Äänekoski is now of interest to both industrial and commercial operators

The investments announced by industrial companies in the town of Äänekoski have also encouraged commercial actors to invest in the locality. In Äänekoski, we can see that the city's economic structure is diversifying and at the same time the attractiveness of the locality is growing even more.
Äänekoski city's vitality director Sari Åkerlund describes the city's situation as very comfortable regarding industrial investments.
- The construction of Metsä Group's new Kerto® LVL factory has now started to rise. In addition, Metsä Group and ANDRITZ are building a pilot plant to pilot lignin products, and Veolia's biomethanol plant will also be added to the area during the end of the year. Valtra also has long-term plans here.
New investments also bring with them research, development and innovation activities. At the same time, the opportunities for various subcontracting activities and the utilization of side streams are increasing.
Åkerlund sees that the city has good opportunities to position itself, for example, as a national leader in the circular economy.
- I believe that the operations of our companies will bravely renew themselves in accordance with the spirit of the times. What is important to us is that things are done here in the long term and with faith in the future. Investments are now being made for tens of years.
The service offering is constantly improving
With the industrial investments, the city now also has a strong appeal as a location for commercial services.
- Now that industrial investments have come to the fore, we see that national and even international commercial operators also want to come here. For example, we have a Normal store that has opened and Puuilo is building in the business area of Kotakenna.
According to Åkerlund, all of the above increases tax revenues, employment and also the citizens' faith in the future.
A good location and placement opportunities support the operations of companies
Äänekoski's most important advantage for companies is especially its location and accessibility. Connections along both highways and railways are excellent.
Excellent connections are also used by the city's newest commercial plot area, Kotakennas 1, which has already attracted widespread interest. This has been raised even further by the city's bold decision to pre-build the area. On the part of the city, we hope to bring more companies to the area, not only in trade, but also, for example, in the field of tourism.
In nature and industrial tourism, we can see another future trump card for the city, which can bring its own addition to the economic structure.
- This can bring with it a completely new kind of spark for both residents and all visitors, Åkerlund states.
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The article was published in Uutismedia's publications in October 2024.
News published, modified 1.10.2024 at 13:12