Innovation ecosystem

A collaborative development zone for industrial growth

The Mänttä-Vilppula innovation ecosystem offers companies a competitive business location at the heart of Pirkanmaa’s circular economy network. Eight developing industrial areas, versatile infrastructure and a strong industrial heritage create a solid foundation for sustainable business operations, industrial investment and long-term growth.

The area is built on close and practical cooperation. Companies, educational institutions, business development organisations, entrepreneur networks and the town work together to create an environment where information flows efficiently, business needs are identified quickly and solutions move forward smoothly.

Explore the ecosystem directly

The innovation ecosystem consists of interconnected elements that support each other. Select a topic below and explore the areas most relevant to your business.

Companies – the core of the innovation ecosystem

A wide range of innovative companies operate in the Industrial Park Finland particularly in the wood industry, metal industry, automation and robotics. These companies form the core of the ecosystem and offer partnerships, subcontracting opportunities and a strong platform for new businesses.

A company establishing operations here can quickly access the services, suppliers and business partners it needs, accelerating market entry and supporting business expansion.

Business networks – ready-made partnerships and subcontracting chains

Industrial Park Finland provides access to a ready-made multi-sector business network that supports growth and expansion. The region offers partners, services and subcontracting chains that support business start-up, development and scaling. Available expertise includes technical services, maintenance, accounting services and industrial subcontracting. Explore the regional company network and find partners who can support your next investment opportunity on the industrial area subpages.

Educational institutions – enabling expertise and RDI cooperation

Regional educational institutions, including Tampere Universities community, especially Tampere University of Applied Sciences as well as SASKY, bring research, development and innovation expertise into the ecosystem. For companies, this means access to talent cooperation, RDI projects, technology pilots and applied innovation.

SASKY Mänttä Regional Vocational Education Centre – practical competence for everyday business needs

SASKY Mänttä Regional Vocational Education Centre (MSKK) is a key education partner in the region and supports companies in workforce development, recruitment solutions and staff competence building. Training is designed in close cooperation with companies based on practical business needs, strengthening access to skilled labour and supporting regional vitality.

Tampere Universities community – research cooperation and talent access

Tampere Universities community gives companies direct access to research, development and academic expertise. Tampere University, Tampere University of Applied sciences (TAMK) as well as TAMK’s regional university assist companies in RDI-cooperation, education and development of new solutions. Collaboration opens access to specialists, students and extensive innovation networks, connecting Mänttä-Vilppula more strongly to the wider Pirkanmaa innovation district.

Business development companies – supporting companies from location decisions to growth

The economic development companies of the city of Mänttä-Vilppula, MW-Kehitys Oy and Yrke Kiinteistöt Oy, act as primary partners for companies entering and located in the region. Their strengths lie in local expertise, broad networks and agile operations. Companies receive business-oriented and solution-focused support in location decisions, financing opportunities, investment planning and development projects.

MW-Kehitys Oy – support for growth, business location and development

MW-Kehitys Oy provides practical support for companies planning to establish, expand or develop business operations in Mänttä-Vilppula. Companies receive assistance in preparing financing solutions, building networks, identifying suitable industrial space or office space for lease, and recognising new business opportunities. MW-Kehitys strengthens cooperation between companies, the city and educational institutions while supporting both start-up operations and long-term business expansion.

Yrke Kiinteistöt Oy – flexible premises for your business needs

Yrke Kiinteistöt Oy provides flexible industrial space and commercial real estate solutions for companies in Mänttä-Vilppula. A broad property portfolio is available for production, warehousing and other business needs. Yrke also develops new premises when companies require customised solutions that support efficient daily operations, growth and long-term development.

Public sector – enabling a smooth operating environment

The City of Mänttä-Vilppula and employment services support companies through recruitment, workforce services and training solutions. Efficient administrative processes, reliable governance and close cooperation create a smooth operating environment for industrial investment, piloting, and business development.

Finland’s democratic legislation, stable political environment and strong institutional reliability provide additional confidence for international investors.

City of Mänttä-Vilppula – smooth everyday life for businesses

The City of Mänttä-Vilppula is responsible for land use planning, infrastructure and public services. The city supports business operations through a proactive and business-oriented development approach that prioritises investment, growth and smooth cooperation with companies.

Employment services – tailored local support for employers

The employment services of the City of Mänttä-Vilppula provide personalised local support for both employers and job seekers in the region. The aim is to improve employment opportunities for job seekers while helping companies find skilled labour efficiently. The services support recruitment processes, workforce matching and the availability of competent employees for businesses operating in the area.

Entrepreneur networks and mentoring – support, impact and experience

The Mänttä-Vilppula innovation ecosystem is strengthened by active entrepreneur organisations and experienced business mentors. They bring together the voice of local companies, build networks and provide practical support at different stages of business development.

Mäntän and Vilppula Entrepreneurs – an active local business community

The Mänttä and Vilppula Entrepreneurs association brings together the needs of local businesses and actively promotes the development of the regional business environment. This recognised and influential entrepreneur community strengthens networking, increases appreciation for entrepreneurship and enhances the attractiveness of the region for new investment and business establishment.

Mäntän ja Vilppulan Yrittäjien logo
Pirkanmaa Entrepreneurs – a strong regional advocacy organisation

Pirkanmaa Entrepreneurs represents the voice of small and medium sized enterprises and influences the operating conditions for businesses at local, regional, national and European levels. The regional organisation works to improve the business environment and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of entrepreneurship.

Pirkanmaan Business Mentors – experience supporting growth

Pirkanmaan Yrityskummit (Pirkanmaa Business Mentors) provide confidential and voluntary mentoring support for companies. Experienced business leaders and entrepreneurs share their expertise and help small and medium sized enterprises develop their operations, grow their business and manage changing situations effectively.

Digital platforms supporting the innovation ecosystem

The Mänttä-Vilppula innovation ecosystem is supported by a nationally unique digital service structure that enhances business location, visibility and growth opportunities.

Töissä Taidekaupungissa – supporting recruitment and employer branding

The Töissä Taidekaupungissa (Work in the Art Town) platform supports companies in improving labour availability and strengthening employer branding. The service brings together local working life, career opportunities and the strengths of the living environment, making Mänttä-Vilppula an attractive destination for skilled professionals and their families.

Visit Taidekaupunki – visibility and demand for businesses

Visit Taidekaupunki serves as a comprehensive marketing and sales platform that brings together the wide range of services available in Mänttä-Vilppula in one easily accessible place. The platform improves regional discoverability, supports customer flows for businesses and connects industry, services and the living environment into a shared sustainable growth story.

Investment-supporting structures

Companies establishing operations in the region benefit from a high level of investment support in the Finnish context, as well as opportunities for business expansion. The availability of land plot extensions and additional construction is flexible, supporting long-term growth strategies and investment planning.

Leader PoKo – advisory services and funding for businesses

PoKo ry operates as a rural development association and Leader group in the Upper Pirkanmaa region. The organisation provides funding opportunities for starting a business, investments and development projects. Leader PoKo’s experts support companies in preparing applications and guiding projects throughout their implementation.

Economic Development Centre of Inland Finland – business development and funding

The Economic Development Centre of Inland Finland provides advisory and financing services that support business growth, internationalisation and renewal. Business experts assist companies in assessing their situation and advancing development plans. Suitable support can be found through business financing services or the wider Team Finland cooperation network.

Central location and smooth logistics

The central location of the Industrial Park Finland along main roads 56 and 58, combined with rail connections, an airfield and access to national electricity and data networks, makes the area a highly functional business environment for industry, production and logistics. The region offers available industrial land plots and commercial sites for companies, supporting both national and international investment projects.

Central location and strong connectivity

Industrial Park Finland offers companies a strategically central location as part of the growth and circular economy corridor between Pirkanmaa and Central Finland. The region’s diverse infrastructure, efficient transport connections and strong industrial heritage create excellent conditions for new investments, industrial expansion and the development of a dynamic innovation ecosystem.