Wärtsilä's next-generation innovation and production centre strengthens the energy hub in the Vaasa region

The decision also shows that Vaasa has succeeded in creating an innovative growth and development environment for the future needs of an international company. The transfer of factory operations from the centre area to Vaskiluoto opens up new opportunities for development in the centre.

– I would like to give a big thank you to Wärtsilä for this decision. This is a great demonstration that shows that we have been able to create an innovative growth and development environment for future solutions, rejoices Mayor of Vaasa, Tomas Häyry.

Wärtsilä’s decision to establish a Smart Technology Hub in Vaskiluoto – a next-generation innovation and production centre will strengthen the energy hub in Vaasa and the surrounding region. The commitment of an international company to Vaasa also highlights the development of national and international transport links and accessibility in terms of air, sea, rail and road transport.

Employment, growth and vitality will be strengthened

Wärtsilä’s investment in a Smart Technology Hub in Vaasa is significant for the employment, growth, vitality, attractiveness and competitiveness of the region.

– Wärtsilä is the second largest employer in Vaasa after the city and is an important attraction to the region, so we are really pleased that Wärtsilä wants to develop and grow here. The international player’s commitment to the region also supports the importance of higher education in Vaasa. Wärtsilä and other energy hub actors will need more and more innovative experts, and our universities have an important role to play here, Häyry reminds us.

New opportunities for development in the vicinity of Onkilahti

– After completion of the Smart Technology Hub in Vaskiluoto, the industrial area in Vöyrinkaupunki will become free, which opens up great opportunities for development in the central area, close to Onkilahti. The area has the potential to adapt to housing and services, Häyry envisions.

In the proposal phase, the zoning plan for the centre can be changed and expanded so that it is possible to plan for other functions as industrial use decreases in the future.

Development of Vaskiluoto and the harbour area

In Vaskiluoto, Wärtsilä can start construction of a new factory according to a very fast schedule in a planned industrial zone. As a whole, it is necessary to alter the city plan, due to changes in traffic arrangements, for example.

In recent years, we have invested heavily in the renewal of the Vaskiluoto bridge, the renovation of the railway track and in the development of the port. The intension is also to invest in the development of both the port and the rail link to allow for expansion in the future, says Häyry.

Photo: Esa Siltaloppi