A new manufacturing facility in the Akmenė Free Economic Zone (FEZ) represents a nearly €40 million investment in sustainable construction technology. By shifting production from traditional construction sites to an automated factory environment, the project aims to accelerate building renovation speeds by at least three times while utilizing advanced materials like LVL and I-joist to meet growing international demand for prefabricated wood structures.
How Automated Manufacturing is Changing Construction
The core innovation behind the new facility is the transition from manual, on-site labor to an automated factory setting. According to Saulius Mikėnas, Deputy Production Director at UAB “Rietuva,” this shift allows for significantly higher precision and more stable quality control. By manufacturing wall, roof, and floor panels in a controlled environment, the company can optimize resource use and reduce carbon emissions. This model is specifically designed to address the urgent need to modernize energy-inefficient buildings across Lithuania, as the factory’s annual capacity of 210,000 to 250,000 square meters of panels is enough to renovate up to 150 apartment buildings every year.
What Financial Support Drives This Regional Development?
The nearly €40 million total investment is split between private capital and European Union funding. Specifically, €8 million from EU funds supported the construction of the new building and the creation of new jobs, while another €7.5 million was directed toward acquiring advanced technological equipment. This financial structure highlights a strategic effort to boost regional competitiveness. Lina Mockutė, Director of the Akmenė Free Economic Zone, notes that such large-scale investments prove that regions can successfully compete for international projects by offering developed infrastructure and a skilled workforce.
How Will the New Facility Impact the Local Labor Market?
The company expects to create 158 new jobs by the middle of next year, ranging from production workers and technical specialists to engineering and administration professionals. To support this growth and ensure employee mobility, UAB “Rietuva” is implementing a free transport service for staff. According to Saulius Mikėnas, the company is already organizing shuttle routes from key Northern Lithuanian locations, including Mažeikiai, Joniškis, Kuršėnai, Naujoji Akmenė, and the direction of Šiauliai, with plans to expand the network as the team grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary output of the new factory?
The facility produces wall, roof, and floor panels, along with structural elements made from engineered wood, including LVL, I-joist, and P5 construction boards. - How much time can this technology save in renovations?
According to UAB “Rietuva,” using prefabricated panels can speed up the renovation process at least three times compared to traditional modernization methods. - Where will the new employees come from?
The company is recruiting across Northern Lithuania and provides free transport from cities including Mažeikiai, Joniškis, Kuršėnai, and Naujoji Akmenė.
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