industrial activity of the area and Imatra was gradually transformed into a centre for big industry while the importance of tourism decreased.
For Finland, one of the consequences of the Second World War was the loss of Karelia to the Soviet Union; thus, the Borough of Imatra was born from the parts of the parish of Jääksi which remained on the Finnish side of the border, from the industrialized areas of Ruokolahti and parts of Joutseno. The settlement of Enso with its wood processing plant remained on the Russian side of the border. Today, Enso is known as the town of Svetogorsk and its wood processing collective is owned by the multinational International Paper.
Thus, the Borough of Imatra was formed around the three already existing settlements and from its sprawling beginnings it has grown into a well-integrated and resident-friendly small town where big industry plays a prominent role.
Thus, the Borough of Imatra was formed around the three already existing settlements and from its sprawling beginnings it has grown into a well-integrated and resident-friendly small town where big industry plays a prominent role
