The area around Frederikshavn used to be an important shipbuilding area. However, when increasing global competition caused many shipbuilders to close down, the ranks of unskilled workers began to swell.

When the company Martin Professional - with its headquarters in Århus, 250 km south of Frederikshavn - expressed its need to find a new location for its expanded manufacturing plant the regional authorities jumped on this opportunity and gathered an attractive package to convince the company to set up shop in Frederikshavn. Martin Professional received support for building an assembly plant, purchase new manufacturing equipment, secure better staff facilities in Frederiskhavn, and train current and new employees.

The company received support for purchasing manufacturing equipment, building new facilities, setting up a development project with the University of Aalborg's Centre for Industrial Production to expand the company's processing technology, and conduct technology transfers with regional companies.

The company's presence in the area is important for several reasons. It is not only a large manufacturer employing 500 local workers with an additional 300 more expected in the years to come, but its direct and spin-off activities provide local businesses with additional sales and technology transfers, and the area's university benefits by cooperating in hands-on industrial projects. The North Jutland region furthered its transition from traditional industries such as farming, fishing and metal processing to new technology and knowledge oriented industries.

Local workers, local businesses and the University of Aalborg

The project was funded in part by the company itself, the Danish State, and the European Regional Development Fund. Total costs were 25 360 000 DKK of which 2 819000 DKK was contributed by the EU.

Municipality of Frederikshavn

01/11/1994

case

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Business support