Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä visited Alucar 29.11.2021 News Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä visited companies in Ostrobothnia on Monday 29th November at the invitation of Member of Parliament Mikko Ollikainen. One of the places to visit was Alucar, a leading bodybuilder for timbertrucks. During the visit, the importance of the region’s trailer and superstructure cluster and solutions to labor shortages were discussed. Decision makers were additionally asked to take regional requirements into account in their decision-making. Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä is pleased with the success of the Coastal Ostrobothnia Cluster. During the visit, Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä got to know Alucar’s growth and bodybuilding process. Alucar’s Managing Director Anssi Alasaari presented the region’s trailer and bodywork business, which, alongside the energy sector, has developed into a successful cluster in Coastal Ostrobothnia: the majority of all Nordic trailers are manufactured in Finland, and most in Ostrobothnia. Exports account for more than 50% of the merger’s turnover and its companies employ around 1,500 people. – I can clearly see the benefits of the cluster here. When companies in the same region specialize in a certain field, the conditions for success are greater, says Minister Mika Lintilä. Minister Lintilä was introduced to the construction of Alucar in the production tour. Minister Lintilä pointed out the shortage of labor and components, which currently serve as the biggest challenge and bottleneck for economic growth in many other business areas as well. – There is no occupational group in Finland where there is no labor shortage. The problem is global, he says. Alasaari also pointed out the challenges faced by a rural company in terms of labor availability. Commuting is long for many employees, and rising fuel prices are also increasing the cost of commuting. Minister Lintilä did not consider state support for the development of fuel prices for private motorists to be realistic but saw opportunities to ease the fuel costs of professional field. – It could be a realistic option for the state to develop a refund system for the diesel costs of professional transporters, he says. Minister Lintilä was reminded of the special features of the transport sector regarding policy and decision-making. When it comes to harmonizing rules and regulations at European level, the needs of regional timber transport companies may be forgotten. – We tailor the equipment to the needs of each market. It is therefore of paramount importance that our politicians listen to the needs of Finnish transport companies and equipment manufacturers, Alasaari says. Alucar is constantly adapting its operations and products to comply with legal requirements. Strong product development and testing activities can equip reliable, safe and durable timber trucks.
