The information technology company IBM set up a special unit last spring in Finland to focus on the needs of forest and paper industry companies. The purpose of the investment, which is worth more than 18 million dollars, is to improve and develop the business operations of international companies in the field.

The task of the European Forest and Paper Innovation Centre (FPIC), which is situated in Helsinki, is to create technological solutions that promote both traditional and online business for companies in the field. The Centre also offers companies consultation services that support their own development work.

IBM chose Helsinki as the location for the new unit because the main offices of Scandinavia's biggest forest and paper companies operate in the city. Companies such as M-Real and UPM-Kymmene, which are the leading paper and board producers in Europe, are represented at the Centre.

In practice the Centre operates as a base and information centre between IBM and client companies. It provides centralized contacts between IBM's extensive research and development units situated in different parts of the world. This information can be used to develop e-business solutions that improve companies' customer service and cost effectiveness.

The FPIC is headed by Thomas Doak-Dunelly, who transferred to Finland from a similar innovation centre in Vancouver, Canada.

>> www.ibm.com/fi/