MänttäVäläkoski

MänttäVäläkoski is a former municipality in Finland, located in the Pirkanmaa region. It was formed in 1973 through the merger of the municipalities of Mänttä and Vilppula. The name "MänttäVäläkoski" reflects the union of these two distinct areas, with Mänttä being a more established industrial town and Vilppula, which included the Väläkoski rapids, having a more rural character.

The primary economic activity in the region historically revolved around the paper and pulp industry, with the Serlachius Corporation playing a significant role in Mänttä's development. The town also had a strong connection to the arts and culture, notably through the Gösta Serlachius Fine Arts Foundation, which established a prominent art museum. Vilppula, on the other hand, was known for its natural landscapes, including lakes and forests, and its role in timber processing.

In 2009, MänttäVäläkoski merged with the neighboring municipality of Keuruu to form the new municipality of Mänttä-Vilppula. This consolidation aimed to streamline public services and strengthen the economic base of the region. The former area of MänttäVäläkoski now constitutes a significant part of the larger Mänttä-Vilppula municipality, retaining its historical and cultural heritage within the new administrative structure. The legacy of its industrial past and its natural beauty continue to shape the identity of this part of Pirkanmaa.