Former logistics centre in Kera boosts new business

The Kera area in Espoo is rapidly developing from an industrial area into a residential one. There are currently many companies operating in the area in temporary premises, such as former logistics halls awaiting demolition. Perhaps the most well-known example of such temporary utilisation of premises in the area is Keran Hallit, a former SOK logistics centre, which has provided premises for temporary operations since 2019. Temporary premises have served as a springboard for dozens of companies from the sports sector to food production and culture. Examples of the operations that have grown in the centre include Tired Uncle Brewery and Brändäämö, a production company that implements brand images.

Keran Hallit is a place where sprouts are grown, vegetable protein is produced and juice is extracted. Another speciality is the production of beer: Keran Hallit houses three microbreweries, one of which is Tired Uncle Brewery(external link, opens in a new window). Matti Nikkonen, one of the brewery’s founders, says that the former logistics centre has been a good home for the microbrewery. “The ceiling is high enough and the floor has enough load-bearing for the brewing equipment. Large tilt-up doors made it possible to move the equipment in without us having to alter the doors, walls or other structures,” Nikkonen explains. The concentration of three breweries in Keran Hallit provides the breweries with synergy, as the ingredients needed for beer production can be ordered together.

The Keran Hallit community, in particular, was the factor that made Kera attractive to the company. Keran Hallit has been a pleasant operating environment and the industrial setting is well suited for brewing. “We previously did not have our own premises and we were a so-called vagabond brewery: we had out beer made in other breweries. We started our own production when we came to Kera,” Nikkonen says.

Keran Hallit has thus made it possible for Tired Uncle Brewery to grow into a microbrewery that produces its own beers. At the moment, the company is looking for new production facilities, as they need to move out of the current premises before the demolition of Keran Hallit begins next year. The company hopes to continue its operations in Espoo, but they do not yet know if the city has premises located in a place suitable for brewing – close to people.

Brändäämö Oy(external link, opens in a new window), which specialises in the implementation of company images, moved to Keran Hallit in 2019 as one of the first lessees. The company’s product selection includes signs and large-scale prints such as custom wallpapers and decals. The company also produces special furniture, illuminated advertisements and other brand image elements that the company supplies for its clients’ diverse projects. Brändäämö acts as its clients’ partner in the implementation of business premises, signage, vehicle decals and stores, from production to installation.

The company’s CEO Tiina Saarinen says that Keran Hallit has been a very functional and comfortable environment. “The community and the good interaction between different operators have created a positive atmosphere, which has, in turn, encouraged new cooperation,” Saarinen says.  She also praises the centre’s location and transport connections and the convertibility of the premises. The premises have contributed to the rapid growth of Brändäämö’s business operations, as additional space has been provided whenever the company has needed it.

Both Tired Uncle Brewery and Brändäämö will soon need to move out of the centre, as its demolition will begin next year. Matti Nikkonen and Tiina Saarinen say that their companies would like to continue their operations in Espoo. Although operating in temporary premises has been a growth opportunity for both companies and a positive experience overall, the companies aim to find more permanent premises for their future business operations.  

Tessa Armour, Specialist at the City of Espoo, sees a lot of good in the temporary use of Keran Hallit. “It is great that several companies have been able to use the premises as a springboard for trying out their business idea and growing their operations. There is a great demand for hall and workshop premises such as Keran Hallit where small and medium-sized companies can easily develop their operations. They also play an important role in enhancing the capacity development of Espoo-based companies. The vitality of the city is supported by the fact that the companies will continue to operate in Espoo, which is something we are working for with a wide range of different entities. More versatile premises are needed alongside traditional offices.” 

Read more:

Keran Hallit(external link, opens in a new window)

How are companies’ changing needs for premises met in Espoo?

Temporary use of industrial space boosts innovation  

Temporary use of premises also benefits the property owner 

TEXT: Laura Krootila