The military equipment production facility of the PATRIA Group company Defence Partnership Latvia Ltd has been opened in the production building constructed by the Valmiera Municipality and the company in the Valmiera Industrial and Export Park.
“Latvia’s economic growth depends on entrepreneurship. Valmiera is one of the most industrial cities in Latvia, as we have always supported economic growth, increasing the well-being of the population and the country. Today, in conditions of geopolitical situation, we can be present at the historic moment – Valmiera has become an important place for practical action for the development of the military industry in Latvia. This has also become an investment of the people of Valmiera Region in the future of their country, in strengthening the defense of the European Union and NATO,” said Jānis Baiks, Chairman of the Valmiera Municipality Government.
“Defence Partnership Latvia appreciates the support provided during the construction process of the military equipment manufacturing and the cooperation with the Valmiera Municipality Government. The municipality is highly motivated to attract new companies, and Valmiera has a suitable infrastructure and environment for production – enormous development opportunities, territories for new projects, as well as local residents’ and entrepreneurs understanding the importance of entrepreneurship for development. The combination of these aspects ensures the steady growth of Defence Partnership Latvia in Valmiera and the growth of Patria in the Baltic region. With the opening of the factory in Valmiera, we are offering new jobs to the region. The number of employees is planned to increase to 30 people in the near future, so we are actively looking for new employees with engineering education and work experience,” says Uģis Romanovs, Chairman of the Board of Defence Partnership Latvia and Patria Latvia.
The opening eventhappened on 24 May, it was honored by the attendence the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia Evika Siliņa, the Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia Andris Sprūds, the President of Patria Group Esa Rautalinko, the Chairman of the Board of Patria Latvia Uģis Romanovs, the Ambassador of Finland to Latvia H.E. Mrs. Anne Saloranta, Ambassador of Latvia to Finland Dace Treija-Masī, Ambassador of Estonia to Latvia Eerik Marmei, Ambassador of Lithuania to Latvia Valdas Lastauskas, Ambassador of Sweden to Latvia Karin Höglund and Ambassador of Norway to Latvia Ine Måreng.
With this event, the Valmiera Municipality Government completes the Valmiera Industrial and Export Park development project, which was launched in 2020. With the financial support of the European Regional Development Fund, the territory has been demolished, streets, internal roads and public parking lots have been built, and the necessary utilities for business have been installed: electricity, natural gas, heating, water supply and fiber-optic networks. The construction of the production building was financed from the municipality’s budget and the tenant’s investment for specific production needs. Valmiera Industrial and Export Park is more than 14 ha, currently has five tenants, and there is still the possibility to choose from the lease or development rights offered by the municipality. Defence Partnership Latvia Ltd acquired the lease of the land and the production building in a public auction on 6 July 2023.
With the opening of the new production facility, Defence Partnership Latvia will start full-cycle production, significantly increasing the production of PATRIA 6×6 armored personnel carriers, which are critically important not only for the military industry, but also for the development and strengthening of Latvian military industry. With the conclusion of the PATRIA contract in 2021, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia ordered the delivery of more than 200 PATRIA 6×6 armored personnel carriers by 2029. The first armored personnel carriers were delivered in 2021. This cooperation agreement strengthens the combat capabilities of the Latvian National Armed Forces and contributes to the development of the Armed Forces.
Valmiera Municipality Government is taking the next important step in its strategic goal, which is in line with Valmiera’s role as a development center of national importance and the development planning documents – to achieve wider industrialisation by 2038.
Foto: Uģis Brālēns