The WestAvia business area, located around Seinäjoki Airport, is a joint development brand of the Municipality of Ilmajoki and the City of Seinäjoki. Its goal is to commercialize and utilize the airport area’s resources to strengthen the vitality of the entire South Ostrobothnia region. The Rengonharju Foundation is also involved in developing the area and the business opportunities it offers.
Elisabet Kivimäki from Into Seinäjoki interviewed Simo Kankaanpää, Director of Development at the Municipality of Ilmajoki, and Mikko Asunmaa from the Rengonharju Foundation. Their discussion highlighted the business potential of the area and the goal of attracting new investors.
A growing business district offering more than just aviation
The development of WestAvia is already well underway, and there is active business in the airport area even now.
“There’s a surprising amount of flight activity at the airport, including daily rescue helicopter operations. Right next to the terminal, Seinäjoki Vocational Education Centre (Sedu) provides training related to transport and logistics,” explains Simo Kankaanpää.
According to him, developing the business area and airport located on the lands of Ilmajoki and Seinäjoki goes far beyond aviation.
“This is about building a diverse business environment. Through the WestAvia brand, we want to showcase the gem we have in Rengonharju. The area is adaptable to many kinds of businesses. Zoned and construction-ready plots, along with direct access to Highway 19, make the area an attractive destination for investment.”
Ambitious goals – international-level business
WestAvia – a prime location for business! The aim is to attract major investors to the WestAvia area. Mikko Asunmaa believes that international operators, in particular, may find the opportunities here compelling.
“You should always aim for the big fish – attracting a major international player to act as a driver for the area. The presence of a data center will increase interest among other businesses, and the airport is a key asset. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to attract international investments.”
WestAvia’s development continues in cooperation with various partners. If your company is looking for a location that offers the right mix of logistics, aviation, and technology, join this new and growing business area!
Innovaatiostudio-haastattelut toteutetaan osana Into Seinäjoki Oy:n koordinoiman Seinäjoen innovaatiotoiminnan ekosysteemisopimuksen (EAKR) toimintoja. Toimintoja rahoittaa Euroopan Unioni ja Seinäjoen kaupunki.
Seinäjoki on ekosysteemisopimuksen kautta osa valtakunnallista Innokaupunkien verkostoa. Innokaupungit luovat yhteistyöstä innovaatioita ja innovaatioista kestävyyttä. Niiden tavoitteena on vahvistaa kaupunkiseutujen osaamista ja yhteistyötä ja luoda kansainvälisen tason innovaatio- ja kokeiluympäristöjä ja uusia liiketoimintaekosysteemejä. Tutustu Innokaupunkeihin verkkosivulla.
