Finland-Based Cajo Technologies Plans New Orleans, Louisiana, Manufacturing Hub
07/17/2015
Founded in 2010, Cajo Technologies employs a patented method for applying extremely precise markings and permanent color patterns, with practical applications in manufacturing industries. The company’s process relies on the use of traditional laser beams with no additives or pigments.
Cajo Technologies will locate its United States headquarters at Landing Zone New Orleans, a co-working space and business incubator. The company will house both sales and production in 2,000 square feet leased at the incubator. Cajo’s manufacturing operations will include the production of its patented laser color-marking machinery. The company began moving into the Landing Zone in June 2015 and plans to start commercial operations in September 2015. Cajo has begun hiring and estimates it will complete the hiring process by the end of 2017.
Headquartered in Kempele in northern Finland, Cajo’s fully automated marking systems can be seamlessly integrated into customers’ production lines. In addition to fully automated machines, the company will make manual and semi-manual standalone machines at the New Orleans facility.
“We chose Louisiana for the Cajo Technologies U.S. headquarters for many reasons: Louisiana has a very cost-efficient business environment to launch sales and production operations in the same place,” said Cajo Technologies Executive Ismo Rantala, who manages U.S. operations for Cajo Technologies. “Additionally, Louisiana Economic Development and Greater New Orleans Inc. have been truly professional and have effectively helped to provide many business solutions, like finding the right customer segments, getting regional statistics, identifying workforce solutions and identifying a business facility with great production features.”
Governor Bobby Jindal said, “Every day, Louisiana attracts more investment capital and new job creation from foreign markets. Based in Finland, Cajo Technologies is the latest international company to recognize the competitive business climate advantages that Louisiana provides and the unique work-life entrepreneurial advantages that New Orleans offers. We’re proud that our state and our largest city continue to stand out in the international arena as destinations for forward-thinking companies seeking the new frontier for business opportunity.”
According to Louisiana Economic Development, Cajo identified New Orleans as a prime location for its entry into North America while a client of Nest New York, a business accelerator that recently opened a New Orleans office. Nest focuses on introducing north European companies into U.S. markets.
To secure the manufacturing project, the State of Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that includes the services of LED FastStart– the nation’s No. 1-ranked state workforce development program. The company is also expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs Program.
“We are proud to welcome Cajo Technologies to New Orleans,” New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. “Manufacturing continues to be a major industry for the local economy, and that is why we are seeing companies like Cajo choose to do business here. Our economic development agencies are partnering like never before and I commend them for the work that they have done to position New Orleans and Louisiana as an industry leader.”
“We are excited to welcome Cajo Technologies to greater New Orleans, where the company can take advantage of the region’s strong manufacturing history,” said President/CEO Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans Inc. “What makes this announcement particularly exciting is that it marks the first of what will become many wins for greater New Orleans from the Scandinavian business accelerator Nest, which recently started its New Orleans office.”
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