There are many good reasons for investing in Skaraborg. One of the most important is good availability of suitable land and premises at favorable prices. Another is a dedicated, loyal, skilled workforce.

Skaraborg’s wood-processing cluster grew out of a tradition of crafts developed through design and high-tech know-how. The region boasts world-leading companies in the furnishing and equipment sectors for homes and offices, such as IKEA, Swedish Match, Marbodal, Kinnarps and Forbo-Parquet. Wood-processing companies that establish operations in Skaraborg have great development potential.

In the heart of a productive agricultural district in Skaraborg is a food cluster of some 120 companies in the agricultural sector. Total production – mainly diary, meat and cereal products – amounts to SEK 10 billion and employs about 6,000 people. The cluster is characterized by high productivity – 20% of all slaughtering in Sweden takes place in Skara and Skövde. All cheese and cooking fat produced by Arla, the Swedish dairy products company, is processed in Götene. As much as 25% of Sweden’s total food production takes place in this part of the region.

Gothia Science Park in Skövde offers a stimulating environment for start-ups and established knowledge companies alike. Its close proximity to Skövde University leads to natural interaction between the business community, researchers and students. Liveum in Skara is a breeding ground for new business ideas in the agricultural and food sectors. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is located adjacent to Liveum. All three institutions serve as a recruitment pool for companies in Skaraborg.