Forcit to establish new TNT production facility in Finland

By Defence Industry Europe

A new TNT production facility will be built in Pori, Finland, in a project valued at over EUR 200 million, aimed at enhancing military security of supply and addressing Europe's limited TNT production capacity. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen announced the decision on 31 January 2025, highlighting its importance for Finland’s defence industry, employment, and European security.

 

The project follows an assessment by the Finnish Ministry of Defence, which explored options to import TNT or establish domestic production. Minister Häkkänen determined that building a plant in Finland would be the most effective long-term solution, ensuring greater self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on external suppliers. The facility will help mitigate the shortage of explosives across Europe, which has affected ammunition production and military readiness.

The new plant will be built and operated by Oy Forcit Ab, a leading Finnish explosives manufacturer, in close collaboration with the defence administration, authorities, and local communities. On 31 January 2025, the Finnish Defence Forces signed a letter of intent with Forcit for the procurement of TNT explosives, enabling the company to proceed with its investment. The total procurement value, excluding VAT, is expected to exceed EUR 255 million, covering the Defence Forces’ TNT needs from 2028 to 2037.

 

 

Forcit CEO Joakim Westerlund emphasised the broader significance of the investment, stating that it strengthens not only Finland’s defence capabilities but also Europe’s overall security and stability. The new production facility will be designed with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and the well-being of local residents, ensuring responsible production and logistics solutions.

The project has received strong support from international partners and the private sector, including the state-owned investment company Tesi, which is negotiating its participation in the facility’s development. Once completed, the Pori plant will become only the second TNT production site in the European Union, alongside an existing facility in Poland.

 

 

TNT (trinitrotoluene) is a widely used military explosive, critical for artillery and mortar ammunition, with demand rising sharply due to the war in Ukraine. By expanding European TNT production capacity, the project will contribute significantly to ammunition production, regional defence resilience, and Finland’s ability to continue supporting Ukraine in the long term.

 

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