Relocate to Kouvola – the Process

When you establish your business in Kouvola, you are very well connected from the start. The long industrial heritage, the logistically excellent location and the future-proof momentum of the local business scene help you to succeed in Kouvola. Our establishment services will get you started.

Our free establishment services help starting entrepreneurs and expanding businesses to find their place in Kouvola. Our diverse expertise, regional know-how and comprehensive network guarantee a great launch for your operations.  

 We have a one-stop-shop for all your business needs:

• analysis of your company’s current status
• analysis of market/labor/competitive situation in Kouvola
• finding the right premises/plot in Kouvola
• analysis of subcontractor/partner network
• support in permit/other regulatory issues
• finance counseling

From us, the customer receives the right information, the best service – and always something extra, too.

Relocate your business to Kouvola

Our relocating team works hard so that your company can grow and thrive. The service is free and customized for your needs. We have a comprehensive collaboration network, strengthened by our ability to serve as liaison between the City, authorities and your company.

Getting started

Right at the beginning of the process, you will get your own contact person designated to you. At the same time, the preferred forms of cooperation are decided upon, as well as the next steps.

Understanding better

As we come to understand your company’s background and your needs going into the future, we can help you build better business. We find appropriate local networks for your company and zero in on the concrete advantages that Kouvola can deliver your company. If you wish, we can also sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

Analysis

In the analysis phase, we map out everything you need to know before establishing business in Kouvola. We will take a look at partner networks, premises, financial needs and regulatory issues for you.

Solution

When the groundwork has been laid out, it is time to launch business operations in Kouvola. We will deliver you with an optimized, total solution, making sure that the launch proceeds without any major hassles.

After service

Kinno’s business services are at your disposal, free of charge, also after you have hit the ground running in Kouvola.

We support you in times of change, no matter the challenge!

Business Kouvola – enterprises that excel

Kouvola is a great place to do business. The city is a key logistical hub in both national and international perspective, with great forward momentum. Kinno has the right knowledge to help you make a home here.

With almost 82,000 residents, Kouvola boasts versatile expertise, with education edge provided by the Southeast Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk), Kouvola vocational institute (Eduko), Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) and Kouvola Railway and Adult Education Company (KRAO).

Kouvola key sectors

Logistics

Kouvola has great connections to every direction, through road and rail, guaranteeing smooth transport chains to just about anywhere. This makes Kouvola a great fit for a company that needs connectivity to provide competitive edge. Also, all transport can “go green” using only the rails. The new Kouvola Road & Rail Terminal (RRT), launched in 2023, will boost the local logistical muscle even further.

Bio & Circular Economy

Kouvola is a strong champion for Circular Economy. The city infrastructure serves the needs of the sustainable businesses very well indeed, with regional material/side streams creating new opportunities. Working together with the Kinno Invest-in, you’re in a great position to harness your full potential here. More about the subject here.

Industrial & commercial areas

Kouvola has a powerful industrial tradition. There are plots and premises available in old factory environments and modern business parks, always with easy accessibility. Kouvola has various areas available for the needs of industry, trade and services, all around the city.

Neliapila – commercial center in the middle of Kouvola    

Neliapila (four-leaf clover) is a commercial/industrial area located in the active intersection of Highway 6 and Kuusaa road. The area is accessible by cars and public transportation, accommodating also heavy traffic. Neliapila area consists of Tervaskangas, Katajaharju, Tommola and Korjala.

Tervaskangas

Tervaskangas is home to Veturi, the biggest shopping center in Southeast Finland, which features almost 80 stores.

In the immediate vicinity of the shopping center, there are plots available for commerce, services and logistics. Plots accommodate players both big and small, with plot sizes ranging from 7,000 to 49,000 square metres. There are still about 46,000 square metres available for construction.

Katajaharju

Katajaharju has a number of commerce and services companies, including Vaasan bakery, Ekovilla and Cramo, to name just a few.

Katajaharju has some plots available for industrial operations, with sizes ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 square metres. If you require turn-key premises, we will help you find the suitable solution.

Tommola

Tommola adds its own offering to the mix. There are no vacant plots in the area, but we can help you with securing the right premises. Tommola is home to Prisma, Motonet, furniture stores and car dealerships, padel sports hall and various gyms.

Korjala

The broad Korjala area is one of the most popular business areas in Kouvola. The location near the commercial center offers also access to Highways 6 and 12. Korjala is accessible by public transport and also heavy traffic. The biggest single operator in Korjala is Lumon, the international maker of terrace and balcony glass products. There are also e.g. car dealerships and car repair shops in the area.

There are some zoned plots available for industry, storage and related operations. Korjala will boost its plot offering for commercial services by zoning more areas during 2023-2024.

Tehola, full service logistics area

Tehola was heralded as the best logistics center in North Europe in 2020 and its evolution is ongoing. Tehola features over 130 companies that operate in construction, storage, logistics, wholesale and retail as well as food & beverage. Tehola’s location in the intersection of Highways 6 and 15 as well as next to the rail network is optimal.

Tehola entrepreneurs’ association is an important engine for development in the area, helping companies explore synergies locally and beyond.

At Tehola, you can find some ready-to-build commercial/office plots (13,000 – 10,000 square metres) and also industrial/storage plots. As the City of Kouvola is prioritizing the development of the area, the local plot offering will improve in the years to come. See the vacant plots here.

At present, Tehola has available premises fit for especially logistics and storage.

RRT Kouvola

Launching in 2023, Kouvola Road & Rail Terminal, RRT Kouvola, enhances the prerequisites for success for logistics players and those companies who rely on logistics for top performance.

RRT Kouvola is Finland’s first dry port, with connections, capacity and services that are equally available to all interested parties. The dry port can serve as the multimodal terminal for South Finland and national railway freight hub. Kouvola has highly functional road and rail connections to Finland, Nordics and, via local ports, to Europe. Kouvola has the only Finnish Road & Rail terminal included in EU’s TEN-T core infrastructure.

Hyötyvirta boosts green business in the heart of Kymenlaakso

Hyötyvirta business area is located along the Highway 15, halfway from Kouvola to Kotka. Hyötyvirta area features mainly companies with focus on Circular Economy (e.g. Kymenlakson Jäte and Umacon). The companies already operating in the area form a growth and expertise platform for especially environmentally minded companies, but there’s room in the area for various industrial pursuits.

Hyötyvirta has about 33 hectares of ready-to-build plots available. Each company can have their plot customized according to their needs. The zoning plan enables all types of industrial/storage operations. The area can also accommodate operations that manage/utilize waste. Municipal infrastructure is already in place.

Newcomers find it easy to settle in Hyötyvirta, since there are synergies and networking between the local players. Hyötyvirta business association boosts this collaboration even further.

Travel center set to accelerate downtown development

The City zoning plan calls for the Kouvola travel center to keep evolving to become more dynamic and diversified.

For example, the area which presently houses the long-distance bus terminal and a parking lot, could serve as the platform for future development, with services, offices, hotel operations or even a multipurpose arena in the mix. It is also possible to develop and renovate existing real estate. A location has already been reserved for the new bus terminal on the east side of the travel center.

The travel center area features 36,000 square metres of building rights.

Savontalo – fit for a data center?

Savontalo area is located just off the Kouvola city center, less than 3 kilometres from Travel Center. The area features 27 hectares, with over 20 hectares zoned for industrial/storage operations. Savontalo area is green lit for construction. There are excellent connections to Highway 15, with links to Highways 6 and 12. Savontalo is a great fit for data centers and other energy intensive operations. The area’s power level can start at 10 MW and it can be increased up to 250 MW.

Voikkaa industrial plots are good to go

Voikkaa business area has some neighboring industrial plots available, with size ranging from 1,000 square metres to 20,000 sqm.

Myllykoski and Ummeljoki – proven infra for industry needs

Myllykoski industrial area features infrastructure that meets the requirements of heavy industry. The former paper mill features a gas boiler, steam turbine and access to rail. The area is a great platform for, say, bio economy business.

In addition to existing real estate, the Myllykoski industrial area (comprising 100 hectares) has plenty of building rights left. The area is located right next to the services of Myllykoski community.

Jokela – traditional industrial area picks up speed

Jokela industrial area, off the Highway 15 in Valkeala, provides a versatile environment with different kinds of companies in the mix. The zoning plan for Jokela area will be updated in 2023, complete with more zoning for plots.

Koria – room to grow

Koria’s Eskolanpelto area is located in the vicinity of the Koria town center. Eskolapelto provides all the space you need to run your operations.

At the moment, the size of the zoned area is about 14 hectares (with e=0,4 efficiency rating). Eskolanpelto zoning plan is being expanded to accommodate even 30 hectares for industrial use.

Please contact us and we’ll find the right solution for you!

Location & connectivity

Kouvola has an outstanding industrial tradition. There are plots and premises available in old factory environments and modern business parks, always with easy accessibility. Kouvola has various areas available for the needs of industry, trade and services, all around the city.

Distances from Kouvola

• Kouvola > Helsinki 138 km
• Kouvola > St. Petersburg 281 km
• Kouvola > HaminaKotka port (Kotka) 61 km
• Kouvola > Helsinki port 135 km
• Kouvola > Helsinki-Vantaa airport 135 km
• Kouvola > Lappeenranta airport 85 km

Living in Kouvola

Kouvola is a great match for business – and people. Located close to nature and services, with moderate living expenses, Kouvola is all about the quality of life.

Kouvola is the second largest city in Kymenlaakso Region and the northern center for the region. In Kouvola, distances are short – whether it’s, say, shopping or hiking you feel like doing, everything is within easy reach.

“My Finnish colleagues told me to give Kouvola a chance”

Every year foreign workers arrive in Kouvola. One of them is Egwin Warnier, who moved to Finland in 2016 from Saudi-Arabia to Finland in service of the Solvay Group. Read more.

Get to know:

Repovesi National Park
The Verla Mill Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Arboretum Mustila
Tykkimäki, Aquapark and Actionpark
Käyrälampi beach
Kauppakeskus Veturi, shopping centre
Kimola canal
Kuusankosken Taideruukki
VisitKouvola

Our team at your service!

We are happy to answer all your questions about relocating your business to Kouvola. We want to help your company succeed here!