Forest and Wood Industry
Kainuu has a well-established sawmill industry, which helps provide an excellent base to develop wood related business and growth around the region. Modern technology can help transform processed timber into customised production such as smaller diameter logs and a variety of other special constructions. The quality of Finnish logs (and homes built from them) are already recognised internationally and in this field export to Russia for example has grown very rapidly. Alongside other efforts the Kainuu Region wood industry organisations also has its own advisory committee to help further advance growth in the industry.
The forest and wood sector within Kainuun Etu Ltd are key factors in helping develop cooperation between companies, research institutes and other professional organisations. Research of mechanical wood processing, in particular optical measurement technology, is in cooperation with the University of Oulu Measurement and Sensor laboratory in Kajaani. In fact a new customer-oriented wood industry centre-of-excellence is being created in Kainuu through the WoodPolis project and focussed on wood contruction methods. International business is seen as the main markets for future export and development.
Bioenergy
The use of bioenergy is expected to double in the Kainuu by the year 2010. The arrival of heavy machinery companies in the field of bioenergy, especially wood chip innovations, is making growth possible. Heavy machinery offers new solutions to power station fuel demands. The Talvivaara mining area is a good example of this growing demand for CHP (Combined Heat and Power -Production). The mining area has attracted investment and research into the production of talc and other industrial minerals. Talvivaara nickel will employ around 1,500 people.
Stone and mining industry
The stone and mining production of Kainuu Region offers e.g. soapstone, slatestone and granite. Success within the industry comes from maintaining strong cooperation within several fields of know-how and organisations. The research and product development projects managed by Kainuun Etu Ltd are concentrated on the search for new raw materials, production technology, sustainability, education and marketing. Specialised know-how is developed further through educational and business cooperation. Further development will be needed in company network creation and recognition of available business know-how.