Thousands of additional jobs and more orders for local companies.
That is the potential of the new national industrial park in Rødbyhavn, according to Lolland Mayor Marie-Louise Brehm Nielsen. But turning those opportunities into reality will also require more workers and families to move to Lolland.
FemernBusiness asks the region’s mayors five fixed questions about their priorities for the business community.
What is the biggest challenge facing businesses in your municipality right now?
The biggest challenge for our business community is undoubtedly the shortage of labour. In many ways, it is a positive problem because it reflects the fact that Lolland is currently experiencing rapid business development, with many new jobs and a high level of activity.
It could, however, become an obstacle to further development and to companies’ ability to realise their full potential.
Which business issue will you prioritise most highly for the remainder of the electoral term?
It will be the development of our new national industrial park in Rødbyhavn. We recently received final approval, and once construction of the Fehmarn link is completed, we will have an area with a unique location, a huge construction harbour, a large production facility and easy access to both rail and motorway connections.
It could become a new industrial success story, attracting both Danish and international companies, creating thousands of additional jobs and acting as an engine for growth that could benefit our entire region.
What will you specifically initiate or change in the municipality to achieve that?
The next steps will be to put the physical framework, infrastructure and organisation in place so that we can create attractive conditions that help draw new companies to the area and make the route from initial interest to establishment as short and straightforward as possible.
It is also clear that we need to market the new industrial park far beyond municipal, regional and national borders.
What is the biggest obstacle to succeeding?
The biggest obstacle is that developing an industrial park on this scale is a complex task involving a wide range of interests. Many parties are involved, and putting the necessary framework in place requires cooperation, coordination and long-term decisions.
That is why we need to factor labour into the plans from day one and maintain a strong focus on attracting new employees and families to the area.
What should businesses notice if you achieve your goal?
My hope is that the new industrial park will have a positive impact across our entire area and therefore also on our local businesses. They should experience growth and progress, a high level of activity and increased demand for goods and services.
In addition, through an active employment policy and relevant initiatives, we must help support local companies in their recruitment efforts.
All answers in this article were provided in writing and edited by FemernBusiness.
