SALO, Finland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The City Council of Salo has decided to make a major investment. The City will invest 4.5 million euros into a limited company which negotiates purchasing the former Nokia and Microsoft facilities in Salo. The plan is to turn 9 hectares of vacant business and manufacturing space into a lively innovation and business center for smart technology development.
The core of innovative business is people
Salo has globally known tradition in wireless communication device development and manufacturing. The business started with radio receivers in late 1920s. The golden era of developing and producing mobile phones started with Nokia in mid 1990s and ended in July 2015 when Microsoft announced closing their smart device R&D unit in Salo.
Now the Nokia and Microsoft jobs are gone but the skills and global experience stay within people in Salo. Nokia and Microsoft engineers are beginning their second career which is a huge possibility to any company wishing to create a new development team or build LEAN production of smart technology.
- We have got great feedback from companies like NUVIZ Inc. and Neolitics Inc. which have built their new R&D teams in Salo. They have been able to recruit highly skilled committed engineers, and seem pleased with talents and facilities Salo offers, explains Mr. Antti Rantakokko, the City Mayor.
Community supports growth
Business development and growth requires collaboration between companies, clients, researchers, partners and investors. Salo innovation and business center is planned to offer structures for both formal and informal meetings. Especially the lively startup community in Salo welcomes the possibility to be a part of greater business hub.
There will be a fruitful mix of crazy ideas, skillful people, first class multifunctional facilities, and wide variety of advisory services. Furthermore, the City of Salo offers companies platforms for piloting and product development. Everything will be designed as customer-oriented services for companies, research organizations and universities.
City welcomes new partners
- In Salo we are used to negotiate with global corporates as well as smaller companies. I can proudly confirm that the support we can offer is highly valuable. Our relocation services save company’s resources and time, promises Mr. Antti Rantakokko.