Finnish Water and Fiber Company Consolidates in Atlanta

Finnish water and fiber management company Kemira announced today it plans to consolidate its North American research and development facilities into a new Atlanta location, creating 85 jobs.

“Georgia has the right environment for companies like Kemira to do the research they need to stay on the cutting edge,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Our educated workforce and array of top-notch research institutions make locating here a natural fit.”

Kemira, which currently has six locations in Georgia and more than 100 worldwide, recently signed a lease to occupy space at Technology Enterprise Park in Atlanta. The facility will house research and development professionals focused on enhancing development and commercialization of innovative technologies and products for the pulp and paper, water treatment and oil and mining industries. The new R&D center will be one of five globally for Kemira and the only R&D location in North America.

“Kemira has a strong commitment to the customer segments we serve in North America, said Hannu Melarti, Kemira Region Head. “The introduction of this R&D center in Atlanta further strengthens our partnerships with customers in North America, while also allowing our highly skilled R&D team to contribute to our customer needs globally.”

The Atlanta Development Authority, the economic development arm of the City of Atlanta, laid the groundwork for this and other R&D-related deals though its financing of Technology Enterprise Park in 2006. Through financial incentives and tax-credit financing opportunities, ADA has helped fill the remaining vacant space in TEP building 1, a milestone in the development of the park.

“ADA welcomes Kemira to the City of Atlanta and congratulates them on their lease at Technology Enterprise Park as they join Atlanta’s growing cluster of research and development businesses,” said Gregg Simon, Manager of Business Engagement at ADA. “Kemira’s move to TEP validates the investment in promoting research and development within the city.”

Through its affiliation with Georgia Tech, Technology Enterprise Park offers access to immense developmental resources, capabilities and talent. Facilities and experts in fields ranging from bioengineering to nanotechnology are engaged in active partnerships with Technology Enterprise Park firms. Through Georgia Tech, the relationships extend to other leading universities and research hospitals of Atlanta.

Courtney Noce, project manager with GDEcD and Kemira’s representatives from Jones Lang LaSalle worked together to assist Kemira in its location.
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