutions for the automotive industry. in EB’s software products generate license fees, often combined with supply of R&D services for customized soluti solutions. EB Smart Watch development, adidas smart run

Elektrobit (EB) Elekt

Headquarters in Oulu, Finland.

Tutkij Tutkijantie 8, FI-90590 Oulu Tel: + +358 40 344 2000 inves investor.relations@elektrobit.com www.elektrobit.com www.

Other sites in Kajaani and Tampere in Finland. Offices also in Germany, Austria, France, Romania, USA, China and Japan. 1648 personnel Net sales for the year 2013 totaled MEUR 199.3 Founded in 1985 FIND 2014–2016

Art of Installation Betamet is there where something new is being built and something old is being modernized. Specializing in industrial equipment installations, industrial pipework, air equipment installations, automation, modernizations, plant relocations, and maintenance, the company reliably carries out large projects in Europe, South America, and Australia. Modernization of the concentrating mill of the Kemi mine and construction of Stora Enso’s and Chilean Araucon’s pulp mill in Uruguay serve as examples of Betamet’s large projects. In both places manpower exceeded a hundred at most, and the projects partially overlapped. In the Kemi mine’s F3 project Betamet was responsible for most of the work planning; dismantled and installed new equipment in the crushing plant and the particle and fine con-

Betamet’s contract workshop in Oulu manufactures complex stainless steel industrial components as well as structures and fixtures related to construction.

centrating mills; and installed new equipment in the grinding area. The agreement also included workshop manufacturing. Most of the work was done during the first half of 2012. At the Uruguay site Betamet installed a white liquor plant,

Betamet offers its customers extensive mechanical machinery and equipment installations as well as pipework and air

a fiber line, a lime kiln, and an Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP).

machinery installations. The company has expertise in instal-

The work was started in the spring of 2012, and commission-

lation of large-sized process pipework as well as hydraulic,

ing work continued to the beginning of 2014.

circulation lubrication, and pneumatic piping. With 20 years of operation behind it, Betamet’s reputation as a dependable, flexible, precise, and reliable company has been proven in numerous projects around the world. In large turn-key deliveries customers are able to realize considerable cost savings in their projects. Small contracts lasting a few days are taken care of efficiently and quickly. Betamet’s customers include mines, paper mills, steel mills, and machinery and equipment suppliers such as Metso, Voith, Andritz, Outokumpu, Rautaruukki, and FQML Kevitsa Mining, Talvivaara, and many other industrial companies.

Mines and power plants Betamet is involved in the development of mining in the Northern region, be it new construction or modernization. The group looks for overall installation projects in the mining sector in Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Betamet installed a lime kiln, among other units, in Uruguay’s pulp mill.

FIND 2014–2016

At most over a hundred Betamet installation specialists were working on the fine concentrating mill, among other plants, at the Kemi mine.

The company is also interested in installation work in the Pyhäjoki atomic power plant and numerous biopower plants. Betamet is an experienced

Installation of three grinding mills at the Kevitsa mine included lubrications and liners.

specialist in paper and pulp mill dismantling and relocation. In addition to dismantling work, packing, precise documentation of machine parts, and transporting, Betamet’s professionals are also ready to provide assistance in reinstallation of the machinery, if necessary.

Quality and Diversity – Betamet Oy Field Engineering focuses on longterm machinery installation and modernization projects. – Betamet Piping Oy makes pressure vessels and installs

Contract workshop as a part of

industrial pipework in compliance with pressure equipment

the service package

regulations. The company also has experience with

The group’s workshops are a part of Betamet’s service entity.

demanding medical industry piping and special materials

The contract workshop in Oulu specializes in handling stainless steel and aluminum, and it has northern Finland’s only pickling plant. The contract workshop serves its own customers as well as

like hastelloy, titanium, and zirconium. – Betamet Airtech Oy specializes in installation of air machinery in heavy industry and supervision of installations. – Betamet Automation Oy does installations and installation supervision in automation and small-piping

other units within the group. In several customer projects the

projects. The company’s workshop does preassemblies

workshop takes part in preparatory work and manufactures

for hydraulic and pneumatic installations and other

complex components needed in the installation phase. Betamet Workshop manufactures products directly for customers as single pieces and as serial production. Ordered products are industrial components as well as stainless steel structures and fixtures related to construction. The workshop also makes its own steel products, such as

mechanical installations. – Betamet Service Oy specializes in industrial maintenance and servicing. – Betamet Rolls Oy manufactures, services, and modernizes spreader and fly rolls made to measure for each customer – Betamet GmbH in Dachau, Germany, near Munich brings

waste containers, dump containers, and waste bins, ash bins,

the Oulu company into the middle of the European

bicycle shelters, bus stops, and waste bin shelters for industrial

market area.

plants and public buildings. Betamet’s unwavering adherence to timetables, costefficiency, and project know-how are a guarantee of quality in all the group’s units. Special know-how related to projects is available to customers anywhere in the world through the Betamet’s subsidiaries.

Betamet Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Sälpätie 4, FI-90620 Oulu +358 (0)207 551 700 firstname.lastname@betamet.fi www.betamet.fi FIND 2014–2016

Nuottasaari – A Thriving Industrial Cluster Close to the center of Oulu is a thriving, traditional industrial area—Nuottasaari—which has a cluster of forest industry companies and closely related firms. At the core of this area is Stora Enso’s integrated pulp and paper mill, comprised of a cellulose mill, two paper production lines, and a sheeting plant. Even at the international level, the mill is one of the largest manufacturers of coated fine paper.

FIND 2014–2016

A large cluster of companies Oulu Oy’s pulp mill provided the impetus for the birth of not only today’s Stora Enso Oulu Mill, but also the entire Nuottasaari industrial area. Over the years there have been ownership rearrangements, investments, and expansions of operations. The result is the current pulp and paper mill, around which is clustered numerous other companies. Some of them have separated from the mill itself, while others have come from elsewhere and located next to the mill. The cluster of companies currently includes AkzoNobel, Arizona Chemical, Eka Synthomer, Efora, MaintPartner, and NabLabs, to name a few. AkzoNobel produces sodium chloride—the most commonly used pulp bleaching chemical—in Nuottasaari. Arizona Chemical produces fatty acid, rosin, and pitch from tall oil. Stora Enso Oulu Mill has reached its current form and

Eka Synthomer manufactures styrene-butadiene latex, which is

structure as a result of long-term development—beginning in

used in the production of coated paper and paperboard. Efora

the mid-1930s. Back then Oulu Oy was established primarily

again specializes in maintenance and engineering services.

to produce cellulose. For a number of reasons, Nuottasaari was

Nab Labs provides analysis and measurement services, process

chosen for the location of Oulu Oy’s mill.

and product quality analytics, and environmental impact

Among the reasons at the time were the availability of

monitoring.

fresh water directly from the mill’s own waterfront, easy trans-

In addition, the Port of Oulu and Oritkari’s integrated

porting of wastewater along the river to the sea, easy access to

transport terminal, among others, are located in the Nuot-

housing and services in the adjacent town, and ground suitable

tasaari area or its immediate proximity.

for heavy construction. The mill began operation in September 1937.

The companies located in the unique Nuottasaari area are presented in more detail on the following pages.

FIND 2014–2016

Stora Enso – A Global Rethinker

FIND 2014–2016

Stora Enso is the global rethinker of the paper, biomaterials,

High quality in sustainable means

wood products and packaging industry. We always rethink

The products of Oulu Mill are used in demanding high-quality

the old and expand to the new to offer our customers in-

publications, such as annual reports, brochures, marketing

novative solutions based on renewable materials. Stora Enso

materials and art books. Mill’s paper product brands are Lu-

employs some 28 000 people worldwide, and our sales in 2013

miArt and LumiSilk. Lumi, the Finnish word for snow, comes

amounted to EUR 10.5 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on

from the Latin word for light - Lumen.

NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (STEAV, STERV) and Stockholm

Oulu Mill’s key customers are paper merchants, who sell

(STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA

the paper products also by other trade names. Printers and

as ADRs (SEOAY) in the International OTCQX over-the-

publishers are important direct customers especially for reels.

counter market.

The primary sales market is Europe, where approximately 80 percent of all deliveries are directed.

Stora Enso Oulu Mill

LumiArt and LumiSilk are certified with PEFC and FSC,

Stora Enso Oulu Mill is one of the largest and most modern

which ensures that wood used in production comes from

mills producing multicoated wood free papers. Oulu Mill has

sustainably managed forests and other controlled sources. FSC

a high level of integration which is a truly competitive edge in

endorsement also provides assurance that the forest of origin

a challenging market. Softwood pulp is pumped to the to the

has been independently inspected and evaluated to comply

paper mill from the site’s own integrated pulp mill. Pigments

with internationally agreed standards.

and hardwood pulp are shipped regularly to harbour next to the mill. Steam and electricity are generated as a by-product of the pulp mill, as well as by the power plant located in the area. Oulu millsite is designed with only one purpose in mind: to ensure the highest quality of paper manufactured for the customers.

StoraEnso Oyj, Oulu Address:

Paperitehtaantie 1, FI-90120 Oulu P.O.B. 196, FI-90101 Oulu Telephone: +358 2046 124 Fax +358 2046 33649 email: firstname.lastname@storaenso.com Web pages: www.storaenso.com Line of business: pulp and paper production Main market areas: EU FIND 2014–2016

Arizona Chemical is the world’s market leader in pine chemical manufacturing. Pine chemicals have been refined at the company’s Finnish subsidiary, Arizona Chemical Oy’s Oulu plant, already since the 1940s.

Tall Oil has Surprisingly Many Uses Few people probably know what cosmetics, glues, paints,

competing products. Renewability is an important added value

perfumes, lubricants, automobile tires, or cleansing agents have

for many of our customers,” emphasizes Liimatta, who is also

in common. The answer is tall oil. All the above-mentioned

the manager of Arizona Chemical’s Oulu plant.

products—and countless others—contain ingredients which

Tall oil products manufactured in Oulu—primarily fatty

are refined from crude tall oil. Crude tall oil again is a by-

acid and rosin—are exported to different parts of Europe and

product of pulp manufacturing.

to the Near East and Asia. The portion of exports is about

The list of applications where tall oil is used is amazingly

80 percent. If pitch—which is mainly used locally—is not

long. It is found in one form or other in dozens—if not

included, the percentage of exports rises to 97. The plant has

hundreds—of everyday products. The world’s market leader in

about 140 customers.

pine chemical manufacturing is international Arizona Chemi-

According to Jonas Liimatta, being a member of the

cal. Pine chemicals have been refined at the company’s Finnish

Arizona Chemical group brings many benefits to the plant in

subsidiary, Arizona Chemical Oy’s Oulu plant, already since

Oulu.

the 1940s. Arizona Chemical Oy’s Managing Director Jonas Liimatta

“It offers us broad marketing channels. Raw materials supply is more efficient because we are able to negotiate at the

says the Oulu plant produces fatty acid, rosin, and pitch from

global level. Furthermore, we have access to the best and safest

tall oil. Fatty acid is used in the manufacture of paints, rosin

practices of Arizona Chemical’s other plants—and of course we

is used in countless products to increase adhesion, and tall

provide them with ours,” he explains.

oil pitch is utilized as a fuel. In addition to their quality, tall

Managing Director Liimatta believes strongly in the future

oil products have several other good properties. Nowadays

of tall-oil-based products. He predicts that their demand will

particularly their environmental friendliness is emphasized.

only grow in the future. Environmental friendliness will be-

“Tall oil is a natural raw material. It is biodegradable and based on renewable natural resources—contrary to most of its

come an even greater plus for tall oil products as time goes on. What’s more, R&D will continuously open new applications for the products. Most of this work is done in the groups’ units in

Arizona Chemical Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Nuottasaarentie 17, FI-90400 Oulu +358 (0)40 341 3341 firstname.lastname@azchem.com www.arizonachemical.com

FIND 2014–2016

Holland and the USA—usually in collaboration with the end customer.

High-quality Analyses and Measurements When companies or public organizations need high-quality analysis and measurement services, Nab Labs comes to their assistance. The company has offices in about ten locations in Finland. Nab Labs offers its customers across Finland analyses and measurements related to quality control, operational monitoring, and environmental issues. Nab Labs’ largest customers in Oulu include large process, chemical, and energy industry companies in the Nuottasaari and Laanila industrial areas. “We help our customers verify that their processes are functioning as they should and that their quality is at the correct level. We take or pick up samples, analyze them, and produce reports on the results. This is fast-paced operation—delivery times may be as short as one hour,” Nab Labs’ laboratory manager Päivi Nikula describes. For several years already industrial companies have outsourced some of their functions and have begun to use the Nab Labs offers its customers analyses and measurements related to quality control, operational monitoring, and environmental issues; it also offers accredited environmental sampling.

services of specialized service companies. This trend appears to be continuing also with regard to laboratory services. According to laboratory manager Nikula, for Nab Labs this provides an opportunity for growth. Already now the company is the most significant laboratory firm serving industry. “We are able to offer cost and efficiency benefits as well as flexibility. Because we have concentrated on precisely analysis

pertise of any and all of the offices is always available to every

and measurement services, we have accumulated much in-

customer. In Oulu, Nab Labs focuses on chemical industry

depth know-how. We are specialists in the laboratory

services, water and environmental analysis, organic and special

sector—most often our customers do not have such compe-

analytics, and environmental sampling.

tence,” she emphasizes. Most of Nab Labs’ customers are contract customers with

Nab Labs’ quality system is based on the SFS-EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard. The FINAS (Finnish Accreditation Service)

which it has close, long-term collaboration. This also increases

accrediting service regularly evaluates Nab Labs’ quality system

the company’s ability to understand its customers’ needs,

and accredited operations. The company employs a wide range

processes, and procedures. Nab Labs’s staff members often

of accredited methods in chemistry, microbiology, emissions

even work in the customer ’s facilities. Of course, the company

testing, and environmental sampling.

also provides more or less project-type services. Päivi Nikula emphasizes that one of Nab Labs’ strengths is its versatility. Each of the company’s offices has a slightly different profile of competence. Whenever necessary, the ex-

Nab Labs Oy Address: Nuottasaarentie 17, FI-90400 Oulu Email: info@nablabs.fi Web pages: www.nablabs.fi

FIND 2014–2016

Maintpartner – Comprehensive Industrial Services Maintpartner is a vigorously growing supplier of industrial maintenance and operation services operating in the Baltic Sea region. The company delivers tailored industrial service solutions as well as expert services and projects in selected technical areas. Maintpartner has strong presence in the Oulu region. “Our service solutions range from flexible resourcing to comprehensive total outsourced responsibility,” describes Helinä Marjamaa, Business Unit Director at Maintpartner. In its most complete form, the service can cover total responsibility for both maintenance and operations at customer’s production plant. Maintpartner has developed its management practices, structure, processes, tools, and competences specifically for industrial customers. “We manage the availability of production processes locally at each customer location. Our service teams are as integrated into each customer’s processes as possible. One of our strengths is that we empower our front-line people to make decisions close to the customer, based upon the training and guidance provided by supervisory management,” says

In addition to the revised service supply, Maintpartner is

Marjamaa.

currently introducing a new operating procedure in the field

“To meet our customers’ expectations we have recently

work as well including, for example, upgrading of the field IT

renewed our supply with new types of service products, called

systems. The objective is to further increase the efficiency of

Value Elements,” tells Marjamaa.

the service production.

The Value Elements service products are clearly defined

“Using our collective experience, specific industry

services from which the customers can select the services that

knowledge, and professional skills, we can provide reliability

best suit them, either a single product or an entity consisting

our customers can count on. We are experts in availability—in

of several services. The first maintenance and operation service

maintaining our customers’ production processes by prevent-

contracts consisting entirely of these service products have

ing and solving problems promptly and efficiently,” concludes

already been signed with excellent customer feedback.

Marjamaa.

Maintpartner Oy

Head Office:

Oulu: Nuottasaarentie 17, FI-90400 OULU Tel. +358(0)40 546 8580 firstname.lastname@maintpartner.com www.maintpartner.fi

Ahventie 4 B, FI-02170 ESPOO Tel. +358(0)9 231 15000 Line of business: Maintenance and operation services Main market area: Baltic Sea region

FIND 2014–2016

Latex Enhances the Properties of Paper

Eka Synthomer Oy, based in Oulu, is one of Scandinavia’s largest manufacturers of styrene-butadiene latex.

When styrene and butadiene are combined in a polymerizing

Environmental standards are also constantly becoming

process, the resulting product is latex. Two quite flammable

more stringent. What’s more, paperboard used in food

raw materials—both reprocessed oil products—are used to

packaging must meet increasingly demanding odor and taste

produce an everyday product that is unknowingly encoun-

requirements.

tered, e.g., when reading the paper or buying food packed in

“I would also like to mention the significance of cost-

paperboard. Namely, latex is used as a binding material in the

efficiency. We ourselves need to be cost-efficient, but we need

manufacture of paper and paperboard.

to help our customers operate cost-efficiently, as well. Another

Eka Synthomer Oy, based in Oulu, is one of Scandinavia’s largest manufacturers of styrene-butadiene latex. The plant has 40 years of experience in latex production. It has a selection of

one of our merits is our customer-orientedness—we are fast, fit, and flexible,” Kurikka describes. A large part of customer-orientedness is the ability to help

around ten different types of latex. The company’s customers

customers find the best solutions for their changing needs.

include paper and paperboard plants in Finland, Sweden, and

Eka Synthomer has excellent capabilities to do this, thanks to

Russia.

its ownership background—the company is partly owned by

Latex is a critical component of coated paper and paper-

Synthomer Deutschland GmbH in Germany and Akzo Nobel

board production. Eka Synthomer’s managing director Antero

in Holland. According to Antero Kurikka, the Oulu-based

Kurikka says that latex binds the pigment—usually kaolin

company’s R&D relies primarily on the strength of Synthomer,

or calcium carbonate—used as a coating to the paper. Other

one of Europe’s largest latex manufacturers.

coating binding materials are also used, but latex is the most common. “Paper is coated because it improves the paper’s printability and gloss, surface strength, and opacity,” he explains.

“We get a lot of R&D resources, expertise, and skills through Synthomer. Our large, well-known owners also help us in marketing. It’s easier to function in the market as a member of a large family,” he states.

Customers’ expectations for latex are continuously increasing. It has to be of top quality and it has to contribute to the printability and other properties of paper and paperboard.

Eka Synthomer Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Nuottasaarentie 17, FI-90400 Oulu +358 (0)10 3879 500 info@ekasynthomer.fi www.ekasynthomer.fi FIND 2014–2016

Akzo Nobel Pulp and Performance Chemicals Oy in Oulu belongs to the international chemical giant, Akzo Nobel, which is the world’s largest producer of bleaching chemicals.

The Best for Pulp Bleaching To make white paper, light-colored pulp is needed as a raw

Pulp bleaching ordinarily incorporates an ECF (Elemental

material. Pulp is naturally brown after cooking, so it has to

Chlorine Free) method which is based on the use of chlorine

be bleached in some way. Akzo Nobel Pulp and Performance

dioxide. Chlorine dioxide is always produced on-site at the

Chemicals’ in Oulu plant produces sodium chlorate—the most

pulp plant, but sodium chlorate is its main ingredient.

commonly used pulp bleaching chemical. The Oulu plant

Essential from the standpoint of pulp plants is that they

belongs to the international chemical giant, Akzo Nobel, which

receive the sodium chlorate they need precisely as ordered.

is the world’s largest producer of bleaching chemicals.

Plants want exactly the right quantity of exactly the right prod-

Akzo Nobel produces about one-third of the sodium

uct at exactly the right time—and naturally as cost-efficiently

chlorate used in the global pulp industry. What’s more, Timo

as possible. Sodium chlorate also helps these plants meet

Korva, manager of the group’s Oulu plant, predicts that this

increasingly stringent environmental requirements.

market share will continue to grow. In addition to Oulu, Akzo

Akzo Nobel usually manufactures sodium chlorate from

Nobel produces sodium chlorate in Canada, the US, Brazil,

ordinary table salt—sodium chloride— by means of electroly-

Chile, France, and Sweden.

sis. In addition to salt, the process basically requires only water

Customers of the Oulu plant are large pulp manufacturers in Finland, Sweden, and Russia, to name a few. According to plant manager Korva, they actually include all the world’s leading pulp companies. “Our customers trust us, because Akzo Nobel and Akzo Nobel Pulp and Performance Chemicals—which joined the group in the 1990s as EKA Ab and is in charge of the group’s

and a large amount of electricity. Sodium chlorate is delivered to customers in crystal form by truck or train. Plant manager Timo Korva has very positive expectations regarding the future of bleached pulp, because the demand for white paper will continue. He is equally convinced that pulp bleaching based on sodium chlorate will also hold its own. “It offers pulp

pulp and paper chemical manufacturing — together have

manufacturers the

over a hundred years’ experience. We have a very strong

best yield, i.e., it is

background, know-how, and history. And naturally, we are

the most efficient,”

continuously developing our own operations,” he emphasizes.

he assures.

Akzo Nobel Finland Oy/Akzo Nobel Pulp and Performance Chemicals Oulu Plant Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Nuottasaarentie 17, FI-90400 Oulu +358 (0)20 751 5500 timo.korva@akzonobel.com www.akzonobel.com/eka

FIND 2014–2016

Maintenance Enhances Industry’s Performance Responsibility for industrial maintenance has increasingly been shifted to companies specializing in this work. The time when plants themselves took care of maintenance, in addition to other tasks, has mostly been left behind. One of Finland’s largest maintenance companies is Efora Oy, a subsidiary of forestry giant Stora Enso. Efora takes care of its owner’s production lines and machinery, but increasingly provides its services to other customers, too. But why is maintenance entrusted more and more often to a specialized company like Efora? The site manager of Efora’s Oulu site, Kaj Råtts, has the answer. “We are precisely an expert in maintenance. Our company

Efora is one of Finland’s largest maintenance companies. “We are committed to maintaining and developing the performance and reliability of our customers’ production equipment,” says Kaj Råtts, site manager of Efora’s Oulu site.

is full of maintenance professionals and our operation is of top quality. We know how to keep production plants in good condition and producing good results,” he summarizes.

According to Kaj Råtts, competition is very aggressive in the

According to Råtts, Efora’s operation is based on the

maintenance market. Customers’ demands are also continu-

concept of overall maintenance. The company offers each of

ously growing. They want more cost efficiency and flexibility,

its customers overall maintenance, a variety of maintenance

in particular, from maintenance providers.

services, or engineering services, depending on the customer’s

“Indeed, we are constantly developing Efora’s operation—

needs. Efora is able to broaden the scope of services it offers

especially our service mindset. We build maintenance entities

through its extensive, competitive network of subcontractors.

to match exactly our customer’s needs, because that way we are

Efora engages to maintain and develop the performance and reliability of its customers’ production equipment. On the

able to serve them best,” he notes. In addition to Oulu, Efora has sites in Heinola, Imatra,

other hand, Efora’s customers are able to concentrate fully on

Kemi, Uimaharju, Varkaus, and Helsinki. The company

their own core operations. In addition, Efora makes it possible

employs altogether about a thousand people.

to effectively manage and decrease maintenance costs and also, makes these costs predictable. Stora Enso’s Oulu Mill serves as a good example of Efora’s operation, as it is responsible for all of the mill’s maintenance.

Efora Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

NuoƩasaarenƟe 17, FI-90100 Oulu +358 (0)20 461 425 kaj.raƩs@efora.fi www.efora.fi FIND 2014–2016

Sah-Ko also offers its customers machine shop services, industrial maintenance, industrial piping, and steel materials. The Raiko ice breaker developed by Sah-Ko Oy is used in numerous places with difficult winter weather, including Canada, Sweden, Norway, Russia, and Finland.

Ice-free Roads and Streets Cold and snowy winters often make it very difficult to keep

The Raiko ice breaker’s operation is based on a flexible,

travel routes in good condition. Snow and ice on roads and

freely rotating roller full of special sharp spikes. When pressed

streets easily gets packed down, making driving unpleasant

against the surface of a road or street the roller breaks the

or even dangerous. Fortunately, there is an efficient tool for

sheet of ice and produces an even surface with a rough texture

removing hard-packed snow and ice—the Raiko ice breaker.

that is not slippery. Thus, the need to use salt or other anti-

The ice breaker manufactured by Sah-Ko Oy in Oulu is

slipping chemicals also decreases. Less sanding is also needed,

already used in numerous places with difficult winter weather,

which again cuts down on dust and environmental hazards.

including Canada, Alaska, Sweden, Norway, Scotland, Russia,

Also important is the fact that in winter use the Raiko ice

Estonia, Romania, and Finland. The ice breaker is purchased

breaker does not damage the asphalt or the road surface.

by companies and services responsible for road and street maintenance. Sah-Ko’s managing director Jukka Estama emphasizes that Raiko is a superior ice breaking tool in many ways. Above all,

“The Raiko ice breaker does not need to remain idle in the summertime, either. It is an excellent tool for gravel road maintenance, also,” Estama explains. The Raiko ice breaker’s manufacturer, Sah-Ko, is a 60-year-

of course, it does its job—removing hard-packed snow and

old company that offers its customers machine shop services,

ice—very effectively, but it also offers many other benefits.

industrial maintenance, industrial piping, and steel materials.

“The cost of purchasing and using the Raiko ice breaker

According to Managing Director Estama, the company has

is low because it is an auxiliary piece of equipment that is fas-

defined keeping the wheels of industry turning as its most

tened to a truck, tractor, or front-loader, for example. Thus, it

important task. Most of its customers are large industrial

eliminates the need to purchase a separate expensive machine

companies in northern Finland.

for packed ice removal. Furthermore, the Raiko ice breaker’s operation is quiet, safe, and fast,” he notes.

“Our competitive merits are flexibility, speed, a skilled staff, and most important, professional expertise acquired over the decades. We are able to offer our customers a variety of services from one point,” he emphasizes. The Raiko ice breakers—as Sah-ko’s own product—fit in

Sah-Ko Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

well with the company’s operation since they nicely even out Lumijoentie 6, FI-90400 Oulu +358 (0)20 744 8500 jukka.estama@sah-ko.fi www.sah-ko.fi

FIND 2014–2016

the often cyclic demand for industrial services.

Port of Oulu Ltd

– Good Service in a New Form By the beginning of 2015, all ports in Finland will be

after which the site will taken into use as new land. Most of the

incorporated. The Port of Oulu, which was incorporated as

area which is now being taken into use in connection with the

of the beginning of 2014, is one of the pioneers in this. The

construction of the new quay consists of land mass that was

City of Oulu continues as the owner of the Port. The leading

deposited at the site after dredging in 2009.

idea behind the reform is improvement of service level thanks

An increase in vessel size is a common trend today, seen

to better flexibility and increased speed resulting from the

both in the Baltic and in global shipping. For the Port, this

incorporation.

calls for a deeper fairway. The goal of the Port of Oulu is to increase the depth of the fairway to 12 metres. In construction of the new quay we have also taken into consideration ships that are larger in size that the vessels now calling the port. The structural draught of the new quay enables dredging alongside the quay, making it suitable for ships requiring a quay that is 12 metres in depth.

New road to Oritkari port The internal operation of the port area is under constant change. In order to improve and increase flexibility of the port area we have commenced construction of a new entry road to Oritkari Port. A large underground parking facility is currently being built in the centre of Oulu. The rock excavated from

New quay

this space has provided excellent material for the foundation

Improvement and development of operation is a constant aim

of the new entry road. The excavated rock is deposited on the

of the Port of Oulu Ltd. In our role as port authority our key

seabed as a soil compaction embankment. A typical feature

focus is on improving infrastructure. At the moment, a project

of the ground in the Oulu area is that it subsides over time

of far-reaching and significant importance for the Port is

while under pressure. According to plan, the soil compaction

under way: a new 300-metre quay is being constructed in the

embankment will be allowed to subside for a year, maybe even

Western Quay area in Oritkari. The location of the quay in the

two. This will allow it to subside about 50 centimetres. Any

immediate vicinity of the entry fairway is excellent. Production

material that is not utilised in the current construction project

units required by logistics services can be built in the area

can be deposited between the new road and the current shore,

behind the quay.

thus making way for new land for the Port’s future use.

In addition to the construction of the quay, the project includes implementation of an area for depositing dredging

Kari Himanen

masses as well as dredging of the fairway and the area in

CEO

front of the quay. The aim is to have the quay ready for use by autumn 2014. In future, the dredging masses stored in the new deposit area will serve as the basis of new port areas. As before, we will allow the material deposited to settle for a few years,

www.ouluport.com

FIND 2014–2016

Healthy and Ecological Housing Since 1963

Oy Honkamajat Finland Ltd has fulfilled its customers’ dreams of ecological, healthy, top-quality living for fifty years already. Timber logs are unquestionably the most ecological building material. The raw material for Honkamajat log homes comes from northern Finland’s forests, which function as a carbon sink. The walls of log homes built from fine-grained pine logs store carbon dioxide for centuries. The log home production process itself is also ecological. It consumes only a fraction of the energy required to build from other materials. Living in a Honkamajat log home is comfortable and healthy. Due to the breathable structure of the log walls, indoor relative humidity is always an optimal 30–50 percent. A log home is pleasantly cool during warm weather and comfortably warm in cold weather.

FIND 2014–2016

The top quality of Honkamajat log homes is guaranteed

Working with different cultures is a demanding task for

by first-class raw materials, expertise and craftsmanship in

an SME, but it is also rewarding. Tastes and construction

log construction accumulated over decades combined with

regulations vary from country to country. Added to this is

modern production technology, carefully selected partners,

the fact that most of the buildings delivered by Honkamajat

and a flexible, committed, and skilled staff. Managing Director

are tailored to our customers’ needs. What’s more, our range

Kari Tolvanen says the values that steer the company’s opera-

of products is also broad, as it extends from family homes to

tion are summarized as: “Keep our customers satisfied.”

hotels and other public buildings. Here, an important role is

“In 1995 we made a strategic choice to concentrate on

played by our representatives in the different countries and

exporting. Consequently, thus far we have delivered thousands

continuous contacts between them and our plant. Especially in

of log homes to over 30 countries. All along, at least 95 percent

the Far East, it is often necessary to first establish a one-on-one

of our production has been exported,” explains Tolvanen.

confidential relationship with future customers.

“Initially we exported to the Nordic countries and Central

“Our staff at Honkamajat is committed to working flexibly,

Europe. Japan also quickly became a significant export destina-

listening closely to our customers’ needs, and reacting quickly

tion. Now we are looking for growth in Russia, China, and

to satisfy those needs,” says Tolvanen.

most recently, India.”

Oy Honkamajat Finland Ltd Address: Phone: Fax: email: Web pages:

Veistämötie 6, FI-90620 Oulu +358 (0)8 563 1100 +358 (0)8 563 1110 firstname.lastname@honkamajat.fi www.honkamajat.fi

Line of business: mechanical forest industry, log houses Main market areas: Japan, European countries Growth areas: Russia, China, India

FIND 2014–2016

Kymppi Group is specialized in insulating industrial pipelines and machinery and providing scaffolding solutions.

Leader in Insulation and Scaffolding Partnership

FIND 2014â€“2016

Kymppi Group’s customers include, among others, Andritz, Metso, StoraEnso, Neste Oil, and UPM.

During its thirty plus years of operation, Kymppi Group Oy in

Koskelainen emphasizes that successful completion of

Oulu has grown into a major player in its own field. Kymppi

projects requires more than just doing good, reliable work and

Group, formerly known as Kymppi-Eristys, is a project service

producing high quality. Kymppi Group’s core competence and

company specialized in providing industrial services, among

method of operating also include robust project leadership

them insulating industrial pipelines and machinery and pro-

and management. Timetables are kept precisely, not almost.

viding scaffolding solutions for the process industry. Most of

In addition, mobile workshops are an important part of the

its customers are giant international companies. The company’s

business.

business is almost entirely focused outside of Finland—primarily in Europe and South America. Kymppi Group’s list of customers is impressive. It is filled

“Finnish engineering expertise is appreciated everywhere. And we have an engineer’s way of operating,” she laughs. Kymppi Group’s projects typically include, for example,

with leading companies in the forestry, energy, mining, and

thermal or cold insulation of industrial boilers, pulp and paper

metal industries. Among them are Andritz, Metso, StoraEnso,

mill pipelines, tanks, and machinery as well as scaffolding

Neste Oil, and UPM. Due to its diversified customer base, the

solutions related to their construction.

company is able to find innovative solutions to many kinds of challenges. Developing into a confidential partner of giants is quite

To be able to acquire projects, Kymppi Group follows the markets very closely. The company constantly needs to know what is going on in industries around the world. In this, exten-

an achievement for a family-owned SME. Managing director

sive networks and frequent contacts with current and potential

and CEO Johanna Koskelainen explains that the company’s

customers are a big help.

success and growth are based on robust internationalization,

“We keep ourselves up to date, so we often have an idea of

agility, excellent project management, close monitoring of

future projects already when they are being planned. We have

markets—and of course, high-quality know-how.

to do sales work all the time,” says Koskelainen.

“In this field internationalization is absolutely necessary. If we operated in Finland alone, we would not have much to do. Fortunately, the situation is completely different because we operate in different parts of the world. There are always projects going on somewhere where we are needed,” she notes.

Kymppi Group Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Konetie 20, FI-90620 Oulu +358 (0)20 188 1100 info@10e.fi www.10e.fi FIND 2014–2016

Finnish Rollforming Expertise Located in the immediate proximity of Oulu, Profiilikeskus

client planning to build a factory can see the entire process of

supplies sheet metal rollforming machines and other sheet

producing profiles at our location. Our competitors just build

metal working machines around the world. Today the

machines”, clarifies Linna.

company has a strong presence in Central Europe, Russia,

She also reminds us that they always start with the

Caucasia, and different parts of Africa. Established in 1992,

customers’ needs and production requirements. They tailor

Profiilikeskus Oy exports to over 20 countries, and about 60

solutions for their customers that best serve the customers’

percent of its turnover comes from exports.

goals. The basic products of the company include equipment

“Today’s growth areas are the CIS-countries, South-

for producing tile sheet and trapezoid profiles. The company

America and not to forget established areas such as Russia”,

also supplies double deck roll formers, cut-to-length and slit-

says Profiilikeskus’ managing director Ulla Linna. Customers

ting lines, and gutter, downspout and elbow machines.

trust in the company, and its know-how and quality are well known. This is also evident from the fact that, in addition to

concerned, as our customers want to know our view on future

individual production machines, Profiilikeskus Oy currently

profile models. That’s why we continuously introduce innova-

delivers entire plants around the world.

tions into our machines and invest in designing and R&D.

“Our strong exporting is primarily based on our knowl-

Our latest innovation Slate profile roll former was introduced

edge of the customer’s point of view. We have manufactured

at EuroBlech exhibion in Germany. It gained utmost interest

roofing and cladding sheets in Finland for two decades and

and was praised for its unique approach to traditional roofing

we know what these machines have to do. For example, a

business”.

Profiilikeskus Oy Teppolantie 4, FI-90440 Kempele Tel. +358 8 563 4700 firstname.lastname@profiilikeskus.fi www.profiilikeskus.fi

”We also strive to be a pioneer as far as end products are

FIND 2014–2016

The user-oriented design of the Frami F building built for Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences also utilized interactive VALO process. In the photo above is the canyon-like main lobby which contains multimode teaching rooms.

User-oriented Architecture The situation is mystifying: the hospital is still on the

ally tour the building under our control and discuss various

architects’ drawing boards, yet it is possible to walk along its

options,” managing director Heikkinen explains.

hallways, stand in the lobby, and stop in a treatment room. Or,

UKI Arkkitehdit primarily designs healthcare, commercial,

even before the foundation of the shopping center has been

industrial, and a variety of public buildings. Heikkinen defines

completed it is possible to already move around on its different

the office primarily as a B-to-B design office.

floors and even peek inside its coffee shops. All this happens in a virtual world while you are wearing

UKI Arkkitehdit is one of the largest offices in this sector in Finland. Buildings designed by the office are located all over

3D glasses, but the experience is amazingly realistic—just as if

Finland and also abroad. They include both new buildings and

you truly are inside the completed building. You can experi-

renovation projects.

ence this miracle in a small room on the main floor in UKI

Regardless of its great success, UKI Arkkitehdit continu-

Arkkitehdit Oy’s office, which is equipped with an ultramod-

ously develops its operation to become even better. Managing

ern CAVE (Computer Aided Virtual Environment).

director Heikkinen stresses that the office particularly wants

UKI Arkkitehdit utilizes this CAVE in its design process, which it calls VALO™ (Light). The outcome of several years of development, VALO is a question of authentically user-

to even more carefully listen to the wishes of its customers and the buildings’ users. “We definitely know how to design buildings. We have a

oriented design. UKI Arkkitehdit’s managing director Mikko

good command of the latest technology and we understand

Heikkinen says VALO depicts the essence of the company

esthetics. But we always need to remember that no one is more

well. With over fifty years of architectural design work behind

familiar with the future use of the building and the ensuing

it, the company has a vast store of experience, but at the

requirements than the customer. That’s why the customer’s

same time it is a pioneer in the field and uses state-of-the-art

opinion is crucially important,” he emphasizes.

methods. “VALO is a design tool for us and our customers. Interaction with our customers rises to a completely new level when they are able to get a clear conception of what the completed building will be like. The customer and the architect can virtu-

UKI Arkkitehdit Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Puusepänkatu 6, FI-90130 OULU +358 (0)10 309 0500 mikko.heikkinen@ukiark.fi www.ukiark.fi FIND 2014–2016

Raahepolis Oy | Rantakatu 8 A, 92100 Raahe, PL 62, 92101 Raahe FINLAND www.raahepolis.fi

jäljen jättiläinen

RAAHEPOLIS LTD. CONSTRUCTS, LEASES AND SELLS BUSINESS PREMISES FOR THE NEEDS OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES.

Welcome to Raahe, a Good Place for Your Business Raahe is a town in Northern Finland on the Bothnian Bay. In

Raahe District Business Services

Raahe, you can feel the presence of the sea: a placid expanse of

Networking allows us to provide client companies with

snow in winter and blue paradise in summer. That’s Raahe, the

the best possible expertise under the “one-stop shop” principle.

Town of Sea Winds.

Raahe District Business Services has signed a business services

The Raahe District boasts advanced technological know-

agreement with key business advisory organizations in the

how and an innovative environment for businesses. The port

region. The purpose of the agreement is to deepen cooperation

and industrial area on the Bothnian Bay are some of the most

among key business and economic service organizations. Also,

attractive sites in Northern Europe for both business and

our cooperation agreement for Research, Development and In-

residence. The District has a strong metal industry, especially

novation ensures full-scale services to companies in our area.

in demanding steel construction, with excellent logistics

For entrepreneurs, this means better and faster service.

services and communications. Accessing Raahe is easy by

Whenever they contact Business Services, they are directed to

both land and sea. The Port of Raahe has the first automated

the best advisor as required.

and modernly equipped container freight station in the Gulf of Bothnia area. Open year-round, the Port offers regular sea transport connections to the heart of Europe.

Vital future lies on vivid history Trade and shipping in Raahe have a long history, and they were the main sources of livelihood until the establishment of Rautaruukki Steelworks in the early 1960´s. Today Raahe is home to a cluster of world-class experts in the production of special steels and the processing of metal products, alongside several global export companies operating in the area. The new, modern Fennovoima nuclear power plant is to be constructed in Hanhikivi, located in the Raahe

Welcoming you to the Raahe District are Director Lauri Laajala, Raahe District Development Centre, and Economic Development Director Risto Pietilä, Raahe District Business Services. The location is production studio of Oulu University of Applied Sciences in Raahe, an effective service provider for the Raahe District metal industry. The production studio conducts advanced steel processing development in cooperation with various machine shops and research institutes. Oulu University of Applied Sciences also offers businesses suitable trainees, interns and cooperation partners for development projects.

District. Wind energy projects are underway as well. Affordable commercial plots and premises along with comprehensive support for entrepreneurs make it easy for new companies to set up business in Raahe.

Raahe District Business Services Rantakatu 8 D, 92100 Raahe www.rsyp.fi Hillevi Ylitorvi, Manager International Affairs Tel. +358 40 830 3185, hillevi.ylitorvi@raahe.fi FIND 2014–2016

PORT OF RAAHE

The Port of Raahe is one of Finland’s busiest ports. Around 600 vessels a year call at the port. The port has good, year-round routes to Central Europe, the UK, and the Mediterranean region.

Port of Raahe Industry’s Logistical Hub

Kaarlo Heikkinen says the Port of Raahe is in good condition in terms of the future. “Permits for further development and construction of the port are in good shape. We also have plans ready. We are prepared to act quickly when the time is ripe,” he notes. Heikkinen likes to speak of the Port of Raahe as a logisti-

The Port of Raahe has been developed robustly over the years.

cal hub that provides industry with not only good transport

The sizeable investments and hard work have paid off, as the

services, but also excellent facilities, space, and services for

port is now in better shape than ever. Port director Kaarlo

container stuffing, storage, and assembly. In addition, the port

Heikkinen is not afraid to say the Port of Raahe now has

has excellent inland connections by road and rail.

excellent prerequisites to meet present and future demands.

The Port of Raahe may see a considerable increase in

“The port has two dock areas. The Lapaluoto dock

traffic if transports resulting from huge investments planned

handles containers and sawn timber. It is especially suitable

for northern Finland, such as Fennovoima’s nuclear power

for transports and storage of project-specific loads such as

plant—for which Raahe is the closest port—or Mustavaara

wind turbines. The 20-hectare area of the deep-water dock

mine’s smelting plant, begin to flow through the port. The port

is perfectly suited to serve the needs of export and import

also offers a good transport route for wind turbines built in the

industries,”says Heikkinen.

area.

The development of the Port of Raahe has included

Raahe has maintained its status as one of Finland’s busiest

construction of new quays, warehouses, and a container

ports. Around 600 vessels a year call at the Port of Raahe; they

stuffing terminal and deepening of the sea route and basin to

bring and take away altogether about 5–5.5 million tons of

10 meters in collaboration with the Finnish Transport Agency.

cargo.

At the same time a new deep-water quay was built. The major

“Steel, sawn timber, containers, raw materials, bulk goods,

investments related to the deep-water dock were completed in

and various project-specific transports pass through the port,”

2010. All of the investments totaled € 60–70 million.

port director Heikkinen lists. The port has good, year-round routes to Central Europe, the UK, and the Mediterranean region. Ships travel regularly

Port of Raahe Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Helmilaiturintie 66, FI-92180 Raahe +358 (0)8 227 7555 port@raahe.fi www.portofraahe.fi

FIND 2014–2016

to many important port cities: Antwerp, Vejle, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Hull, Szczecin, Pasajes, and Ravenna.

Rahjan Huolinta – Up-to-date Port Operator Rahjan Huolinta Oy, established in 1954, is a port operator at the port of Rahja, Kalajoki. The company has a long tradition and extensive experience in port and maritime operations. “Long-term, confidential customer relationships and purposeful development work carried out by Rahjan Huolinta have allowed the port of Rahja to become one of Finland’s largest sawn timber exporting ports,” explains the company’s managing director Leena Rahja. She says Rahjan Huolinta has a customer-oriented service concept; it wants to serve its customers ”to a T” in all things There have been regular sailings from Rahja to Great

related to port operation. “The company also looks after bulk cargoes : stevedoring,

Britain already for 30 years. “The Rahja-Hull shipping line, which we take care of

storage and handling, and transport with our own forklifts and cranes. We also take care of all port agent functions such

together with our British partner, has become an actual ”green

as merchant vessel, shipping company, crew, and consigner

gold line” for sawn timber,” explains Rahja. Nevertheless, she says Egypt is the major export country.

services. We compile official documents and convey information for customs, pilots, icebreakers, port agencies and other

Other significant sawn timber export countries besides Egypt

interest groups. We also provide door-to-door deliveries,

are other North African countries, Israel and Spain. In addition to sawn timber, also metal products, peat,

especially for the British market,” says Leena Rahja. The company’s port and forwarding services include sawn

wood chips and grain are shipped from Rahja to the world.

timber, refined goods and bulk goods stevedoring, outdoor

Correspondingly, various minerals, animal feed raw materials,

operations, and land transports according to customers’ wishes

magnesium sulphate and construction sheeting are imported

and needs. The company transports sawn timber with its own

to the port.

transport equipment; this has been deemed necessary from the

“We clear about 100 vessels a year.”

standpoint of correctly timed, flexible port traffic.

Rahjan Huolinta Oy is a second-generation family-owned

In the hands of Rahjan Huolinta there are in the port 2

about 20,000 m of roofed storage space, the same amount of 3

outdoor space, and 3000 m of indoor space with dehumidification. The company offers a customs storage area for transit goods. The port does not have a railroad connection, but this

company that permanently employs 55 workers. During the peak season the number of workers may momentarily rise to 85. “By the means of skilfull and well motivated staff, the vital and advanced customers will be kept satisfied in the future, too,” Rahja belives.

deficiency is solved with a so-called freight transfer system. “We unload railcars at the Ylivieska station and transport the goods to the port for shipping.” Rahjan Huolinta has a harbor tugboat that assists ships and breaks ice in winter, ensuring that port visits happen flexibly and without delays all year round.

Rahjan Huolinta Oy Address: Telephone: Duty phone 24h Email:

Satamatie 395, FI-85180 Rahja +358(0)20 776 9360 Fax: +358(0)20 776 9361 +358(0)20 776 9363 agency@rahjanhuolinta.fi shipping@rahjanhuolinta.fi Web site: www.rahjanhuolinta.fi Line of business: forwarding, stevedoring, transporting, freighting FIND 2014–2016

Logmer loaders are modular and can be mounted on many different machines.

Logging Technology of the Future Exists Already Today Logmer, established in 1997, is a dynamic, innovative loader manufacturer that delivers both base models and special designs tailored to customers’ needs. The company’s product series covers loader needs in logging ranging from light thinning and energy wood harvesting to heavy final felling. The sturdy construction of Logmer loaders is designed to function almost anywhere—in arctic conditions as well as on challenging steep slopes in Central Europe. A significant portion of Logmer loaders is currently delivered to Finland, Sweden, Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Logmer Forest’s managing director Risto Heikkilä says that today an increasingly larger share of harvested timber is taken from forest thinning and stands of small trees. This is where the agility, profitability, and productivity of Logmer parallel boom loaders are at their best and bring energy efficiency to forestry machine entrepreneurs. Logmer loaders are modular and can be mounted on many different machines. Contrary to many other machine industry suppliers, Logmer has the ability to make tailored customer deliveries as well as standard products. The loaders are always tailored to the customer’s needs and the type of use and surroundings.

The sturdy construction of Logmer loaders is designed to function almost anywhere — in arctic conditions as well as on challenging steep slopes in Central Europe.

Logmer is the first to use the newest generation of ultrahigh-strength steels in its logging loaders. Ultra-high-strength steel parallel boom loaders were tested already in 2008. Ultra-

Heikkilä says that long-term design experience and active

high-strength steel lightens the loaders significantly, which in

testing and development allow the company to answer the

turn improves the machine’s efficiency, reduces the contractor’s

constantly changing needs of its customers. Another factor

operating costs, and saves the environment.

is an efficient manufacturing network. Logmer loaders are

“We are investing in logging technology of the future

manufactured by a network of machine shops where the

already today so we can provide our customers with suitable

special expertise, knowledge, and skills of each machine shop

tools that enable them to do efficient logging and quality forest

are utilized the best.

and environmental management in an energy- and cost-saving way,” Risto Heikkilä states.

“Logmer’s job in the network is to manage it so that it functions efficiently and in real time. We take care of all contacts with our customers. We also make sure everyone in the network is up to date and aware of what is coming in the

Logmer Forest Oy Ltd Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

P.O. Box 45, FI-85101 Kalajoki +358 (0)8 474 070 info@logmer.com www.logmer.com

FIND 2014–2016

near future. Real-time information flow is important in order to achieve efficient throughput,” he explains.

Quality Trimming for Builders and Interior Decorators More than 20 million meters is an enormous amount of molding, paneling, and flooring. This is the quantity of products manufactured yearly by E.T. Listat Oy in Ylivieska for interior decorators and builders. Indeed, the company is the sector’s leader in Finland—recognized for its quality and reliability. E.T. Listat is a family-owned company with 40 years of experience behind it. Over the years it has not only grown, it has also increased the refinement value of its products and developed its production processes. Today most of the products are delivered to customers with treated, coated, or overlaid surfaces and they are carefully finished in every way. The company’s managing director Raine Luukko says they raised the degree of refinement in response to the demands of the market. “Customers want quality products and reliable deliveries. Of course, cost-efficiency is also important,” he reflects. According to Raine Luukko, to be successful it is also

Clearly the most important raw material in E.T. Listat’s production is pine, and not just any pine—it is special-class or nearly knot-free wood. Pine accounts for about 70 percent of

necessary to pay attention to trends in building and interior

the wood used by the company. E.T. Listat also manufactures

decorating and to invest in environmentally friendly, efficient

products from MDF, birch, and oak. Quality products are not made without skilled employees.

production technology. E.T. Listat’s products go to construction companies, people

E.T.Listat employs a little over a hundred of them. And of

building their own home, and renovators, for example. Most of

course, the production machinery has to be of high quality.

the molding, paneling, and flooring products go to customers

Raine Luukko calculates that the company has around 30,000

via building equipment and hardware stores.

m2 of covered space in Ylivieska. “We have seven planes, of which five are used for solid wood and two for MDF. We have four painting lines. We also have a finger jointing line that allows us to use raw material that contains knots, pitch pockets, or cracks,” he explains. To make storage and transporting of finished products more efficient, E. T. Listat recently built a large logistics center

E.T. Listat in Ylivieska is the sector’s leader in Finland. The company is recognized for its quality and reliability.

with altogether five kilometers of shelves. With the new center the company is able to ensure that customers always receive their products at the right time and flexibly.

E.T. Listat Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Vähäkankaantie 64, FI-84100 Ylivieska +358 (0)8 410 8200 et.listat@etlistat.fi www.etlistat.fi FIND 2014–2016

FIND 2014â€“2016

Hakki Pilke – a Firewood Processor Beyond Compare One machine stands out from all others in the firewood

The development work has brought results, as Hakki Pilke

processor market. The quality and features of Hakki Pilke

processors have a strong position in the market. Saarnio says

processors manufactured by Maaselän Kone Oy are in a

Hakki Pilke is a recognized brand that is valued by customers

class of their own. Based in Haapajärvi, the company has

in the sector. The brand has additional value because it is

combined its long experience and continuous development

Finnish, which befits a product so closely related to wood.

to build a world-class product. Indeed, robust product development is necessary, because

Hakki Pilke firewood processors cut and split wood into firewood size. The machines can be powered by a tractor,

competition in the firewood processor market is constantly

electricity, or a combustion engine. Several models are

getting stiffer. And, as Maaselän Kone’s marketing manager

available, ranging from machines for summer cabin owners

Marjo Saarnio notes, customers’ demands are also continu-

who cut their own wood to commercial firewood suppliers

ously increasing.

and everything between.

“We work hard to stay ahead of our competitors and to

Like Marjo Saarnio, Maaselän Kone’s managing director

respond to our customers’ wishes. We strive for better price-

Martti Kenttälä also emphasizes the significance of quality.

quality ratios, usability, efficiency, and durability so that our

“We manufacture all our products as if we were making

customers get maximum value from our firewood processors,”

them for ourselves. We want our customers to get a machine

she explains.

that meets all their requirements right from the start,” he

Simple maintenance, optional equipment, and the machine’s resale value are also significant factors for customers.

stresses. Currently, 65–70 percent of the firewood processors are exported. Maaselän Kone’s export manager Anssi Westerlund explains that firewood processors go to the Nordic countries, Central Europe, North America, and as far away as Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. “We are looking for growth in Russia and the Baltic countries, among others,” he states. Maaselän Kone has been around for thirty years already. Throughout its history the company has focused on manufacturing agricultural and forestry machinery. Today Hakki Pilke firewood processors are Maaselän Kone’s main products. The company also makes Varmo Lift fodder wagons for farms. Their main market area is in Finland.

Maaselän Kone Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Valimotie 1, FI-85800 Haapajärvi +358 (0)8 772 7300 info@maaselankone.fi www.maaselankone.fi FIND 2014–2016

Northern Scandinavia has Huge Investment Opportunities The number of investments is increasing in Northern

Oulu’s growth is stronger than ever. Several development

Scandinavia, the investment boom being especially focused

projects will bring investment opportunities worth of

on construction, mining, logistics, energy industry, tourism

€300–400 million in the Oulu city center area.

and creative sector. By 2020, €100 billion will be invested in the Nordic and Barents Region as a whole and investments

Suomi-talo is the gateway to northern

exclusively made in Northern Finland are estimated to be

Sweden, Norway and Kazakhstan

€20 billion by 2020. Oulu is an excellent gateway to Northern

Finland House (Suomi–talo) helps companies build

Investments.

connections between northern Finland and northern Norway or Kazakhstan. The aim is to promote new business

Invest in your future in the Capital of Northern

operations, especially in industrial production, the ICT

Scandinavia – Oulu, Finland

sector and construction.

As Finland’s fastest growing city; Oulu is an international city

To this end, the program has looked into the current needs

full of opportunities. At the moment there are major business

of local construction companies and has compiled them in the

and development projects in the region, and confidence in

form of a list, with the aim of finding Finnish manufacturers

FIND 2014–2016

Photo: BusinessOulu/Ilkka Jaakola

that could provide the construction materials and components needed in the region. In northern Norway, the Finnish business hub is the new Finland House in Tromsø, which officially was opened on January 21st, 2014 by Mr Tuomioja, the Ministry of Foreign

föredömligt sätt tagit en ledande roll också när det gäller att knyta

Affairs. Mr Tuomioja: “Det är ett strålande initiativ av Uleåborg,

kontakter i hela regionen, över gränserna. Jag skulle gärna att se att

eller Oulu som man säger också här i Norge, att etablera ett

fler finska städer och regioner på samma sätt skulle aktivera sina

Finlandshus i Tromsö. Uleåborg med sina 250 000 invånare är

kontakter gentemot våra grannländer Norge, Sverige och Ryssland.

ett centrum på hela Nordkalotten-området. Staden har på ett

Uleåborg visar nu vägen!”

Contact person Norway

Contact person Kazakstan

JUKKA OLLI

PETRI KARINEN

Senior Advisor, Business Development +358 50 563 4954 jukka.ollli@businessoulu.com

Senior Advisor, Business Development +358 44 703 1360 petri.karinen@businessoulu.com FIND 2014–2016

(Merger of Sherpa Konsult and Storvik Consult)

Business Development Services in Arctic Europe Expertise in Industrial Developments Cross Borders Finland - Norway - Sweden - Russia Locations )FMTJOLJ t 0VMV t 0TMP t ,JSLFOFT t 4UBWBOHFS t .VSNBOTL Subsidiaries 000 4UPSWJL $POTVMU .VSNBOTL Wholly owned

&OFSTFOTF "4 ,JSLFOFT Partly owned

3PBETDBOOFST /PSXBZ "4 ,JSLFOFT Partly owned

Services t $SPTT #PSEFS #VTJOFTT %FWFMPQNFOU t #VTJOFTT $PODFQUT "DRVJTJUJPOT BOE 1BSUOFSTIJQT t Studies and surveys t Project Management and Risk Management t &TUBCMJTIJOH BOE PQFSBUJOH JO 3VTTJB /PSXBZ BOE 'JOMBOE t Participation in marketing and sales activities t .BSLFUJOH NBUFSJBMT EFTJHO BOE QSPEVDUJPO t *OUFSOBUJPOBM FYIJCJUJPOT TFNJOBST BOE DPOGFSFODFT t %FMFHBUJPO USBWFMT IPNF BOE BCSPBE t 5SBOTMBUJPO USBWFMT BOE WJTBT t -FHBM UBYBUJPO BOE DVTUPNT JTTVFT t Accounting and auditing matters t Authority reporting issues

Strengths t Experienced t International t Large network t Versatile t Independent

Sectors

#VTJOFTT %FWFMPQNFOU

Environment

Nuclear 4BGFUZ

www.arctic-europe.com 66

FIND 2014–2016

Energy Efficiency

0JM (BT

www.storvik.com

Industry and Technology

Ports and Logistics

Human Resources

Professional in Lifting and Transporting Various types of lifting and transporting are continuously needed in construction and industry. Both workers and materials at construction sites need to be lifted up and lowered down. In industry it is necessary to transport loads weighing up to tens of tons or objects that are otherwise difficult to move. Sulkala offers reliable solutions to all lifting and transporting needs. Sulkala offers a wide range of services: lifting and

Technical development of the equipment is rapid. The equipment is becoming more powerful, efficient, and

transporting, personnel hoists, special transports, installation

versatile. It also contains an increasing amount of information

of concrete elements and steel structures, and industrial

technology. Nevertheless, Timo Sulkala reminds us that good

transports and dragging.

equipment alone does not guarantee success. “We have to continuously improve our services, keep up

Meeting customer demands

with development, and respond to our customers’ increasing

The company’s customer base is varied. According to

demands,” he says.

Managing Director Timo Sulkala, construction and industrial companies are important customer groups, but so are

The right people for the right job

individual builders and renovators. About ninety percent of

According to Timo Sulkala the key word is customer-

the company’s operation is in the Oulu region and nearby

orientation. Sulkala wants to be as customer-oriented as

municipalities. The remainder consists of various projects in

possible. Other important factors include skilled employees

different parts of Finland.

and continuous improvement of their skills, job satisfaction,

To serve a wide-ranging customer base, the company must have a sufficiently broad range of equipment that is in good condition and suitable for many types of jobs. “We have mobile cranes, truck-mounted loaders, telescopic handlers, self-propelled booms, and a variety of dragging equipment,” Sulkala explains.

and safe operation. “A competent staff is of primary importance to us. Indeed, we receive much positive feedback regarding our crew from our customers,” he says proudly. Sulkala is not currently under any significant pressure to expand. Instead the company is focusing on developing its operation, mainly by specializing in the services it has chosen. Managing Director Sulkala is confident regarding the future, as large projects are being planned in the North, and they will require much lifting and transporting when they are implemented.

Nosturiliike Sulkala Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Rasivainiontie 3, FI-90440 Kempele +358 (0)8 512 682 sulkala@nosturiliikesulkala.fi www.nosturiliikesulkala.fi FIND 2014–2016

Seventy Years of Top-level Expertise in Construction

Timber construction has been chosen as one of Hartela’s pilot project themes.

Hartela is a Finnish family-owned company with over seventy years of construction behind it: residential, commercial, office, and industrial buildings as well as public buildings. Hartela’s professional skill and experience in construction originate from traditions passed on within the company from generation to generation. The time-honored, competent group’s operations in Oulu are carried out Hartela-Forum Oy, one of the sector’s

this development is logistics. It guarantees that products can

largest construction companies in the region.

be cost-effectively delivered anywhere in Scandinavia. Further-

Hartela has actively developed customer-oriented, inter-

more, with rapid construction it is possible to react to acute

active services for the housing market. Timber construction,

building needs. With its new concept Hartela is responding to

with its positive image, has been chosen as one of Hartela’s

the challenges of authentically more ecological construction

pilot project themes. Wood is an authentically Finnish

that places less of a load on the environment.

alternative. Indeed, with its new wood concept Hartela-Forum

Timber construction offers solutions to the increasingly

seeks to combine its competence in regional development and

stiff energy, air, and environmental challenges in construction.

environmentally friendly wood to improve employment and

Renewable wood can be used to build energy-efficient, airtight

well-being in Oulu.

buildings whose construction places a minimal load on the

Oulu has very robust timber expertise in architecture,

environment. Prefab solutions enable rapid, dry construction

structural design, and the manufacture of highly prefabricated

and more productive work. Shorter overall construction times

timber components. Hartela-Forum together with top experts

result in lower costs.

in the sector is developing a wood concept that is suitable for the northern environment, which will enable cost-effective construction throughout Scandinavia. An important theme in

Hartela-Forum Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Kasarmintie 23, FI-90130 Oulu +358 (0)10 561 2600 firstname.lastname@hartela.fi www.hartela.fi FIND 2014–2016

Ii – A Vibrant Municipality Only a 25-minute drive from the City of Oulu, the Municipal-

producing new business opportunities and competence throughout

ity of Ii offers secure living, innovative and competitive busi-

Northern Finland.

ness premises, and relaxing leisure-time opportunities in the bosom of beautiful rural surroundings along the Iijoki River. Ii is a growing and vibrant region with around 9,600

The Ii region produces hydro, geothermal, and wind power as well as peat and wood-based fuels. One of Finland’s largest and tallest wind farms is located near the seashore in Ii.

residents and over 1,500 leisure-time apartments. Ii attracts

The municipally owned Property Company Iilaakso Oy

thousands of visitors each year, entertaining them with sum-

provides various industrial facilities and different-sized business

mer fairs, art, sports, fishing, boating, and hunting activities.

offices and workspace options to choose from. Micropolis, a major

Energy efficiency is taken into account in municipal decision-making, as Ii is part of the Carbon-Neutral Municipalities (HINKU) project that brings residents,

local technology center, is a popular place to organize meetings, exhibitions, or other events. Regional development and marketing company Micropolis

experts, and companies together to create and carry out

Oy’s services include assisting companies, research institutes,

solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Significant

municipalities, and cities in preparing and implementing national

renewable energy projects are being activated in the area,

and international R&D projects and in acquiring EU funding and grants. The company is specialized in green technology and sustainable environmental development.

Municipality of Ii

In 2014 Ii celebrates its 640-year historic jubilee!

Piisilta 1, FI-91100 Ii Micropolis Oy – Business opportunities www.greenpolis.fi Iilaakso Oy – Business premises www.iilaakso.fi Visit Ii! – www.visitii.fi

The rural surroundings with closeness to nature, the seashore,

FIND 2014–2016

and three rivers welcome you to experience Ii. Come for a day or stay longer!

Photographer: Jari Peltomäki Photographer: Minna Rautio

Liminka Bay attracts nature tourists—especially those interested in photographing birds—from both Finland and other countries.

Liminka is Known for Its Birds Liminka Bay is Finland’s finest wetland and bird habitat. Its

Nature tourism has grown robustly during the past ten

birdlife is uniquely abundant: swans, cranes, geese, many kinds

plus years. Bird watching and photographing have seen a

of waders and ducks, black-tailed godwits, ruffs, owls, caper-

particular boom. Digital technology has spurred a hundredfold

caillies, black grouse, and many others. Altogether a couple

increase in the number of people interested in photographing

hundred species of birds can be seen in Liminka Bay—which

birds compared with past years.

extends beyond Liminka to Lumijoki, Kempele, and Oulu— and about half of these species also nest here.

For example, many company executives have embraced this hobby. Enthusiastic photographers are also willing to make

It’s no wonder that Liminka Bay attracts nature tourists

long trips to follow birds. Just recently a group of Chinese

—especially those interested in photographing birds—from

corporate executives came to Liminka Bay for the express

both Finland and other countries. Over 55,000 visitors came to

purpose of eternalizing ruffs.

the Liminka Bay Visitor Center in 2013. The area’s nature tourism is under continuous develop-

It is easy to understand Liminka Bay’s popularity among birdwatchers, as the area has many benefits in addition to its

ment through the Liminka Bay Nature Tourism Operating

diverse birdlife. It is easily accessible and provides excellent

Model and Internationalization Project. Project manager Kaisa

services. Here photographing birds does not requires an

Korhonen equates the fact that the magnificent wetland is

extremist mentality.

located in the municipality of Liminka to winning the lottery.

Project manager Korhonen reminds us, however, that

“Liminka is known for its birds,” she sums up.

competition in birdlife tourism is fierce and global. Liminka

Surely no one is more familiar with Liminka Bay than Jari

Bay has competitors around the world.

Peltomäki, entrepreneur and managing director of Finnature

“Liminka Bay’s prerequisites for success have been system-

Oy, which specializes in nature tourism. The company began

atically improved. The third phase of the area’s Visitor Center

operation in the area back in 1992. Today Finnature transports

with a permanent exhibition was recently opened. At the same

tourists interested in nature—particularly birds—all over

time Metsähallitus became a new partner in the center’s opera-

Finland.

tion. Hotel and restaurant services have been provided for a

“Liminka Bay, though, has remained close to our heart and

longer time, already,” she says.

it also functions as our base,” he states.

Liminka Bay, Municipality of Liminka Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Rantakurvi 6, FI-91900 Liminka +358 (0)40 832 1781 liminganlahti@metsa.fi www.liminganlahti.fi FIND 2014–2016

Advantages of Log Construction • Architecturally interesting • Simple structure • Ecologicalness • Healthy indoor climate • Image benefits • For children, an inspiring, peaceful, and traditional material

Allure of Log Buildings

Pudasjärvi is a Pioneer in Log Construction in Finland Pudasjärvi wants to invest in the availability and quality of

Pudasjärvi’s world’s

its services. Important factors in its plans are ecologicalness,

largest log daycare center and school campus

accessibility, well-being, and vitality.

Log construction is also an especially suitable material for

Pudasjärvi’s Log Block Project, started in 2009, investi-

daycare centers and schools. Pudasjärvi’s experiences have

gated the advantages of log construction from the standpoint

indicated that the sound insulation requirements of a daycare

of durability and ecologicalness. The project also compared the

center’s nap room were met exceedingly well. Log walls soften

health status and living satisfaction of inhabitants of log houses

sounds. Pudasjärvi’s handsome new log daycare center was

with those of inhabitants of houses made of other materials.

completed in the autumn of 2013. The Pikku-Paavali daycare

The dense, beautiful block of log buildings on the Iijoki River

center is the world’s largest log daycare center building.

in the center of Pudasjärvi contains both office and residential

A decision was made at the end of 2013 to build a log

buildings. The positive experiences of the impact of the mod-

school campus in the immediate vicinity of the block of log

ern log structures on working conditions and work satisfaction

buildings. The 10,000 m2 log school will offer about 800 Pudas-

have been convincing, encouraging, and actually amazing.

järvi youths and adults a modern educational and leisure-time

New log projects have been planned and implemented.

environment. The project will be completed by the summer of 2016.

FIND 2014–2016

Pleasant Lodging Hotel Iso-Syöte at the top of the fell offers the finest in lodging. Its new special suite—the luxurious Eagles View Suite—offers magnificent panoramas of snow, Northern Lights, and starry skies through its glass wall and roof while you bask in the warmth of its fireplace. The hotel’s high-quality rooms offer enchanting views that

Syöte – a place to relax Finland’s southernmost fell area—Syöte—is popular especially

stretch to the faraway horizon. The fell’s traditional cabins are also popular. At Syöte it is easy to combine a ski vacation with adventure-filled safaris.

among families. Syöte’s two ski centers offer vacationers idyllic Finnish fell nature and beautiful landscapes. Multifaceted Iso-Syöte was chosen as the ski center of the

Luppis Luppovesi’s multifunction area—Luppis—offers activities and

year in 2012. Children like to spend time in Iso-Syöte’s Lu-

things to do for people of all ages, especially during the summer.

mimaa, where they can enjoy a variety of slopes and lifts and

The multifunction area is comprised of a playground, a disc golf

endearing reindeer mascots. Snowboarders and new-school

park, and a skateboard park. Opened in the summer of 2013, Lup-

skiers have their own Snowpark and freeride areas. Pikku-Syöte has earned praise especially for its snowboard

pis’ enjoyable activities are available to everyone free of charge. Luppo Park has 10 different kinds of elements for skateboarders or scooters, for example. The elements are built to withstand heavy

parks, which attract even top international snowboarders.

use and to fulfill the wishes of users regardless of their age or skill

Pikku-Syöte’s parks and slopes are well-suited for beginners,

level.

also. Right next to the slopes is Syöte National Park, which beckons cross-country skiers in winter and hikers and bikers in the summer. Syöte also offers adventure and fun in the form of snowmobile, ATV, husky, and reindeer safaris. Those who enjoy a slower pace can go pole-walking, fishing, or canoeing.

Syöte Disc Golf Park is a class AA1 park, which means it is suitable for all levels of players. You do not need to have your own Frisbees with you, as you can rent them at the rental shop. The playground is built of natural materials, including a rope course and swings.

www.pudasjarvi.fi www.syote.fi FIND 2014–2016

Where Lapland Begins

Located just over 200 kilometres to the north-east of Oulu, the

Ruka World Cup Resort

naturally picturesque Kuusamo, with the Ruka Ski Resort, is

In the winter, Ruka is the centre for top sports, seeing the

Finland’s southern gateway to Lapland.

world’s top sportspeople competing for world cup points in

All the experiences in the region have been packaged into

cross-country skiing, ski jumping, snowboarding, slalom and

clean nature and the four seasons are full of possibilities for

moguls. The Alpine Skiing World Cup commences in Ruka

activity. The Ruka Village pedestrian precinct and the services

always in the end of November at the FIS World Cup Ruka

of the Kuusamo town centre make travel in the region easy and

Nordic Open event. These top sports areas are also available

child-friendly. The numerous tourism entrepreneurs and their

for the public to use throughout the season.

activities make sure holidays go brilliantly.

The Ruka Village operates as the hub of competitions and the tourist resort, where accommodation, restaurants, nightlife and other services are all found within walking distance.

FIND 2014–2016

Kuusamo – land of national parks In the summertime Kuusamo beckons hikers to its national parks. In Europe’s last remaining wilderness, nature, air and water are clean and the purity of natural produce is also gastronomically enjoyed. The national parks in Kuusamo cover hundreds of kilometres. Finland’s most renowned hiking route, the 80-kilometre Bear’s Trail winds its way around the Oulanka National Park with its forests, fell highlands and along sparkling river banks

and viewing the Midnight Sun are experiences you will never

all in their natural state.

forget. Those looking for a bit more action can experience a

In the wintertime, the national park is excellent for viewing the spectacular Northern Lights, and in the summertime, the sun doesn’t set between mid-June to the end of August at

whitewater rafting along the rushing waters of the wilderness rivers. You might like to take a day trip to the Russian border just

all. Living in the Nightless Night of the Midnight Sun, both

50 kilometres way, or perhaps cross the border into Russia for

flora and fauna are seen and heard as magical, and canoeing

fishing, hunting, or a trip to admire the Solovetsky Islands in

on a hazy river engulfs you into relaxation. A midnight hike

the White Sea, brimming over with Orthodox mysticism.

RUKA

KUUSAMO

One of Europe’s best snow-guaranteed ski resorts 200 skiing days a year Downhill skiing season from October to May 34 slopes, 21 ski lifts Greatest elevation difference 201 metres Longest run 1,300 m Ruka summit 492 m

The most popular places of interest are Oulanka National Park, Karhunkierros, Kitkajoki and Oulankajoki Rivers, and the Ruka Resort 2000 km marked routes and trails 160 km hiking routes 506 km cross-country skiing tracks 600 km snowmobile routes 350 km canoeing routes FIND 2014–2016

Nature in Koillismaa is well known for being among the most beautiful in Finland. However, nature offers more than just experiences. It also provides a strong, inspirational basis for livelihoods in the Kuusamo-Taivalkoski region and for their

Well-being Originates from Nature

development. Tourism, agriculture, forestry, and mechanical wood processing are all based upon nature—each in its own way. They are all robust sectors in the region. “Nature and natural resources are our thing,” says Jari Hentilä, managing director of Naturpolis Ltd, a regional development agency jointly owned by the Town of Kuusamo and the municipality of Taivalkoski. In addition to its magnificent nature, the KuusamoTaivalkoski region is characterized by a zest for doing things. Jari Hentilä is not shy about saying that a good mindset, an atmosphere of development, and a spirit of cooperation prevail in the region.

FIND 2014–2016

Mechanical wood processing is a strong sector in the region.

“Like athletes, we could say as long as we believe in ourselves, we’ll get results,” he laughs. Of course, it is not a question of faith only. According to Hentilä, optimism and expectations of growth in the most important livelihoods are supported by facts. For example, tourism is a rapidly expanding sector worldwide. Kuusamo has

Naturpolis’ managing director Jari Hentilä emphasizes that nature in Koillismaa offers experiences and also provides a strong, inspirational basis for livelihoods in the Kuusamo-Taivalkoski region and for their development.

everything needed to snare its own share of the growing flow of foreign and domestic tourists. “Naturally, this all requires work. Among other things we need to boost tourism all year round, but we definitely have

“The interfaces between new and old sectors are especially

the possibilities to do so. It is also important to ensure that

important. For example, various high technology applications

good connections are maintained. This means both travel con-

combined with tourism or mechanical wood processing may

nections—especially air travel—as well as IT connections.”

spawn successful innovations and products,” he emphasizes.

Hentilä trusts in tourism so much he believes it is capable

Naturpolis was established in 2005. The development

of realizing about a quarter of the business activity of northeast

agency’s mission is to promote the creation of profitable

Finland. A particular spurt in growth may come from tourists

business operation and new jobs in northeast Finland, improve

arriving from Russia; the possibilities they present for north-

companies’ operating prerequisites and environments, and

east Finland are immense.

enhance regional business cooperation.

Of course, the region does not rely solely on tourism. Jari Hentilä believes business operation in completely new sectors will spring up in the Kuusamo-Taivalkoski area. He predicts that these, too, will spring up from nature or existing sectors.

Naturpolis Ltd Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Nuottatie 6 A, FI-93600 Kuusamo +358 (0)40 860 8844 info@naturpolis.fi www.naturpolis.fi FIND 2014–2016

Internationally Top-level Research and Education “We are continuously producing innovations based on our research,” says Rector Lauri Lajunen.

The University of Oulu is a researchoriented academic and innovation university that conducts internationally top-level research and provides top-quality education. The university has about 16,000 students and 3,000 employees. With ten faculties, it is one of Finland’s largest and most multidisciplinary universities. It has countless numbers of departments and research units. A recent RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) evaluation conducted by a group of international academic experts speaks of the university’s quality level. Their report states that research conducted at the University of Oulu is for the most part very good or excellent. According to Rector Lauri Lajunen, the evaluation

According to Lajunen, the University of Oulu also seeks to ensure that these innovations lead to commercial products. As a part of this effort the university participates in the work of

indicates that internationally top-level research is conducted

the Oulu Innovation Alliance. Other participants include Oulu

at the university in areas such as machine vision in the field

University of Applied Sciences, the City of Oulu, VTT, and

of engineering, cardiovascular diseases in medicine, and

Technopolis Plc.

mathematics research in the basic sciences. Also at the top

“The Innovation Alliance brings together top researchers

international level is the Relate-Oulu center of excellence, for

and companies. All parties of the alliance have their own tasks.

example, which conducts research on geographic boundaries.

Its goal is to refine innovations into international business

“The evaluation recognized altogether 13 internationally top level research communities and 9 excellent research

operations,” he says. Education at the University of Oulu is characterized by

communities. In addition, most of the evaluated 49 research

its scientific basis, response to the needs of working life, and

communities were classified as good or excellent,” he explains.

internationality. The fact that the university also keeps up

Innovation at the University of Oulu also produces good results—indeed, it is one of Finland’s three innovation universities. “We are continuously producing innovations based on our research,” Lajunen emphasizes.

with development in the technology used in teaching is also important. “We have made use of the possibilities offered by technological development, for example by converting our libraries into electronic learning centers. In these centers students are able to diversely utilize electronic learning material and

University of Oulu Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, FI-90570 Oulu +358 294 480 000 university.of.oulu@oulu.fi www.oulu.fi

FIND 2014–2016

technologies. We are also building modern work spaces and teamwork facilities in the centers,” Rector Lajunen describes.

OULU

BUSINESS SCHOOL

Accredited Business Excellence

“We seize the challenges and opportunities of global business.”

Oulu Business School (OBS) at the University of Oulu is

on global business and economy as well as the challenges of

a truly international research and educational institute for

sustainable and responsible business.

business and economics. The high quality of our research and

Oulu Business School is a young and dynamic commu-

education has been acknowledged with the esteemed AACSB

nity, but our success is grounded in decades of experience:

Accreditation, earned by only 5 % of the world’s business

economic sciences have been taught at the University of Oulu

schools. We are based in Oulu, the lively capital of Northern

since 1959. Full degrees in economics and business administra-

Scandinavia and home to the multidisciplinary University of

tion have been in the study portfolio since 1991, and in 2000

Oulu. Oulu Business School effectively collaborates with local

the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration was

businesses and the larger society.

established as an independent unit. In 2010 we changed our

Our students can choose from versatile study programme options. They can become top experts in business and economics by earning a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree,

name to Oulu Business School to better match our mission and focus on business studies. For OBS, the 2000’s were a time when we saw significant

or strengthen their professional expertise gained in working

growth and reached ever higher quality criteria. It’s with the

life—in English or Finnish. The international flavour of OBS

same forward-looking pioneer spirit, and positive and active

is also evident in the Martti Ahtisaari Institute, with its focus

attitude, that we will seize future challenges.

Oulu Business School P.O. Box 4600, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland www: www.oulubusinessschool.fi email: info.oulubusinessschool@oulu.fi tel: +358 294 480000 FIND 2014–2016

Bioresearch for Better Health The long hallways at Biocenter Oulu are lined with doors to researchers’ rooms and laboratories. Here answers are sought to important questions concerning biosciences and health. The type of research conducted at Biocenter Oulu is basic research, yet it spawns important practical applications such as novel pharmaceuticals, treatment modes, and diagnostic procedures —and also related business operation. Established in 1986, Biocenter Oulu currently has four wide-ranging research programs. Their focus is on interactions between cells and extracellular substances, the structure and functions of proteins, metabolism, and genetics.

Biocenter Oulu’s current research programs are involved in finding methods for early detection and treatment of cancer and determining hereditary susceptibility to breast cancer, for example.

At the practical level these programs are involved in, e.g., finding methods for early detection and treatment of cancer, determining hereditary susceptibility to breast cancer, and increasing our understanding of metabolic syndrome and

excellent technological core services, and a sufficiently large

certain common heart diseases.

international staff. We continuously seek to recruit top-level

Biocenter Oulu’s scientific director Johanna Myllyharju emphasizes that the research institute seeks in every way to

researchers in various phases of their careers,” Myllyharju says. Biocenter Oulu consists of about three hundred people.

ensure that its operation remains at the top level internation-

Over a hundred of them are post-graduate students working

ally. In this it has succeeded.

on their doctoral thesis. About of third of these are from

“Proof of this is the fact that we have been very successful

abroad, which Myllyharju feels is a good indication of the

in obtaining funding and in having our research reports

research institute’s attractiveness. Nevertheless, the goal is even

published in recognized scientific journals,” she notes.

higher: the proportion of international researchers should be

According to Myllyharju, reaching and maintaining a high level of operation rests on a few important factors. The first

about a half of all the post-graduate students. Biocenter Oulu operates in the Biosciences and Health

one she mentions is regular international evaluation. Biocenter

research focus area of the University of Oulu. The university’s

Oulu’s four-year research programs are chosen on the basis of

goal is to have a multidisciplinary research institute operating

statements provided by the world’s top-level specialists.

in each of its four research focus areas. According to Johanna

“In addition, our operation is authentically multidisciplinary and we have a well-functioning doctoral program,

Myllyharju, collaboration between these research institutes in the focus areas brings significant benefits to all of them. For example, Biocenter Oulu has started interesting initiatives with

Biocenter Oulu Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Aapistie 5 A, FI-90220 Oulu +358 (0)294 486103 teija.luoto@oulu.fi www.oulu.fi/biocenter

FIND 2014–2016

Infotech Oulu, which operates in the information technology sector.

A Springboard to International Jobs in Education and Development The University of Oulu’s International Master’s Degree Programmes in Education attract future experts from all around the world.

Students from all around the world gather at the University of Oulu to study on the International Master’s Degree Programmes in Education. Upon graduating from the two year programmes, majority of these students move on to take up international duties around the world with the advantage of the top-quality education, vast professional networks and unique experiences from the northern university city of Oulu.

Students from all over the globe are studying in international Master’s degree programmes at the Faculty of Education, University of Oulu

The two international Master’s programmes in the Faculty of Education at the University of Oulu have so far had over 150 students from 55 different countries. The Master’s Degree Programme in Learning, Education and Technology (LET)

Kati Anttalainen graduated from the Education and Glo-

educates experts in learning; the program is based on

balisation programme, and found employment immediately in

leading-edge research in the learning sciences and technology-

the Finnish Ministry of Education working in liaison with the

enhanced learning with the aim to understanding how people

UN and Unesco. ‘I had always been interested in development

acquire the skill and will to learn. The Master’s Degree

and sustainability questions; the EdGlo programme attracted

Programme in Education and Globalisation (EdGlo) focuses

me because it integrates these issues into the modules in a

its learning and research on global education policy, education

unique manner. EdGlo modules, the expertise, the students

systems and curricula, quality, ethics and leadership.

from every continent all made for an excellent student experi-

Aleksandra Lazareva describes her experiences: ‘I feel that

ence. In addition to the stimulating intercultural discussions,

studies in the Learning, Education and Technology Master’s

I felt that the compulsory internship was extremely valuable.

Programme have given me everything that I need in order to

It offered an important opportunity to gain practical insights

become a successful expert in the sphere of education. I was

into the functioning of important educational institutions.’

given the necessary knowledge base about learning theories

With both of the Master’s Programmes, their excellence is

and pedagogical use of technology, a chance to apply theory

guaranteed by research-based education and teams of interna-

in practice under the guidance of the teachers, and in the end,

tional experts. The carefully developed contents are unique and

an opportunity to take full responsibility for my own research

modern and the teaching is innovative, varied and inspiring.

work. I feel very confident about my current skill level, which has given me the courage to try out other things related to academic and volunteer activities. I think I have learned to look at things and evaluate them from different perspectives.’

Contact information: www.oulu.fi/ktk/edglo www.oulu.fi/let/masters

FIND 2014–2016

Cell-extracellular matrix interplay is studied at the University of Oulu in the Academy of Finland’s Centre of Excellence, one of the world´s leading centres in its field.

“Now we know that merely studying cells is not enough; it is also necessary to study the extracellular matrix. It has proved to be an active partner in cellular function,” she explains. The nature of the work done in the Centre is both basic research and applied research. The proportion of the latter is greater than is often thought. “We have much collaboration with clinical researchers, and a large collection of patient material is important to us. We also work together with companies

Centre of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research

New Knowledge, New Treatments

like Fibrogen in the USA. This type of cooperation allows us to quickly reach the level of practical applications,” professor Pihlajaniemi emphasizes. New practical applications are being found in cancer and metabolic syndrome diagnostics, for example, and in the utilization of stem cells for disease treatment. The Centre has also

Cell-extracellular matrix interplay has become a hot topic of

made surprising discoveries of links between genes and diseases

research internationally. Better knowledge of these complex

as well as genetic causes of various developmental disorders.

interactions helps in understanding the origin and spread of

“And we achieve smaller breakthroughs daily,” says

cancers, for example, and the genesis of organs. This in turn enables the development of new treatments and diagnostics —

Professor Seppo Vainio. Vainio leads his own research group in the center. It is

and in the future perhaps the growth of organs from individual

studying how the extracellular matrix can be used to control

cells.

stem cell differentiation and organogenesis. As an outcome

Cell-extracellular matrix interplay is studied at the Univer-

of the research, in the future it may be possible to grow new

sity of Oulu in the Academy of Finland’s Centre of Excellence,

organs for patients whose own organs have been damaged for

an integrated consortium of six research groups from the

some reason.

Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, the Faculty

Both Pihlajaniemi and Vainio emphasize that a strength of

of Medicine, and Biocenter Oulu. The scientific director of

the Centre of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research

the centre is Professor Taina Pihlajaniemi, one of the world’s

is its size. Well over a hundred researchers in close contact form

leading researchers in the field.

a critical mass that together is capable of achieving excellent results. Perhaps more important, though, is that this critical mass does not turn inward, but on the contrary actively forms

Centre of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Aapistie 7, FI-90014 Oulu +358 (0)400 586 920 taina.pihlajaniemi@oulu.fi and sirpa.salo@oulu.fi www.oulu.fi/cecer

FIND 2014–2016

connections with different branches of science and with its surroundings.

Center for Internet Excellence

Developing the Future Internet

CIE is interested above all in Future Internet technologies. One of CIE’s goals is to investigate where the 3D Internet can be utilized and to come up with new related business opportunities.

Over the years the Internet has completely revolutionized the

Worldwide collaboration in general is important. Joint efforts

lives of both individuals and companies. The impact of the

and views are needed, for one reason because widely agreed-on

Internet will most certainly not diminish in the future—most

standards are of major importance in the Internet world.

likely the very opposite will happen. But what will the Internet

Most of the research in the sector is applied research. That’s

of tomorrow be like? This is being studied at the research and

why CIE also works a lot with companies that do research and

innovation unit CIE (Center for Internet Excellence) operating

development work.

in connection with the University of Oulu. The Center is interested above all in Future Internet

Director Mika Ylianttila is convinced that use of the Internet and the services provided through it will grow

technologies. Currently, the main focus is on the 3D Internet,

considerably in many sectors. Examples include education,

including 3D user experiences, virtual worlds, and augmented

health care and well-being, and regional and urban planning.

reality.

He also believes Internet mobility and various information

CIE is participating in the European Union’s broad Fi-Ware project. The Center’s part in the project, which is

security questions will emerge even more strongly in the future. One of CIE’s goals is to investigate where the 3D Internet

developing the Future Internet, is to concentrate on studying

can be utilized and to come up with new related business

and standardizing Web user interfaces that support virtual

opportunities.

worlds and augmented reality. The Center is especially interested in the platform with

The parent organizations behind the Center for Internet Excellence comprise the Oulu Innovation Alliance:

which new technologies—such as 3D—can be made to func-

the University of Oulu, the City of Oulu, Oulu University of

tion with an ordinary browser.

Applied Sciences, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland,

Altogether 46 companies and research institutes in 12 EU

and Technopolis Plc.

countries are involved in the project. In addition to the EU, CIE also collaborates with actors in many other directions. One of these directions is the USA, which is unquestionably the number one country in Internet research and development.

Center for Internet Excellence Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

P.O. Box 1001, FI-90014 University of Oulu +358 (0)40 535 0505 mika.ylianttila@cie.fi www.cie.fi FIND 2014–2016

President Jouko Paaso says Oamk strives to its palette of education broad enough to cover the needs of northern Finland and create a diversity of possibilities in

Oulu University of Applied Sciences

the region.

A More Agile University of Applied Sciences Oulu University of Applied Sciences’ (Oulu UAS’s) task is to educate competent professionals for northern Finland who meet the needs of working life. Since the beginning of 2014 Oulu UAS has had even better prerequisites for realizing this task. A major change took place in Oulu UAS’s administration; the long-planned incorporation of Oulu UAS was finally carried out and the school began operating

Photo: Jussi Tuokkola

as an incorporated company.

FIND 2014–2016

Functioning as an incorporated company was a significant

Oulu UAS has two selected focus areas: the first is Health

renewal in principle for Oulu UAS. According to the UAS’s

and Well-being and the second is Energy, Natural Resources,

president Jouko Paaso, it gave the school a more efficient

and the Environment. Paaso believes they form a good core

administration and—above all—a good base for further

around which the UAS can continue to build its future educa-

improving the education it provides.

tion and development work. Oulu UAS’s goal in the Health and

“Now we are able to offer our students higher-quality

Well-being focus area is to create new services with the help of

education and we are better able to respond to the needs of

well-being, information, and communication technologies and

businesses and public organizations in our region.”

know-how in culture. In the Energy, Natural Resources, and the Environment focus area the school concentrates on living

A major effort

and building in the north, intelligent energy solutions, and

Jouko Paaso—who is now both Oulu UAS’s president and

sustainable natural resource economics.

Oamk Oy’s managing director—admits that converting the

This way Oulu UAS is able to carry out its basic task—

UAS into an incorporated company has required a major

promoting the competitiveness of the region and its companies

effort.

and creating employment and well-being in the region.

“The work we did included all kinds of renewal, adaptation, and preparation. Nevertheless, now everything is in

New operating environment

order,” he says.

Oulu UAS’s operating environment has changed rapidly in

The effort has been worthwhile. Paaso is convinced

recent years. That’s why agility and the capacity to react quickly

that the incorporation will bring the school many benefits

—enabled by the new administrative model—will come to

that are needed for the development of education: strategic

good use. Jouko Paaso reminds us that Oulu UAS is expected

agility, more efficiency, and closer contacts with business life.

to come up with quickly affecting, focused tools with which

However, agility in no way means operation does not have a

the region’s industry and commerce can be honed into good

clear purpose.

shape after the hiccup in the ICT sector.

“We have a clear vision of development set by the board of

There is also plenty of work to be done related to the

directors which we will implement and toward which we are

proposed energy and mining investments in the north. Oulu

aiming. It defines clear boundaries and directions according to

UAS for its part must be able to provide support to companies

which we operate.”

that want to take part in these big projects. “In addition, we have to keep our palette of education

Renewed curriculum

broad enough to cover the needs of northern Finland and

Part of this implementation of the vision of development

create a diversity of possibilities in the region,” says president

involves renewing Oulu UAS’s curriculum. Teaching will

Paaso.

include a strong dose of eLearning. Since students are

The requirements set for Oulu UAS will not get any small-

continuously connected to the Internet anyway, Paaso says it

er in the future, but its readiness to meet them is at a good

is obviously worth shifting education—or creation of learning

level. The school has many strong characteristics: in addition

prerequisites—to the web, also. At the same time teachers must

to a high level of education, they include improved efficiency,

be provided with basic skills needed to create and utilize study

a competent and committed staff, operation concentrated on a

modules based on eLearning as a part of their daily work.

few strong campuses, and modern facilities.

Oulu UAS is developing its education in other ways, too. “We want to provide education that coincides as much as

Oulu UAS’s size—it is one of Finland’s largest universities of applied sciences—also gives it a certain influential force.

possible with working life. To achieve this we must collaborate even more with companies. We also want to bring together different fields by means of various projects,” president Paaso describes.

Oulu University of Applied Sciences Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Kiviharjunlenkki 1 B, FI-90220 Oulu +358 (0)10 272 1030 info@oamk.fi www.oamk.fi FIND 2014–2016

Tj-koulu Spurs Growth and Internationalization Photo: Timo Heikkala

Clients sit at Tj-koulu’s desks so they can fine-tune their businesses and enhance their management skills. More and more companies are seeking rapid growth and internationalization. Competent people with experience acquired in large companies turn to Tjkoulu for help in managing the entity of an SME. “Achievement of tough goals requires—in addition to good fortune—at least know-how and courage. Business models and earning logic are often put to the test. Tj-koulu offers help in managing and developing the entity of business operations,” managing director Sanna Leppänen explains.

Course adjustment Often companies have neglected to make important strategic choices. Management is erratic because it lacks a clear direction. Unprofitable customer relationships eat away at overall operating profit. “In a turbulent environment

Tj-koulu’s coach speaks the same language as the client. From the left: Hannu Peltomäki, Jukka Pekka Vuolukka, Pekka Pirnes, Maarit Laitinen, Petri Runtti, and Sanna Leppänen.

there is a need for flexibility, agility, and strategic decisionmaking skills. Tj-koulu helps people focus and clarify their

Economic figures reveal the truth

actions,” Leppänen continues.

“My job is to scrap the idea of economics being a dry topic. Indeed, in financially tighter times, interest in understanding

Development is a joint effort

the company’s finances definitely increases,” says Jukka Pekka

“Most important is a professional and practical approach that

Vuolukka, Tj-koulu’s specialist in finances and taxes.

smoothly addresses current issues faced by our SME clients,”

Jukka Pekka also works on generational changes and

says vice managing director Pekka Pirnes about Tj-koulu’s

other company restructuring. “A generational change involves

choice of coaches.

both hard and soft business issues in addition to taxation and

Tj-koulu’s specialists do not offer ready solutions.

legal matters. The help of an outsider should be enlisted early

Coaching is a process during which the client comes up with

on. For example, the viewpoint of tax authorities should be

solutions and makes decisions. A good coach spurs the client

inquired beforehand and not pondered afterward.”

onward. “An experienced outsider brings objectivity. For example, he or she can identify a company’s competitive

Clients appreciate benefits

factors that are worth developing. A coach can prompt people

In surveys conducted in the Oulu Region by Taloustutkimus,

to look for alternatives when they would otherwise be content

an independent market research company, clients have rated

to use worn-out solutions,” Petri Runtti, leader of strategic

Tj-koulu as the best coaching company already four consecu-

work emphasizes.

tive times. Clients chose Tj-koulu again especially because of the benefit gained from collaboration. Acceleration of generational changes, internationalization,

Suomen Toimitusjohtajakoulu Oy Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Lehtorouskuntie 8, FI-90650 Oulu +358 (0)40 830 8280 sanna.leppanen@tjkoulu.fi www.tjkoulu.fi

FIND 2014–2016

and development of board and steering team work are currently the hottest topic areas in Tj-koulu’s R&D mill.

New Channels Require New Know-how POHTO – The Institute for Management and Technological Training is a working-life-oriented specialist in education and development that offers services and tools for evaluation and development of both individuals’ competence and companies’ operations. Our wide-ranging menu and robust experience in several fields enable our specialists to offer diverse solutions to the various development needs of our clients. “Economic life is continuously changing. At the moment globalization depicts the time we are in, and consequently the challenge is internationalization of companies and service organizations. As the need for competence changes, companies have to quickly take a new direction, and our job is to help companies and organizations realize their goals.” “It is our job to challenge companies to renew themselves—be it development of business operation, management, or production processes,” says Managing Director Markku Oikarinen. In addition to developing know-how, an external educational and developmental organization can also make client

Managing Director Markku Oikarinen

companies’ operations more efficient by introducing an external perspective and questioning current operating models. But

and Technological Training, we have had and still have good

this alone is not enough.

knowledge of various fields and their development. Develop-

POHTO’s strength lies in continuous research and

ment of production, technology, and field-specific know-how

development of learning and learning processes—the moment

continues to be important to us. One of our current challenges

when learning happens, at the right time and in the right place.

is to help production-oriented organizations shift to service

When training is made a part of the client’s work process, its

business.”

impact grows and goals are achieved better. “We have developed unique methods with which

Training related to a production process is often open training. However, a large portion of training is tailored into

we—together with our clients—can simulate the company’s

client-specific projects that are linked to the client company’s

own processes as a part of intense training. True learning and

strategy.

development are achieved through action learning. In this we are among the best in Finland.” The process of continuous learning is also a challenge for

“As far as development of management and business operation are concerned, our training is designed on the basis of the client’s own strategic meters. Only then is the strategy

POHTO itself. “We need to navigate toward new fields, such as

authentically implemented in practice,” Markku Oikarinen

the gaming industry’s business operations and processes. Here

emphasizes.

we need to continuously question our own functions to be able to best serve our clients,” Oikarinen says. Forty-year-old POHTO’s history began from the educational needs of industry. “As the Institute for Management

POHTO – The Institute for Management and Technological Training Address: Phone:. email: Web pages:

Vellamontie 12, FI-90510 Oulu +358 (0)10 843 4500 info@pohto.fi www.pohto.fi FIND 2014–2016

CEO Heikki Aalto draws an inverted letter U on a map. It

“Cultural differences in this region are minimal, language

starts approximately at Kokkola in Finland. From there the arc

is not a problem, operating principles are similar, and distances

goes north along the coast and crosses the border to Sweden

are not too long,” he lists.

at Tornio and Haparanda. The arc continues along the Swedish coast and ends about where Skellefteå is situated. This is the Bothnian Arc, a busy, vibrant, and strong region that joins the northern coastal areas of two countries. Heikki Aalto has a vision. He wants the people living in the Bothnian Arc to recognize it as a unified region where

Realization of the vision would also smooth the way to achieving the goal of the Bothnian Arc association. The association wants to develop the Bothnian Arc into the most functionally unified border region in Northern Europe and the European Union’s northernmost center of industry, research, and know-how.

it is good to live and work. As head of the Bothnian Arc association, Aalto is doing his best to ensure that this vision is

Haparanda and Tornio serve as models

realized.

Indeed, the vision emphasizing the unity of the Bothnian Arc

CEO Aalto feels there are strong prerequisites for the realization of this vision.

FIND 2014–2016

region is partially reality already today. The best example of this is the fact that the cities of Tornio and Haparanda have

“Tornio and Haparanda have realized the possibilities offered by seamless cooperation. The cities serve as examples to others,” CEO Aalto boasts.

practically grown into one, even though the former is situated in Finland and the latter in Sweden. “Tornio and Haparanda have realized the possibilities

It is also noteworthy that this Bothnian Arc-type of crossborder cooperation has been given weight, not only in the EU, but also in the OECD, for example. Both have awakened to the

offered by seamless cooperation. The cities serve as examples

realization that Nordic-style cooperation is both efficient and

to others,” CEO Aalto boasts.

fruitful.

As if to underscore the good operating model of these cities, the Bothnian Arc association has located its premises

International regional developer

and home office in Haparanda. Registered in Sweden, the

CEO Heikki Aalto characterizes the Bothnian Arc association

association has as its Finnish members the Kemi-Tornio, Oulu

as an international regional development organization. It

Arc, Oulu, and Ylivieska regions and the Central Ostrobothnia

practices regional marketing, looks after its members’ interests,

Regional Council; the Swedish members are the municipali-

and plays various roles in many kinds of projects.

ties of Haparanda, Kalix, Boden, Luleå, Älvsbyn, Piteå, and Skellefteå. The strong membership of the association speaks of the great expectations currently placed on the Bothnian Arc. “Belief in this region has grown continuously—as has

“For example, just recently a project was initiated to search for good operating models and implementation guidelines for R&D from strategies associated with cross-border innovation activity,” he explains. Several other projects are also under way. Aalto mentions

knowledge of the opportunities it offers,” Heikki Aalto

a couple. The first is seeking to improve workforce mobility

emphasizes.

between Northern Finland and Northern Sweden in order to reduce unemployment among the region’s young people. The

Already a strong region Already now the Bothnian Arc is a very strong region. Its population includes a large amount of young people and

goal of the second project is to develop the food industry in Northern Finland, Northern Sweden, and Northern Norway. The Bothnian Arc association has already done much. As

know-how, and it has several excellent university and colleges,

an example and a specific accomplishment, Heikki Aalto notes

an abundance of large international companies in a variety

that the association played a very influential role in getting

of fields, vibrant start-up activity, and several airports and

the Bothnian Arc’s important transport channels included in

seaports.

the pan-European TEN-T network. This gave the transport

What’s more, Aalto points out that the status of the Bothnian Arc is further highlighted by the increasing significance

channels passing through the entire Bothnian Arc European logistical status.

of Europe’s northern reaches. Much is happening in the North and more is coming. For example, large investment projects in the energy and mining industries are in the planning phase or already being constructed. It has been predicted that, as a whole, the focus of European economic activity will shift more northward in the future.

Bothnian Arc Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Storgatan 85, 95385 Haparanda, Sweden +46 922 26990 info@bothnianarc.net www.bothnianarc.net FIND 2014–2016

Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment

Northern Ostrobothnia – a Region of Opportunities Oulu and Northern Ostrobothnia—also known as the Oulu

access to the services of all four specialist

Region—is an extremely favorable region for companies. It has

organizations at one service point,” she

everything to offer that companies need to grow and succeed,

explains.

such as a competent, committed workforce, excellent logistical

Leila Helaakoski assures us that

connections, many kinds of financing options, and a stable

the Oulu Region is a region of great

operating environment.

opportunities for companies, be they

There is also plenty of support and advice available.

large or small, Finnish or foreign. She

For example, companies have access to comprehensive

especially wants to welcome international

services of the Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic

companies and investors to the Oulu

Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre).

region.

They are intended above all for SMEs seeking growth and internationalization.

“All the basic elements are in good shape here. Entirely new opportunities

The ELY Centre provides assistance in establishing,

will be opening as a result of large

growing, and developing a company. It offers well-rounded

projects in the North Calotte area.

advisory, educational, and developmental services as well as

These projects—primarily in the

funding. One of the ELY Centre’s most important tasks is to

energy and mining industries—will require massive invest-

grant partially-EU-funded project aid from the European

ments. Activity spawned by these projects will also have a

Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

strong impact on the Oulu Region,” Helaakoski notes.

The ELY Centre’s director responsible for business and

The main focus of the ELY Centre’s operation is on SMEs,

industry, the labor force, and competence, Leila Helaakoski,

but Helaakoski points out that it is capable of benefiting large

emphasizes that the Centre is also continuously improving its

companies, also. For example, it can offer support for targeted

own operations. It has placed particular emphasis on seamless

adult training of the workforce they need.

customer service. “A good example of this is the service for growth

“Of course we want to help the Oulu Region as it competes for investments and companies. All companies interested in

companies provided jointly by the ELY Centre, the Finnish

locating here are welcome to meet with us at the ELY Centre.

Funding Agency for Innovation TEKES, Finpro, and Finnvera,

Together we can take a good look at the available possibilities,”

which service we have promoted. Eligible companies have

she promises.

Northern Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Director Leila Helaakoski wants to welcome international companies and investors to the Oulu region.

Veteraanikatu 1, FI-90130 Oulu +358 295 038 000 kirjaamo.pohjois-pohjanmaa@ely-keskus.fi www.ely-keskus.fi/pohjois-pohjanmaa

FIND 2014–2016

Creating Prerequisites for Business Development Business life in Oulu and the entire Oulu Region is currently

In all, Harju feels the Oulu Region offers companies an

undergoing a major structural change. For a couple of decades

excellent operating environment. The region’s exceptionally

the region flourished largely as a result of tremendous growth

young, well-educated population adds its own contribution to

in wireless communications and especially the mobile phone

the mix. This guarantees that companies are able to hire skilled

business. However, the boom in wireless technology in the

employees easily. Other conditions are also in good shape.

region took a downturn. Now success is sought from a broader

For example, many companies

range of businesses.

appreciate the fact that

The Council of Oulu Region is doing its part to ensure the

electricity is inexpensive

competitiveness of the region and operational prerequisites

here and its distribution

for companies in the region. Region Mayor Pauli Harju,

is reliable.

operational manager of the Council, emphasizes that the future of the city of Oulu and the surrounding region is secured best from here on by a combination of many different kinds of elements. “Our most important task as a regional council is to channel resources intended for development to the right targets. This way we are able to create an operating environment in which companies can succeed and in which it is worth investing,” he defines. More diversified development is already well on its way. “First of all, a large group of smaller companies has now sprung up in the region—thanks in part to the cell phone know-how that was once created — which are taking mobile technology to completely new sectors. The ICT industry in this region has become much more diversified in other ways, too. This forms an excellent base for future years,” he believes. Another positive direction of development is the fact that massive investments in more traditional industries planned for Finland, Sweden, and particularly northern Norway are beginning to be realized. Large energy, mining, and transport projects are coming. Oulu has an excellent opportunity to be a part of them. “I expect a lot especially from the projects in northern Norway. Oulu has the prerequisites to become the leading gateway to the North. What’s more, in parallel with Norway’s

Region Mayor Pauli Harju

major investment in energy it is necessary to also build infrastructure needed in daily activities: housing and schools need to be built, roads constructed, and power lines erected. We have a good chance to participate in the building of this infrastructure,” Harju says.

Council of Oulu Region / Pohjois-Pohjanmaan liitto Address: Phone: email: Web pages:

Sepänkatu 20, FI-90100 Oulu +358 (0)40 685 4000 info@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi www.pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi FIND 2014–2016

Arina, for the benefit of its customer owners S Group is a Finnish network of companies in the retail and service trades comprising over 1,600 outlets in Finland and it consists of local cooperatives as well as SOK and its subsidiaries. As a local cooperative operating in Northern Finland, Arina provides services in the trades of grocery and consumer goods, service station and fuel, travel and hospitality. Arina’s mission is to produce services and benefits for its co-op owners. Cooperatives are companies that operate on a cooperative basis. S Group consists of a total of 20 independent regional cooperatives and SOK. The cooperative network covers the whole of Finland, and the operations have a strong regional emphasis. The co-op members own the cooperatives. Owned by the cooperatives, SOK (Suomen Osuuskauppojen Keskuskunta) operates as the central organisation for the cooperatives and

FIND 2014–2016

produces procurement as well as expert and support services for them. Arina, as the northern most cooperative in Finland, is owned by over 150.000 owners and it consists of over 160 stores, restaurants and other services.

Benefits and purchase rewards for co-op owners By investing a membership fee on the local cooperative, a customer can become a customer-owner. The membership fee is an investment in the cooperative’s capital and according to it’s rules, it will be refunded in case of resignation. It is not required that the membership fee is paid in full at once and instead, it can be paid in installments. The rest of the membership fee can be accrued with the Bonus or paid in cash within the payment term of two years. A customer-owner gets a membership card, S-Etukortti, which functions as a debit or credit card and gives access to special customer-owner benefits. For the sums spent in S Group stores, Bonus is paid back to the client into the account at S-Bank.

The Bonus percentage varies from 1% to 5% depending on the sum spent. S-Bank pays an interest that is competitive with interests paid by general banks into savings accounts. S-Etukortti is not a regular “loyalty card” as it represents actual monetary investments and the return is formally profit, not discount. Arinas owners benefit remarkably from their investment to the local cooperative. Everyday low priced food, Bonus, payment-method benefit, discounts, bank services free of charge and other benefits valued for over 400 euros on average per year. In addition, a flow of new investments, employment opportunities and support for local suppliers, contractors and sport & cultural organisations bring a surge of benefits to the area. The purpose of Arina is to offer versatile benefits and services as well as an extensive network of outlets to its over 150.000 owners in Northern Finland. The basis of all Arina’s operations are the needs of its co-op members and the strive to make their everyday life easier.

Business areas: Grocery trade

Service stations and fuel trade

Grocery trade is practised by the Prisma, S-market and Sale chains nationwide and Alepa in the capital region. In addition, the ABC service stations sell grocery goods. At the end of 2013, the supermarket chains in Arina consisted of nearly 90 stores and 7 ABC service stations.

S Group’s service stations and fuel trade is operated by a network consisting of over 100 ABC service stations, and nearly 300 ABC gas stations.

Consumer goods trade In Arinas area, consumer goods trade is practised mainly by the Prisma, Emotion, Kodin Terra and S-Rauta chains, in addition to which the S-market, Sale and ABC chains offer consumer goods on a smaller scale. The Pukumies and Mick’s chains also operate with multiple stores in the area.

Travel industry and Hospitality business S Group’s travel industry and hospitality business consists of several nationwide restaurant chains and two hotel chains: Sokos Hotels and Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts. In addition to these chains, S Group has a high number of individual restaurants. In Finland, both the regional cooperatives and SOK’s subsidiary Sokotel Oy practise the travel industry and hospitality business.

At the end of 2013, Arina had 26 restaurants and cafes as well as 3 hotels in Oulu, Rovaniemi and Levi.

S-Bank S-Bank is part of S Group and is the first and only retail bank in Finland. S-Bank’s services are aimed primarily at the co-op members of the cooperatives, to whom the bank offers the best benefits. Among other things, co-op members are able to receive S-Bank’s current account, online banking codes and S-Etukortti Visa card to their disposal free of charge. S-Bank serves its customers in some 1,000 S Group outlets, in an online bank and by the phone app S-Mobiili.

Valkea is rising in the heart of Oulu A modern day shopping centre with multiple stores in five floors is being built in the Oulu city centre. Following the opening in 2016, the centre will provide an ample and modern retail space under one roof, something that Oulu has lacked so far. Shopping centre Valkea will offer a wide variety of fashion, beauty and other retail opportunities for many tastes and price ranges. Valkea will

be a great place for people to meet and spend time with each other all year round, thanks to its cosy surroundings. The summer garden area will become a hot spot for events in the city centre.

In addition to the Sokos department store and a high quality grocery store, Sokos Herkku, Valkea will have a range of 40 stores. Valkea will also be a home for a wide variety of cafe’s and restaurants.

Through a special project, the youth of Oulu can take part in the planning phase of the shopping environment and have their say in designing Valkea’s common areas.

Valkea is Arina’s biggest project measured both in financial terms and in square meters. The centre utilizes innovative energy saving solutions that save up to 50% of energy costs.

FIND 2014–2016

Oulu - the Ideal Location for Your Next Convention, Event or Meeting Feel the Space, the Light and the Spirit of the North Excellent international availability and extensive networks around the world combine with the Northern space, light and spirit to ensure fresh surroundings for successful conferences and events in Oulu. The Capital of Northern Scandinavia, Oulu is a signiﬁcant conference city in Finland. Oulu is just the right size to be an Arctic centre of international top-level research and business life. Combined with the Northern exoticism and its straightforward ways, the innovative events in the area make Oulu an outstanding place for meetings, conferences and new events. The Air Guitar World Championships, organised in Oulu, is the Finnish cultural event best known around the world.

Organise your convention in Oulu, we will help you get started. We offer a suitable comprehensive solution for your event, including assistance in application procedures, marketing your event, arranging the facilities and accommodation, and organising programme for social interaction. We really want you to succeed in Oulu.

Oulu Convention Bureau, www.ocb.ﬁ

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Did you know that there are: y More than 100 direct ﬂights from Helsinki and Stockholm every week y 12 hotels and over 3,000 hotel beds y Meeting facilities for events of thousands of people

“I think Oulu is an exotic place, yet surprisingly easy to reach. The city has an extensive ecosystem in the ICT ﬁeld, for example, and it also offers a wide range of expertise for the current trend of interdisciplinary cooperation from various other ﬁelds.” Professor Marcos Katz Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC), University of Oulu

“Some of our best attractions include the bright Northern nights and our excellent infrastructure. We received plenty of feedback in connection with the convention on the cosiness of the city and the friendliness and excellent language skills of the people. I can warmly recommend the Lasaretti Hotel Restaurant as a convention site: everything went smoothly, and the participants were happy!” Ph.D., Professor Johanna Myllyharju Scientiﬁc Director of Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu

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