Business Turnover on the Rise in Eastern Finland – Plastics Industry Experiencing Strong Growth
North Karelia’s Plastics Valley is booming! In January-June, turnover in the plastics industry grew by nearly 47% compared to the same period last year. Export turnover also increased by 13.5%.
One example of this positive development is Exel Composites, which expanded its facilities in Joensuu, Finland and announced a major customer partnership with a French airship manufacturer.
Overall, businesses in North Karelia have had a strong start to the year, with total turnover increasing by 5.3%. In addition to the plastics industry, other sectors showing significant growth included mining, up 34.7%, and construction, up 11.5%.
These figures come from the latest Trendit economic review published by the Regional Council of North Karelia.
North Karelia is experiencing strong growth momentum, creating exciting new opportunities for businesses!
Kelluu to Build a New Factory in Joensuu’s GreenPark
Kelluu, a manufacturer of hydrogen-powered airships, is building a new production and product development facility in Joensuu. The new factory will triple the company’s manufacturing capacity. The facility will be developed by Joensuu Business Properties, a real estate company owned by the City of Joensuu.
Exel Composites to Manufacture Components for French Airships
Composite manufacturer Exel Composites has opened a new 1,000-square-metre production facility at its Joensuu plant. The new facility will produce extra-long composite tubes for airships developed by the French company Flying Whales. Exel Composites employs approximately 200 people in Joensuu.
€10 Million Startup Fund Launched in North Karelia
Investment management company Redstone is launching the new €10 million North Karelia Growth Fund II venture capital fund, which will continue to support promising early-stage growth companies in the region.
Mining company Endomines has discovered a new 200-metre-long gold zone in Ukkolanvaara. The company is currently mining gold at the Pampalo and Hosko mines and employs approximately 100 people in Ilomantsi.
New Pilot Plant for GTK Mintec and Collaboration with Betolar
The foundation stone for GTK Mintec’s new pilot plant was laid in Outokumpu on October 22. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, the new facility will strengthen research, development and innovation in the minerals sector.
In addition, materials technology company Betolar is planning to establish a proof-of-concept (PoC) furnace next to GTK Mintec.
Cooperation Agreements Signed with Japan and China
The University of Eastern Finland’s Photonics Research Centre and Japan’s Akita Prefecture have signed a five-year cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration in photonics, robotics and artificial intelligence, opening up new international opportunities.
Moreover, Business Joensuu has signed a cooperation agreement with the Daxing hydrogen industry cluster in China. The agreement creates new opportunities for Finnish companies in the Chinese hydrogen market while promoting clean technology collaboration and attracting investment to the Joensuu region.
Smoother Connections from Joensuu to the World
Flight schedules between Joensuu and Helsinki were updated on October 25, 2026. The morning flight from Joensuu now departs as early as 5:30 AM from Monday to Thursday, while the last return flight from Helsinki departs at 11:40 PM.
The new schedules make international connecting flights more convenient, particularly benefiting businesses, travellers and international partners in the Joensuu region.
North Karelia Recognised as Europe’s Most Authentic
Travel Destination
North Karelia has received the European Travel Awards 2026 recognition for its
unique natural beauty, rich Karelian
cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
€2.2 Million in Funding for Smart Glasses Technology Company SeeTrue
Joensuu-based SeeTrue Technologies has raised €2.2 million in funding to commercialise its technology for smart glasses, healthcare and industrial applications.
Motonet Expands in Sweden
Motonet, part of the Joensuu-based Broman Group, continues its strategic international expansion. The company already operates eight Motonet stores in Sweden, with plans to open at least four new stores in 2027.
Hanza Invests Over €10 Million in Its Joensuu Factory
Sheet metal manufacturer Hanza is expanding production at its Joensuu factory with an investment of over €10 million. The factory, located in the GreenPark industrial park, will be expanded by 4,000 m².
International Tourism Congress to Be Held in North Karelia in 2028
Joensuu will host the Skål International World Congress in 2028. The event is expected to bring approximately 400-600 tourism industry professionals from around the world to the region.
Falling Walls Event to Be Held in Joensuu in June 2027
The international Falling Walls event will take place in Joensuu in June 2027. Falling Walls is a pitching event for science-based innovations, held in 60 countries worldwide.
UPCOMING EVENTS
DECOI x Borderland 17.11.
14 companies will be selected to participate in a pitching competition held in Helsinki in November. The companies will compete by presenting their business ideas and innovative solutions in pitches to investors, major corporations and public sector decision-makers.
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