Sudden structural change of Kemi -project

Metsä Fibre Group’s bioproduct plant investment in Kemi has brought a positive structural change into the region. Simultaneously the city of Kemi and its surrounding region is facing a negative impact caused by the closure of Stora Enso Veitsiluoto paper mill.

To combat these extremes of sudden structural change the city of Kemi launched a Sudden Structural Change agent -project in September 2021.

In April 2021 Metsä Fibre Group confirmed of its plans to build a new bioproduct plant in Kemi. This € 1,6 milliard investment is the largest ever forest industry investment in Finland. It will have a lasting boost on Kemi’s economy, promoting sustainable development and employment.

Mere five weeks later came another kind of announcement that shook the city; Stora Enso’s news of its decision to close the Veitsiluoto paper mill for good. The closure has direct impact on 670 employees and over 120 subcontract personnel. Not only will the closure of a 100-year-old plant will have strong industrial effects but will impact on the overall economic structure of the region. 

The Suden Structural Change of Kemi agent –project is looking for new and innovative business initiatives that will open new opportunities in these circumstances. Key priority of the SSC agent project ais to attract new business ventures and skills into the region. The project welcomes eccentric initiatives too, in order to create growth and renew and redevelop the existing enterprises. Finding new processes and sustainable development mechanism while supporting green transition are at the core of the project aims. Project target group is formed by consulting companies operating close to the industrial sector. Additionally, new education and training programmes are developed and initiated through strengthening collaboration between the operators.

The SSC project work centres on bringing together its target group with key local experts of the business sector. The project carries out workshops and various team sessions both online and face-to-face.

Majority of the project funding is provided by the Regional Council of Lapland regional development fund and part-financed by the city of Kemi. The SSC agent project of Kemi will run until the end of 2022 and is managed by Business Developer Jussi Tuovinen.

Further information:

Jussi Tuovinen
Business Developer
040 529 8857 jussi.tuovinen@kemi.fi