The turnover of investors in Akmenė FEZ increased by 57%.

The total turnover of six companies operating in the Akmenė FEZ last year amounted to €62.1 million, which is 57% more than in 2021. The overall export of investors during this period increased by 71% to €18.8 million.

Established in 2019, Akmenė FEZ solidifies its position as one of the most important manufacturing centers in Northwest Lithuania. By the beginning of this year, more than €160 million of private investment projects had actually been implemented in the 100-hectare area, with almost the same amount planned for the coming years.

Just in the past year, existing investors in the Akmenė FEZ implemented €22 million in investments, while another €28 million was invested in the territory’s infrastructure and facilities for future tenants by the Akmenė FEZ management company. This year, it is planned to implement about €140 million in investments in the free zone.

According to Lina Mockutė, CEO of Akmenė FEZ, global economic and geopolitical challenges did not stop the previously planned plans of territory investors. Moreover, this year, increased interest from potential investors is noticeable.

“However, under current circumstances, investors are not rushing to make decisions, and additional efforts are needed to attract them. Nevertheless, even now, the implemented investments significantly contribute to the ambition of the Akmenė municipality to greatly increase the number of residents in the region by offering hundreds of attractive jobs,” says L. Mockutė.

According to Vitalijus Mitrofanovas, Mayor of Akmenė District Municipality, the Akmenė FEZ has a significant impact on employment and population growth not only in the district but also throughout the Šiauliai region.

“Despite all the geopolitical events that led to a shock in energy prices, a contraction in markets, and an increase in the cost of construction and engineering works, the Akmenė FEZ project continues to develop successfully. Thanks to the close cooperation of the Akmenė FEZ operator, the Government, and the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the infrastructure of Akmenė FEZ is expanding,” says V. Mitrofanovas.

Over the past year, the number of employees in companies operating in the Akmenė FEZ increased from 230 to 280, and investors paid more than €2.2 million in personal income tax and social security contributions. The Akmenė FEZ predicts that by implementing existing and planned development projects, the number of employees in the territory will reach about 800-1000 by 2025.

The purchases of goods and services by investors in the Akmenė FEZ in Lithuania amounted to €161 million last year, which is 2.5 times more than in 2021. The majority of this figure was made up of investments by companies in construction works and equipment.

Currently, the Akmenė FEZ hosts the MDP board manufacturer AB Klaipėdos Mediena, the heat supplier Rietuva, the furniture manufacturer VMG Akmenės Baldai, the equipment maintenance and process automation company VMG Service Akmenė, the construction timber solutions manufacturer VMG Lignum Construction, and the real estate activity company Akmenės Projektai. The free zone specializes in the timber, construction, energy, and logistics sectors but is also open to other business fields.