Mustola industrial area in Lappeenranta, Finland is moving steadily toward a competitive, investment-ready industrial and logistics area. A technical infrastructure study completed in Spring 2025 laid a concrete foundation for the development work, and immediately afterwards a joint event gathered area companies, representatives from the forest industry and rail operators. The discussions are now turning into action.
- Our Mustola Business and Logistics Park is a good example of how we want to operate in Lappeenranta – listening, analysing and moving forward in cooperation. We are not building ready-made packages, but operational environments where current and new companies can grow, says Ding Ma, Director of Economic Development in the City of Lappeenranta.
The study made development needs visible
A technical infrastructure study completed in spring 2025 mapped out Mustola’s electrical network capacity, water and sewage services, opportunities for waste-heat recovery and CO₂ logistics.
The availability of electricity is a significant prerequisite for energy-intensive industry, and discussions regarding capacity are already underway.
- Based on the study we now have a clear situational picture and realistic development pathways. We see where capacity can be increased and where investment is needed, says Environmental Director Ilkka Räsänen, who participated in preparing the infrastructure study.
At the same time, the area’s maintenance and technical infrastructure challenges have been highlighted. The city is preparing a work plan that takes into account urgent repair needs and long-term investment planning. Discussions have been held with Lappeenrannan Toimitilat Oy (the company responsible for the City of Lappeenranta’s premises) regarding increasing its operational role.
- The attractiveness of the area has clearly increased and the demand for Lappeenranta’s region is increasing in general. We have the responsibility to respond to this development flexibly – and hence our teams operate agilely across departmental boundaries, Räsänen says.
A business event highlighted the importance of rail connections
Following the study’s completion, the City of Lappeenranta organised a development event for the Mustola area, in which companies from the area, forest industry company representatives and rail transport operators participated. The event covered, among other issues, maintenance needs, zoning and the condition of rail connections.
- If there is no rail connection, there is no growth opportunity – this was said by many in the event. We heard directly from companies what needs to happen so Mustola can serve as a competitive logistics node, says Ding Ma.
Issues raised included the condition of switches and track components, the handling capacity of long trains and the possible future electrification of tracks. The City of Lappeenranta is currently preparing negotiations with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto), and various financing options are being studied.
- The question is not only about Mustola – it is part of a broader logistics entity whose functioning influences the attractiveness of the entire South Karelia region, summarizes Ma.
Zoning broadens possibilities
The zoning amendment for the Mustola area is currently in progress. The goal is to enable larger industrial plots, even up to 20 hectares, in the area which is in a logistically central location near the city and major traffic routes.
- In the zoning work the key has been not to restrict – but to enable. We aim to make solutions that correspond to the genuine needs of companies and leave room for growth, says zoning architect Matti Veijovuori.
The zoning amendment is expected to be completed around the 2025-2026 turn, and its purpose is to respond to growing demand both from current players and new actors.
Development is not done alone
The development of Mustola is an example of how Lappeenranta builds sustainable growth in cooperation and listening to companies. The business development work is done in city-internal teams that cut across administrative boundaries – and at the same time in collaboration with the regional council, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and the local business sector. businesssouthkarelia.fi
- Companies need concrete action and predictability. When we have a shared situational picture and clear measures, we can move forward together with confidence – this is how Lappeenranta builds vitality,” summarizes Development Specialist Heidi Käyhkö, who coordinated the infrastructure study’s implementation. businesssouthkarelia.fi
The next joint status review for the Mustola area’s development will be held in 2025.
For more information:
Ding Ma, Economic Development Director, City of Lappeenranta
Tel. 040 660 4015, ding.ma@lappeenranta.fi
Ilkka Räsänen, Environmental Director, City of Lappeenranta
Tel: 040 081 5284, ilkka.rasanen@lappeenranta.fi
