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Madison officials first explored the possibility of creating a sister
city relationship with Solleftea, Sweden in 1995. The idea grew out of a
meeting between Madison County economic development representatives and
executives representing the Solleftea-based forestry products company,
Haglof, Inc., who were investigating the feasibility of opening a plant in
Madison.
Talks began, and a January 1997 video conference call between the two
cities facilitated the meeting. Five months later, a delegation of over 30
members arrived in Madison to tour the city and to ratify the sister city
relationship. During that visit, Haglof Inc. opened its new office and the
Swedish company Mini Tube also announced plans to locate a facility in
Madison.
A 34-member delegation from Madison flew to Sweden in May 1997 for a
five-day tour of Solleftea. They were interested to learn about Solleftea’s
economic development efforts, cultural facilities, innovations in
education and ability to attract visitors and businesses to the area. The
delegation toured industrial sites, such as Haglof Inc.’s facilities, an
energy plant and a communications company. They also visited a forestry
school and environmental center.
The Sister City Committee continues to work on business development
issues between Mississippi and Sweden. The priority for 2000 is to lease
the Mississippi Enterprise Building to serve as an incubator for
prospective Swedish businesses in the Madison Business Park.
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