A Traditional success factory

The open-minded entrepreneurship of Merikortteli has kept on taking Finnish know-how forward. This strong culture of success originates from over a century of business in the building block.

In the late 1800's, there were mostly sailors, machinists and a few shopkeepers inhabiting the Punavuori area. Then, next to a shoemaker's workshop, Karl Fazer started his first chocolate factory and after just one year he was able to open a larger facility across the street.

Completed in 1934, the current red brick factory was among the first in Finland to be designed for use by multiple companies. Running various enterprises under the same roof has facilitated innovation, as professionals of different lines of business have come together to solve problems. From this courtyard, the Finnish Cable Factory has supplied the nation with telephone cables, and light manufacturer Airam illuminated not only the Finnish homes but also the scoreboard of the Helsinki Summer Olympics in 1952.

As a result of cross-functional research and development, successful companies like KONE, ABB and Nokia have originated from the site. Legend tells that it was right here on Pursimiehenkatu, that Nokia made the ultimate decision of going into electronics.

An urban center of design

Merikortteli is a place where managers have worn coveralls and any setbacks in business have been viewed only as reasons to work harder. This is the kind of hands-on spirit still experienced in the home of many internationally successful companies.

As industrial production was relocated further away from the city centre in the 1980s, Merikortteli was renovated to become a building where manufacturing of the more intellectual kind would take place. The property now comprises a vast array of high-quality studio- and work spaces. At the moment, the block is home to over 60 companies and about 1200 creative professionals. Today Merikortteli hosts the headquarters for numerous architects, designers, publishers, production companies as well as award-winning advertising agencies and other businesses in the creative service sectors. The strong entrepreneurial spirit is now being further cultivated by bringing in new room for businesses – and not only large ones. Cloud City and Merikortteli together form a truly inspiring environment to learn, work, collaborate and create in.