Borlänge – a young town with historical roots
Borlänge today is modern and progressive, with roots as a manufacturing town. Borlänge’s development rate has been exceptional. It is a young municipality, and we received our present geographical layout in 1971. We officially became a town as late as 1944, but this does not mean that Borlänge lacks history. Borlänge, once part of the Tuna district which played a significant historic role in this part of the country, was originally an agricultural area that was transformed into an industrial community at the end of 1800s. The beautiful Tuna district is today part of modern Borlänge.
Focus on the future
Borlänge is a municipality that vibrates with contrast and change. A new community, based on stable, industrial tradition but with its focus firmly on the future is being developed. We host the major export companies SSAB and Stora Enso as well as numerous dynamic small businesses, many of which operate within the IT and information sectors. The National Road and Rail Administrations and Dalarna University College are also based here. In Borlänge Science Park, Framtidsdalen, the know-how companies of the new millennium integrates with the University’s courses and research sector, forming a powerful hub of knowledge. “Teknikdalen” is already part of the science park, comprising about 70 spearhead companies. Here in Borlänge, we are at the heart of the historical province of Dalarna while we also have access to the strongest labour market and best communications in the county.
Dynamic business climate
A pioneering spirit has made Borlänge what it is today and, with this as a driving force, the new Borlänge is gradually being developed, with the new being fused with the traditional. A dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, a good climate for cooperation and sound, expanding networks are all characteristics of Borlänge’s business community. Our three distinctive areas of business development are material technology/sheet metal, transport and LCD technology. Borlänge has also consolidated its position as Dalarna’s commercial centre, with its many large shopping centres.
Regional force
Borlänge is a significant force for the economic development of the region. About 25,500 people are employed here, with more than 8,000 commuting into the municipality, i.e. living in nearby municipalities but working in Borlänge.
Borlänge is situated in an attractive and easily accessible location at the heart of the tourist and historical province of Dalarna. The main roads 50 and 70 intersect here and this is also the site of Dala Airport, with connections to Arlanda, Gothenburg and Malmö. Rail connections with Stockholm are also excellent.
Borlänge Science Park, Framtidsdalen
The development area known as Borlänge Science Park, Framtidsdalen, which is a further development of Teknikdalen and which also includes the University College, the National Road Administration and the Kupolen shopping centre, is of fundamental significance for continued commercial development in the region. Borlänge Science Park, Framtidsdalen is Dalarna’s principal arena of growth.
Expanding services sector
More people are employed within the services sector in Borlänge than within manufacturing industries. The main players within this sector are the National Road and Rail Administrations, Borlänge Municipality and the county council. As far as the private sphere is concerned, there are many service companies within the fields of IT, for example, and marketing communication.
The University College
“Högskolan Dalarna” has around 4,000 students in the part that is situated in Borlänge. Its focus is on technology, social science and tourism. There are engineering courses as well as courses in economics, tourism and business enterprise.
Networks
Networking is an important, effective way for companies to make contacts and track down new business prospects and markets. There are many different networks in Borlänge, both specialized and more general. There are also networks within different geographical business areas.
Business forums
There are numerous ways of stimulating development and creative thinking. One is to create forums for the benefit of both companies and individuals. These can provide a platform for companies wanting to establish in the area, for companies wanting to expand, and for the start-up of new businesses. There are several of these forums in Borlänge.
Business Unit
The main job of the municipality’s business unit (“Näringslivsenheten”) is to create growth and development opportunities for companies in Borlänge. Our work embraces infrastructure, planning issues, network development, business establishment, business consultation and marketing.
Information for new and small businesses is also available through us.
Setting up a business in Borlänge
Anyone interested in setting up a business in Borlänge is welcome to contact us at the Business Unit. We will assist you by providing general information on the business sector in Borlänge, our infrastructure etc. We can also
• give details regarding vacant premises
• indicate suitable land for anyone interested in building
• arrange contacts for potential business with companies in Borlänge or the region
• help with finding the right housing for you and your family or employees
• provide information about municipal services in general.
Welcome to Borlänge!