Tampere region’s machine workshop and defense industry network is second to none

The Tampere region carries a strong and positive industrial heritage, particularly in signal processing expertise. The rapidly growing defense sector can largely build on this foundation, especially the region’s Nokia legacy. This article is part of our series linked to the new economic strategy for the Tampere city region for 2026–2030.

The Tampere region has a long industrial tradition and plays a significant role in the defense industry. In recent years, the sector has been growing, driven by global developments and Finland’s NATO membership, says Jarmo Puputti, executive partner at XD Solutions.

“We’re just a stone’s throw from Tampella’s old artillery factory,” Puputti notes, interviewed at Hotel Tammer’s winter garden. Over time, the Tampere region has developed into a key hub where both government authorities and defense industry companies operate.

According to Puputti, the growth of the defense industry is supported by the region’s diverse expertise. The area is home to machine workshop industries, mobile work machine development, and strong automation and process technology know-how. Additionally, Tampere is known for its excellence in signal processing and communication technology, a legacy of Nokia’s technological cluster. Puputti highlights that these same technologies can be applied in the defense industry as well.

In Tampere, companies form a close-knit network where different players support and complement each other’s expertise.

“Our role is to bring companies together,” Puputti says, describing XD Solutions’ work in consulting and project management.

The network effects are further strengthened by universities and research institutions, which train new professionals and develop technologies to meet industry needs.

The Tampere region is seen as an attractive location for defense industry companies precisely because of its comprehensive expertise ecosystem, Puputti says.

“The region’s companies, supply chains, and research institutions have a strong foundation to develop and expand their operations internationally.”

A domestic and international dimension

The Tampere region’s machine workshop and manufacturing industries provide a strong foundation for the defense industry as well. According to a sector-specific export and import tracking tool maintained by Business Tampere, the industry ranks as the second-largest in the overall picture. The region is home to several machine workshop companies that develop products for both civilian and military applications.

The close interaction between machine workshop and defense industries, along with collaboration between research institutions and businesses, has strengthened Tampere’s position as a hub for advanced industries. The region’s broad expertise and business networks offer diverse opportunities for both domestic and international players.

Tampere-based companies are not confined to local networks, their collaboration and partnerships extend to the global stage. In late March, Finnish defense and security technology company Insta took part in a business meeting hosted by President Alexander Stubb, which was linked to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Finland.

At the turn of March and April, Helsingin Sanomat published an article titled A Billion-Euro Growth Industry, featuring an interview with Saab Finland’s CEO Kristian Tornivaara. Saab has achieved a breakthrough in electronic warfare technology in Tampere.

It is no coincidence that Saab’s new system was developed in Finland, economic journalist Anni Lassila noted in her article.

“It’s tied to our world-class expertise in microwave technology,” says Saab Finland’s CEO Kristian Tornivaara.

That expertise, in turn, traces back to Nokia, whose success in mobile phones was built on excellence in compact radio technology. Half of Saab’s personnel have a Nokia background.