The former business school building in Kouvola at Salpausselänkatu 57 will be transferred to Kouvola Lakritsi on February 2. “It is great that a building in such a central location is getting a new lease of life,” says Katja Ahola, Director of Facilities at the City of Kouvola. Kouvola Lakritsi has clear goals for its investment. “The additional space will enable us to grow,” says Timo Nisula, CEO of Kouvola Lakritsi.
In August, the Kouvola City Board decided to sell the building of the former commercial school owned by the city of Kouvola, i.e. the KSAO Institute of Business Administration, to Kouvola Liquor Oy. The 5,600- square-meter building, completed in 1969, will change hands for 400,000 euros.
– The premises in question have been without a permanent user for a long time. It is great that a building in such a central location is getting a new lease of life, and even more so in business use, says Katja Ahola, Director of Premises from the City of Kouvola.
According to him, the sale of the former trade school is part of the management of the city's building stock.
– We strive to find a use for vacant properties that will bring vitality and opportunities to Kouvola for operators in various sectors.
KSAO Business Institute will be transferred to Kouvolan Lakritsi Oy in February. – The plan is for production to start in the new premises as early as June, says Kouvolan Laku CEO Timo Nisula. Also pictured are the City of Kouvola's Facilities Director Katja Ahola and Administrative Director Katja Tommiska.
Renovation begins on the premises in February
The building's possession was transferred to Kouvola's Lakritsi on January 11. Ownership will be transferred on February 2, when the lease decision for the plot of land for the building to be sold becomes legally binding.
– We are satisfied. The process has been smooth, and now we are ready to start work. The renovation of the premises will begin in February, immediately after receiving the building permits. The plan is for production to be running in the new premises in June, says Timo Nisula, CEO of Kouvola Laku.
Kouvola Licorice already has production facilities near the center of Kouvola. They will continue their operations, so from June onwards, licorice will be made at two locations. The additional space in the former business school building will enable the company to grow: Kouvola Licorice aims to double its production and turnover.
– We have had some good years behind us. For example, in 2021, our turnover grew by 30 percent to 5.3 million euros, and our factory shipped nearly a million kilograms of lakt to the world. The goal is that in 2023 Our turnover is 12 million euros and our production volume is two million kilograms. Without additional space, growth is not possible. The situation is well illustrated by the fact that in October-November last year we produced as much liquorice as in the whole of 2008, when I bought the company with my then partner, Nisula says.
According to him, the expansion will bring 10–15 new jobs in about a year.
Future plans ready – facilities for businesses, a museum and educational activities
According to Nisula, this year will be largely spent putting additional facilities into operation. However, future plans have already been made.
– The building will have spaces available for rent from the autumn at the latest. Our hope is that we will bring companies from different sectors under one roof. Discussions have been held with, for example, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs in the wellness sector. We are also gradually developing our operations. For example, a museum and educational activities have been considered.
Additional information:
Kouvola Licorice Ltd: CEO Timo Nisula, tel. +358 400 490 020, lakutehtailija@kouvolanlakritsi.fi
City of Kouvola: Facility Manager Katja Ahola tel. +358 20 615 9013, katja.e.ahola@kouvola.fi
The press release was originally published by the City of Kouvola on January 19, 2022 at 11 a.m. and can be read here.
Rent premises for your company from a lacquer factory
There are still spaces available for rent at the new Laku factory. So jump on the Laku bandwagon!
Further information and availability inquiries:
Kouvola Licorice's Happiness Chief Officer Jari Hautala, tel. 040 0754765, jari@kouvolanlakritsi.fi