Strengths in environment, clean energy and logistical advantages

In addition to exceptionally strong expertise in the metal industry, Raahe region is proud of investing in the circular economy and environmentally friendly industry. The area is among Finland's top producers of wind power, and the growth continues. The demand for clean energy is huge, as the hydrogen economy in the region is facing very high expectations. The renewal of SSAB's Raahe steel mill, which aims at fossil-free steel production, is a significant investment in the region.

Stunning nature and rare gems, such as the archipelago and Old Town Raahe, are the region’s tourism highlights. The Raahe region is part of the Pohjola Route, and major steps are being taken to develop local tourism. Raahe region is easy to reach, as National road 8 takes you to the Oulunsalo Airport in an hour, and to the Raahe train station in Vihanti via Highway 88 in half that time. In addition to smooth road traffic, the Port of Raahe serves the needs of companies and also has an electrified railway line. The port has made significant investments in handling even larger project transports, and is one of Finland’s busiest ports.

Jobs and education

There are approximately 12,000 jobs in the region. Industry employs over 3,600 people, and the second-largest employer is the health and social services sector, with just over 2,000 jobs. About 800 people work in the wholesale and retail trade sector, and about 700 in the construction sector.

Workplace self-sufficiency rate has been more than 100% in the Raahe region throughout the 2000s, and at its peak, almost 120% in Raahe. Approximately 2,400 commuters from Oulu, Liminka, Kalajoki and other localities work in the Raahe region, while 1,500 people from the region commute to work elsewhere.

The Raahe region has a very strong secondary education system, and the number of graduates is well above the Finnish average. Higher education has also been expanded in the region in recent years through a multi-campus model that has attracted national attention.

Measured by the number of business locations, the largest sectors in the Raahe region are agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, and construction. The total turnover of businesses was approximately 2.3 billion euros in 2021.

Entrepreneurship in the Raahe region

The net sum of companies founded in the Raahe region has been positive for a long time, excluding a couple of exceptional years. In recent years, an average of 110 businesses have been started annually, while approximately 90 have closed. Of the 2,400 businesses in the region, 95% are micro-enterprises employing 1–9 people and about 4% are SMEs. About 4% of businesses in the region are involved in exports.

Raahe Region Development measures annually the short-term views of companies using a business barometer conducted as telephone interviews. The overview helps direct services aimed at companies and provides up-to-date information for regional decision-makers.