KĖDAINIAI, LITHUANIA — Ukrainian pet food manufacturer Kormotech announced that construction of its second factory in Lithuania has begun. The company is investing €60 million ($63 million USD) in this project, with goals for it to further strengthen its presence in the European pet market. 

The new 19,500-square-meter (209,896-square-foot) production, warehousing and administrative facility will triple production capacity in Lithuania from 22,000 to 60,000 tonnes of product per year, according to Kormotech. Upon completion, Kormotech will produce 61% of its total wet food at the Kėdainiai facility. 

“Today we have started a strategically important stage that will allow us to continue our expansion in Europe and the world,” said Rostyslav Vovk, chairman of the board and co-owner Kormotech Group, at the groundbreaking event for the factory. “The new factory will triple our production capacity in Lithuania, thus significantly boosting our goal of becoming one of the top 30 players in the global pet food market. We see Lithuania as a reliable partner that allows us to unlock and grow our potential in global markets, so we are pleased to have chosen this country and to be able to increase our operations here significantly.”

According to Vovk, the decision to build the factory in Lithuania was driven by logistical convenience, as the central location of the Kėdainiai Free Economic Zone facilitates the transportation of goods by road and sea. Additionally, all of the necessary infrastructure for the company was already in place, enabling a rapid and inexpensive start to construction.

“The extremely smooth process of building the first factory and the favorable conditions and support from the Lithuanian government through Invest Lithuania and the regional authorities led us to continue our expansion here without hesitation,” Vovk said. “As one of the largest investors in the country, we are pleased to be able to contribute to the country’s economy with our successful operations.” 

Kormotech currently employs 175 people in Lithuania, with plans to hire 200 more once the new factory is complete. The new hires will be primarily in production roles such as operators, technicians, electricians, locksmiths and warehouse workers, as well as an expanded administrative team. 

“We are honored to be part of the international expansion of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) long-standing partner Kormotech, one more proof of the strength and resilience of Ukrainian business despite the war,” said Andreea Moraru, regional director, head of Poland and the Baltic States for EBRD. “We look forward to seeing this new plant contribute to the Lithuanian economy while further strengthening Kormotech’s position as one of the leading global pet food market players.”

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