Innovative Skellefteå

Innovative
Skellefteå
PEOPLE WITH IDEAS AND DRIVE HAVE ALWAYS FORMED
THE FOUNDATION OF OUR EXPANSIVE BUSINESS LIFE
Skellefteå is centrally located in a region
which, with Umeå, Luleå and a number of
smaller towns, forms a catchment area
of some 450,000 inhabitants.
LULEÅ
SKELLEFTEÅ
UMEÅ
STOCKHOLM
LONDON
BARCELONA
Ideas for building a
successful business
community
Skellefteå is a place where creativity and
innovative thought are given space to
develop. Growing up in an environment where
good ideas are appreciated has prepared the
ground for many successful entrepreneurs
and internationally recognized companies.
Skellefteå has changed through the years,
and is today a modern, fast-growing hub
attracting talented people from all over the
world. Making room for ideas is still the basis
for success in our business community.
3.
Courageous entrepreneurs
saw the potential
Fearless, visionary people once saw the
potential in the rich natural resources of
this region and decided to make use of the
possibilities. That straightforward approach
is still nurtured today, turning thoughts and
words into action that in the end brings
ideas to fruition.
“A strong business community
is a premise to our goal, 80,000
inhabitants by the year 2030.”
Bengt Ivansson, Business Development Manager,
Municipality of Skellefteå
5.
Naturally gifted
to make use of the
riches here
The Skellefteå area is endowed with
excellent conditions for industrial development and innovation. Forest resources are
practically endless. Along with workable
ore-fields, a river generating energy, and a
penchant for making use of these natural
resources, they provide the basis for a
business life which has developed successfully in several directions through the years.
7.
Digital experience production
Award-winning across the world
Skellefteå’s international achievements in the creative arts business are impressive, making a
name for the city as a global cluster of companies in the areas of digital media and design as well
as computer game development, film and communications. Through close collaborative efforts
and with enough confidence to act on the international stage, Skellefteå businesses have harvested
awards all over the world. In addition, Campus Skellefteå offers renowned educational programs in
digital media, providing the branch with inspiring, competent co-workers. The innovative power of
culture has had a significant impact for many of today’s leading entrepreneurs, both by providing
meeting-places and by stimulating creative growth.
Wood industry
Skellefteå’s companies build
sustainable communities
Skellefteå’s leading position in the field of Swedish
wood technology stems from the wealth of its raw
material. The region boasts three million hectares of
slow-growing, extremely tough spruce- and pine-­
forest, of which 350,000 cubic meters of wood is
refined annually. Apart from sawn wood and component production, several Skellefteå companies have spearheaded industrial wood construction.
The development of wooden bridges, industrial and recreational halls and condominial edifices
plays an important part for a sustainable society in the future. Close collaborations with research
institutes such as SP Trätek and Luleå University of Technology provide Skellefteå’s wood industries
with direct access to cutting-edge scientific wood research.
Renewable energy
Spearheading sustainable energy production
Skellefteå’s leading position in the field of energy production from renewable sources dates back to
the early 1900’s. At that time, the establishment of water power-plants signaled the take-off for the
development of technologies and production methods which over the years have come to include
also wind power and bio-energy. Purposeful investments and close collaboration with cutting-edge
research departments at regional universities have allowed the name of Skellefteå to stay synonymous with renewable energy development for the future. At the forefront, municipality-owned power company Skellefteå Kraft ambitiously continues to spearhead branch developments in Sweden.
“There are no short-cuts to creativity.
Ambition, a focus on details and hard
work have brought about our success.”
David Eriksson, Creative CEO, North Kingdom
9.
Photo: Boliden
IT- and technical development
Local agents in a global market
The name of Skellefteå has been closely associated with
IT and technical innovation ever since the computer business took off in Sweden. Even today, it continues to hold
a prominent position as one of the leading IT-citie­s of the
country. It is home to several nationally and internationally
renowned specialist companies operating for example in systems- and software development,
business systems, IT-infrastructure, information management and optronics. Locally owned
companies in the fields of technical development and IT offer reliable collaborations and
enable long-term developmental initiatives.
Mining industries
World-class mineralization
The region holds one of the most mineralized mining districts in the world, and the Skellefteå
area is brimming with highly competitive expertise in this field. A majority of Sweden’s academic and professional units is present here, along with a number of world-class producers
specializing in mining equipment, machinery and software. But despite the fact that the mining
industry is well developed, there is still room to expand as only some 20% of the mineral
resources are currently exploited.
Environmental technology
A leading CleanTech cluster
Skellefteå’s successful mining- and wood industries and
its leading development of renewable energy sources
have led to a significant growth of companies specializing in environmental technologies. Today, a CleanTech
cluster operates here with developers of bio-energy
and the recycling of basic and noble metals, as well
as world-leading agencies for the development of wind
power in cold climates.
11.
Rack-and-pinion elevator
by Alimak
Lighting
by Nordic Light
Scandinavia’s longest single-span
wooden bridge: Älvsbackabron
by Martinsons and
Luleå University of Technology
Kitchen fan by
Franke Futurum
Both big and
develop S
Train testing for
winter conditions
Urkraft and
the Trästock festival
Västerbottensost® from
Burträsk Dairy
Security case
by SQS
The Scandinavian
Winter Swimming
Championships
d small ideas
Skellefteå
Hydraulic cranes
by Hiab Foco
The largest doors in the
world by Megadoor
Rubber gloves
by Skega
Television production:
Skrotarna
Touchscreen
by NUITEQ
13.
“It is the people of Skellefteå that make the
big difference and constitute the unique
asset here. It is their view of responsibility
and long-term approaches that makes this
region so interesting.”
Carl Bennet, owner and president of the board, Lifco Group
Mechanical industry
Innovative products
for the world market
The production industry in Skellefteå originates in an
environment rich in resources, where driven and
creative entrepreneurs have solved old problems in
new ways and thoroughly changed entire markets within their different segments. Today, we find a modern
industrial tradition producing everything from small
components to large, complete high-tech products and
systems. Reliability, quality and flexibility are watchwords for the production industry in Skellefteå.
15.
Tourism
The natural gate to northern Sweden
With its direct international flights, Skellefteå is a natural base for both Swedish and foreign
guests visiting northern Sweden. One of Sweden’s fastest growing tourist regions, the area
attracts visitors year around with memorable experiences in a strikingly beautiful and largely
unspoilt environment. Whether visitors come for open-air activities, cultural events, business
fairs or business meetings, they are well met by local agencies offering an array of accommodations and restaurants. Local trade also plays an important part through national retail chains
as well as local operators.
Foods
The tasteful refinement of natural produce
The ability to use and refine the rich natural offerings of the area is at the root of Skellefteå’s
prized culinary tradition. Genuine crafts are combined with modern technologies in the refinement of natural raw products. Results include dairy, meat, fish, brewed products and other
consumables of the utmost quality, which are appreciated both locally and nationally. Large food
industries operate alongside small family farms and micro-breweries. The bottom line is a firmly
rooted environmental sense, ensuring that the refined products are of the highest quality.
17.
Campus - an important
piece of the puzzle
in the development
of Skellefteå
Campus Skellefteå, along with the nearest universities of Umeå and Luleå, gives access both to
research and to a regional total of 50,000
students holding new and inspiring knowledge.
Here, top-notch educational programs in com­puter
technology, game development, scenography,
wood technology and other fields are offered.
Many Skellefteå companies have, thanks to close
collaboration with researchers, achieved great
success in their fields.
“Campus Skellefteå offers our company,
NUITEQ, a vibrant and dynamic
environment with an excellent mix of
academics and entrepreneurs where ideas
and innovations can flourish.”
Harry van der Veen, Founder and CEO, NUITEQ
17.
19.
Freight by land
and sea
The local harbor, Skellefteå Hamn, is
a major agency among the ports of
northern Sweden. Nearly two million
metric tons of freight are annually
turned over here. In addition, industries are afforded flexibility in their
choice of freight methods through a
well-developed network of rail- and
truck traffic options.
The best
broadband
in all of
Sweden!
Skellefteå has long been
an IT-hub in the region, with
excellent access to dark
fiber. Thanks to a stable and
extensive MAN, all companies
in Skellefteå have access to
a broadband which is often
described as the best in
Sweden.
Skellefteå Airport, our own gateway
Skellefteå Airport is owned by the citizens themselves. With 1,620 departures
annually (2013), it is one of the ten largest airports in Sweden. Its function is
significant to the development of the Skellefteå area with regular departures
to Stockholm, London and Barcelona, making it easy to get to and from
Skellefteå. In addition, the number of destinations for charter traffic continues
to grow, giving Skellefteå direct access to the world.
19.
21.
Short facts about Skellefteå
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6,500 active companies, several of which operate in the international market.
Large private business sector, accounting for 65% of the employed population.
Employment rate: 79%, well above the national average.
Fastest growing branches are company services and tourism.
Regional specialization: minerals and metals, forestry and wood, rubber and plastic,
mechanical industry and energy production.
At the Skellefteå Municipality Dept. of Business Development, we hope to have given you many
valuable reasons to do business here, and convinced you to take your planning process further with
us. We are a dedicated and experienced team and will make sure you get all the support you need.
Send us an e-mail at [email protected], or call us at +46 (0)910 73 50 00, and we will do
our very best for your business with us to run as smoothly as possible.
www.skelleftea.se
“The forest, the ore and the river, the foundations
of Skellefteå’s industries which have flourished
through the years. The human being, our greatest
asset. The sharp eye for creativity, innovation and
enterprise. Art, reminding us of important things in
life. This is how I have rendered the business life of
Skellefteå in my image.”
Paulina Holmgren, Fotograf Paulina, commenting the cover picture
23.
www.krux.se
www.skelleftea.se
[email protected]