Promoter
of a Vibrant
Business Life
and Builder
of the Future
Lahti Industrial Society has been operating since 1943 by presenting the needs and perspectives of the business life of the Lahti region and influencing local decision-making. We bring people and organizations together.
The Power of Community
Lahti Industrial Society is the central link of companies and communities operating in the field of industry and business, as well as private individuals in Lahti and its surroundings. Our goal is to promote economic and social development in the area and support business actors. We provide education and skills development, and a channel for information exchange and cooperation. Family-owned businesses in the area and current and former representatives of these companies are the main members. The Society does not have community members, but we cooperate with many local educational institutions and other stakeholders.
The Three Focal Points of the Society’s Activities
Influencing
We take a stand on current issues from the point of view of business life. We are a prominent player in the Lahti economic area and, if necessary, also in the wider society.
Having Fun
Mutual enjoyment and networking of members and stakeholders is our central goal. The Society organizes a spring party/gala, a Christmas party, a May Day brunch and other celebrations.
Supporting Excellence
We support the development of knowledge and expertise of our member companies’ representatives by organizing club nights, benchmarking events and breakfast meetings.
The Importance of Lahti Industrial Society
LUT University and Lahti Industrial Society – Solutions for the Future
“Our university, which operates in Lahti and Lappeenranta and is growing very strongly, focuses on issues related to clean energy, water and air using the means of technology, economics and social sciences. These factors are prerequisites for life, for which we look for solutions with our multidisciplinary research and training expertise together with companies and other organizations.
Since 1969, we LUT people have been fundamentally curious. This character trait is especially important, because without curiosity you cannot change the world. We have also noticed that curious LUT people, together with other curious folks, find new perspectives and solutions that make our common planet a better place to live. This brings ecological, social and economic well-being to all of us.
It is incredibly wonderful that we can continue our journey together with our long-time friend, the Lahti Industrial Society. When the team has courage, passion and will, together we dare to see beyond the next quarter.”
Juha-Matti Saksa
Rector
LUT University
Collaboration for the Region’s Economy
“ANDRITZ Oy is one of the world’s leading suppliers of systems, equipment and services for the pulp and paper industry. In Lahti, ANDRITZ employs more than 200 people and uses an extensive network of subcontractors, especially in the wood processing units. The company’s strategic cornerstones are technological leadership, global operations and sustainable development, all of which aim for long-term profitable growth.
We became a member of the Lahti Industrial Society because we want to be actively involved in influencing and developing the business life of the Lahti area. We believe that participating in the activities of the Industrial Society brings added value both to us and to the entire region. Cooperation with other local companies and operators enables new innovations and business opportunities to emerge, which benefits all parties involved.”
Roope Eskola
R&D Director
Wood Processing
ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
Support, Networks, and Opportunities for Influence
“Our company has been a member of the Industrial Society for a long time. In the beginning, the main purpose of membership was networking with local companies and political actors. Over time, regional influencing has become more important: through this, the operating conditions of all companies operating in the Lahti region can be improved. It increases both the importance of Industrial Society in the local business life and its attractiveness to its members. For me personally, the Society has become an important social environment, where it is possible to freely discuss the challenges of the company and my own everyday life. There is always a company or person among the members of the Society for help and support.
Several of our employees have also participated in the events of Industrial Society. The Society has provided them with new ideas, contacts that will benefit their careers, and local friendships. The parties and events organized by the Industrial Society are also of great importance from the point of view of having a good time in the local community.
To us, the Industrial Society is an organization that passionately promotes the interests of Lahti companies and residents – locally and nationally.”
Pär-Gustaf Relander
Polttimo Oy
Chairman of the board
A Vantage Point for Business Leaders in Our Region
“The Lahti Industrial Society offers a completely unique community from both a networking and educational perspective. As a member of the Industrial Society, you can network with other company leaders in our region, which provides truly valuable peer support and perspective for your own everyday life. In addition, the Industrial Society continuously educates its members by bringing in speakers from the leaders of our country’s top companies as well as political influencers. Membership is a vantage point in many ways, not forgetting the important perspective of having fun! Shared celebrations and traditions throughout the year are the icing on the cake.”
Marika Mesimäki
CMO, Head of Service Design
Virnex Group Oy
Regional Development Through Cooperation
“The Lahti Industrial Society is one of the many partners of The Regional Council of Päijät-Häme. It is an active and sometimes constructively critical regional influencer that promotes economic and social development in Lahti and Päijät-Häme. Lahti Industrial Society works in cooperation with other regional actors, such as the Häme Chamber of Commerce and Päijät-Hämeen Yrittäjät, promoting the growth and competitiveness of companies in the region.
The Regional Council of Päijät-Häme is the most significant guardian of interests in its region and regional councils have two main statutory tasks: regional development and land use planning. From our perspective, it is particularly valuable that the Lahti Industrial Society acts as an important link between companies and universities, which promotes the exchange of knowledge and expertise and the creation of innovations. Cooperation helps companies to utilize the latest research information and develop their operations. University students, in turn, can find a valuable internship or even a future job in the companies of the Industrial Society.
The Lahti Industrial Society is involved in, among other things, the regional business cooperation group and the provincial RDI network. This cooperation also enables the utilization of new funding opportunities and development projects, which is important for the economic development of our province.”
Niina Pautola-Mol
Regional Mayor
The Regional Council of Päijät-Häme