- Founded in Stockholm 1666, Sporrong celebrates its 350 years anniversary this year and is thus one of the oldest Swedish companies still in operation, said Hendrik Karlson, CEO at Sporrong Eesti, as he welcomed Team Sweden to the company’s production site in Kuressaare on Saaremaa, Friday 11 November.

- We produce medals, plaques, trophies, badges as well as uniform accessories and we currently have around 70 employees here in Kuressaare. More production will be moved here, creating even more jobs for Kuressaare and Saaremaa, told Hendrik Karlson.

The Kuressare visit with Ambassador Anders Ljunggren together with his colleagues Fredrik Nordin and Liina Kümnik and SCCE participating, was the second Team Sweden tour this autumn. In addition to our visit to Sporrong, our joint program included a visit to SCC – The Small Craft Competence Centre, a meeting with Kuressare’s Mayor, Madis Kallas, and a visit to Georg Ots Spa Hotel.

- Ship building and ship repairs are important industries in Estonia and indeed also here on Saaremaa. For example, the Swedish Coast Guard’s five new surveillance vessels are built by Baltic Workboats here on our island, said Anni Hartikainen, Head of the SCC.

- Considering the location of Saaremaa and Gotland, our two islands are definitely Estonian-Swedish neighbors. A direct air connection, at least seasonal, between Stockholm and Kuressaare is indeed on our lobby agenda, said Mayor Madis Kallas.

- In addition to our Spa and conference guests, SCCE’s Royal Member Saare Golf also generates guests to us. We also attract families with children and babies, and I am happy to announce that yesterday, 10 October, our restaurant got the Silver Spoon Award 2016 for best Family Dining in Estonia, said GO Spa’s Sales Manager Keidi Hoogand.

More Team Sweden tours will follow and full reports will be published in focus, the magazine of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Estonia.

Sincerely,

Kristiina Sikk

SCCE Ombudsman