Kokkola is the capital and only city in the region of Central Ostrobothnia. The chemical industry is a major employer. An industrial area and a port is located in Ykspihlaja. OMG has a cobalt plant and Boliden has a zinc plant in there. Kemira, a chemical conglomerate, built an industrial park that is now divided between several corporations. In addition, industries represented in the town include metalworking, casting, textiles, plastics, food and carpentry. Largest employers are as follows (2011):
The city of Kokkola approx. 3.700
Regional Central Hospital approx. 1.900
Boliden Kokkola (zinc) 540
OMG (cobalt) 390
KPO group (retail) 435
Halpa-Halli (retail) 300
CABB Oy (fine chemicals) 180
The port of Kokkola is located in Ykspihlaja, approximately 5 km (3 mi) from the city center, and it is one of the busiest ports in Finland. Oil, ore and limestone are imported, refined products and timber are exported, and iron ore is transited
