Evaluate proximity to the Port of Kotka–Hamina, highway and rail access, typical transit times to major customer clusters, and the 3PL’s handling capabilities (pick-and-pack, returns, cross-dock). Also assess tech compatibility (WMS/API), SLA metrics, volume flexibility, and local labor availability.

Industrial rents in Kymenlaakso are generally lower than central Helsinki, reducing fixed warehousing cost. Main drivers: storage per pallet/unit, inbound/outbound handling, value-added services, peak season surcharges, and transport drayage to ports or urban centers.

Transit times to Helsinki region are commonly a few hours by road; major Finnish cities are same-day or overnight depending on cut-offs. Sea connections via Kotka–Hamina enable short feeder moves to Baltic hubs. Rail and trunk-route access support cost-efficient modal choices for the Nordics.

Key steps include mapping order flows and SLAs, integrating OMS/WMS via APIs or EDI, establishing inventory sync and safety-stock rules, defining returns and reverse logistics processes, and running acceptance tests for pick/pack, labeling, and carrier handoffs. Recommended activities: pilot SKUs, daily reporting cadence, and KPI agreements.