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Why invest in the province of Sondrio

Sondrio's economy is based around the service sector, with tourism playing a central role. Manufacturing and construction are still very important, but the quality of the land and a number of acclaimed local products mean that agriculture is the province's forte.

On the whole the economy is made up of small and micro companies (more than 60% are individual companies, reaching around 90% in some sectors).

Another plus is the quality of life. Companies and the public enjoy first-class services and the area is extremely safe. The performance of the financial sector and range of local banks is also worth noting. Moreover, Sondrio is strategically located: the province is part of important infrastructure networks (railways, motorways and airports).

Strategic position

Sondrio has always been an important crossroads for people throughout the ages and today the province is at the heart of a road network that encompasses Brescia, Como and Lecco. There is also a direct road link with Switzerland.

Important location

Sondrio's superb location has seen it develop as an important commercial centre over the years and the area is undoubtedly a crucial gateway for trade between Lombardy and northern Europe. Well-equipped industrial areas are widely available in the province.

High quality of human capital

Workers in Sondrio are experienced, skilled about what they do. There are dedicated recruitment support tools for young graduates, aimed at maintaining a high level of specialization.

Quality of life

The quality of life in Sondrio is very high and the city is in the Italian top ten. This is undoubtedly an important factor in the success of business projects in the region.

 

Opportunities for investment

Finally, the high level of hydroelectric power generation and the region's focus on environmental issues make Sondrio the sensible choice for businesses in the sector. Indeed, since 2010 an increasing number of firms have decided to invest here. Sondrio boosts a strong banking system, with two banks quoted on the Stock Exchange and reveals low insolvency in trade activities.

Key facts

Factory

The wood industry equates to 20% of the manufacturing sector and this percentage rises to 33% if you only consider furniture production. Plans are underway for an international woodwork training school in Sondrio.

In 2010 mining firms exported goods worth Euro 22.5 million, up 18.4% from 2009.

Plus features

Soapstone is a symbol of Sondrio and central to the province's mining industry. Soapstone mining in Sondrio represents 7% of all mining activity in the whole of the Lombardy region.

Add value

Several multinational companies, leader in their sectors, set up their business in the province, among others: Baxter (medical devices), Nestlè (beverage), General Electric (turbines), Baltimore Aircoil (air handling components) and JBS (food).

Education

3 Research center / Innovation center / Technology parks
  • Università degli Studi Milano Bicocca
    (partnership with the Valtellina and Valchiavenna Hospital Group)
  • Fitech Italia S.r.l. in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano
    for the definition of new materials for applications in the Oil & Gas sector.
    Partnership are also active with the most important engineering companies.
  • Politec Polo per l’innovazione della Valtellina
  • Fondazione dott. Piero Fojanini di Studi Superiori,
    aimed at enhancing and strengthening scientific reseach in agricultural and agro-industrial sector.
1 University
  • Università degli Studi di Sondrio

Key sectors

Wine production

Sondrio's mountainous landscape is rich in resources but difficult to cultivate. Nevertheless, wine production in the region is booming. PDO wines such as Sforzato, Sassella, Inferno and Maroggia are lovingly produced by locals who know all about vineyard terrace cultivation techniques. In 2010 wine production brought in a total revenue of Euro 25 million and wine export levels reached 41%.

The wood industry

The wood industry is another fulcrum of the local economy and equates to 20% of the manufacturing sector. This percentage rises to 33% if you only consider furniture production. Sondrio's wood industry is a blend of tradition and modernity. Plans for an international woodwork training school in Sondrio are a testament to the esteem in which the industry is held and its advanced state of technological development.

Mining

Soapstone, an unusual kind of dark stone which is exceptionally heat resistant, is a symbol of Sondrio and central to the province's mining industry. Soapstone mining in Sondrio represents 7% of all mining activity in the whole of the Lombardy region. In 2010 mining firms exported goods worth Euro 22.5 million, up 18.4% from 2009.

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