The agreement covers the purchase of TNT explosives for the needs of the Finnish Defence Forces during 2028–37. The total value of the contract, excluding VAT, is EUR 189 million.
Forcit Pori Oy, a member of the Forcit Group, will supply the explosives, with a new production facility to be built in Pori. The plant will employ an estimated 70 people, while indirect impacts will extend to logistics and chemical companies, and the construction phase is expected to bring significant benefits to the city and its wider economic area.
The acquisition is linked to efforts to make explosives production more efficient and secures domestic TNT production. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen authorised the Defence Forces to sign the agreement and highlighted the importance of the project for national defence.
“TNT, or trotyl, is used as an explosive in many field artillery and mortar shells, among other things,” the Finnish Defence Forces stated. In Finland, ammunition production for the Defence Forces is carried out in cooperation between domestic industry and the Explosives Centre of the Logistics Command.
Joakim Westerlund, CEO of Forcit Group, said: “Through our long history and experience, we feel it is our duty to be involved in building credible defence capabilities and military security in Finland and also in Europe.”
In the grenade manufacturing process, domestic industry produces explosives, casts and paints metal shells, and manufactures other components. The Explosives Centre is responsible for loading and packaging shells, and for conducting test firings to ensure the safety and proper functioning of each ammunition batch.
