The business community in Avesta

There are approximately 800 businesses established in Avesta municipality. Industry answers for 30% of employment opportunities, other parts of the private sector for 30% and the public sector for 30%. Avesta is regarded as the commercial centre of southern Dalarna and northern Västmanland counties.

A wide range of businesses:

Products ranging from Arabian language bibles to timber cottages are made in Avesta. Koppardalen (“Copper Valley”) is a business park on the site of the old steel works, probably the most beautiful site in Sweden with its view over Dalälven river and rapids, with 30 businesses of varying size and type of operation. The area is undergoing rapid transition from a traditional factory area to a modern business park, also comprising recreational and cultural activities.

Once upon a time...

Avesta belongs to the cultural historical region of Bergslagen, processing copper ore from the mine in Falun and silver ore from the mine in Sala during the period 1641-1874. During the 1920’s stainless steel became our speciality, and the first kitchen sinks made of this miraculous material from Avesta saw the light of day in 1924. Suddenly Avesta was making the steel of the future, and was no longer just one of many central Swedish steel works.

Now the most modern in Europe…

The steel works, now under the name of Outokumpu Stainless AB, still makes stainless steel. This industry is a major business in Avesta, even though it is no longer the case that “everyone” works there.  

Packaging board and paper

Stora Enso Fors AB, with 700 employees, manufacture packaging boards and papers for the food and graphic industry. They have also been named as the healthiest work place in Sweden Facts and figures for Avesta:
Population ~22 000, employment opportunities ~10 000. The population in the catchment area for commerce is ~77 000.

Distances

Hedemora 18 km
Fagersta 30 km
Sala 33 km
Borlänge 60 km
Falun 70 km
Västerås 74 km
Ludvika 72 km
Enköping 75 km
Gävle 97 km
Uppsala 100 km
Stockholm 160 km

Avesta has an ideal geographical situation, close to several major cities and only an hour by train from Arlanda international airport, with flights to the entire world.