Finland to build 200 million Euro TNT explosives factory in Pori

 A new TNT (trinitrotoluene) explosives production facility is set to be built in Pori, Finland, with an estimated value of over 200 million euros. 

The project, which will be carried out by Finnish explosives manufacturer Forcit, aims to begin production by 2028, Caliber.Az reports via Finnish media.

The announcement was made by Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen (National Coalition Party) at a press conference earlier on January 31. Häkkänen emphasized the significance of the factory in boosting European ammunition production, stating that the investment would also support long-term assistance to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.

“This is a key security of supply project for Finland and a national security project. It is also crucial for the entire Western world and the alliance. Finland's role in the production of Western defence materials will reach a new level with this project,” Häkkänen remarked.

The new plant will be one of the largest TNT production facilities in Europe, joining an existing plant in Poland. A smaller facility is also located in Serbia. A substantial portion of the production is planned for export, making the factory an important contributor to global ammunition supply.

Forcit’s CEO, Joakim Westerlund, revealed that the company conducted thorough market research and site assessments to determine the optimal location for the new facility. “Pori met all the requirements best,” Westerlund said.

The project has received support from both the business community and international partners, including the state-owned venture capital company Tesi, which is negotiating an investment in the facility.

The factory’s construction will bring direct employment opportunities to dozens of people in Pori, with broader economic impacts expected on the region’s logistics and service industries. According to Lauri Inna, Mayor of Pori, the investment is a significant boon for Western Finland.

Inna added that land use preparations have been underway in Pori for about six months. The exact location of the factory will be announced in the near future.

The new facility will manufacture TNT, a key explosive material used in artillery and mortar ammunition, which has seen a sharp increase in demand due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. Häkkänen highlighted that the global demand for TNT is expected to remain high, ensuring the long-term relevance of the facility.

The Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) have already signed a long-term agreement with Forcit to procure TNT explosives for the period from 2028 to 2037, ensuring the availability of this critical material for Finland’s defence needs.

The investment will be funded without additional taxpayer money, as it will be financed by existing defence budget allocations designated for TNT procurement.

Forcit, which currently operates explosives plants in Hanko and Laukaa, is now expanding its capacity to meet both domestic and international demand for explosives in an increasingly uncertain global security environment.

By Vugar Khalilov