Autoaibė, a car parts, maintenance products and accessories retail network operating since 1991, is investing up to €7 million in a next-generation logistics centre at the Klaipėda Free Economic Zone (FEZ). The new facility is expected to become operational in early 2027.

Autoaibė, which offers a range of over 200,000 product names, will soon begin construction of a 4,000 sqm logistics centre featuring automated warehousing technology on a plot within the Klaipėda FEZ. The project aims to further improve the efficiency of the company’s retail network operations.

The investment is expected to create around 45 new jobs, including 12 positions for highly qualified specialists. Construction and launch of operations are planned to be completed within approximately 18 months, by early 2027.

According to Autoaibė CEO Arūnas Vaišvila, Klaipėda FEZ was chosen primarily because of its strategic location for the company’s planned operations. Among the company’s many suppliers are such names as Bosch, ZF, Osram and Contitech, so being close to major road, sea and rail routes will ensure smooth logistics and supply.

“One of our main storage centres has long been based in Klaipėda, so we know the city’s potential well. However, the new-generation project at Klaipėda FEZ will allow us to raise the bar of quality, convenience and efficiency to a much higher level. We are also pleased to join the established community of logistics leaders already operating here, in one of the country’s most modern business territories with excellent infrastructure for this type of activity,” Vaišvila comments.

Eimantas Kiudulas, CEO of Klaipėda FEZ, notes that Autoaibė is implementing a greenfield investment – constructing a new building and installing modern equipment on a previously undeveloped site. He is also pleased that these will be smart, robotized warehouses, creating opportunities for highly qualified engineers and strengthening competencies across the entire FEZ area.

“This investment further strengthens Klaipėda FEZ’s logistics portfolio and demonstrates the zone’s attractiveness to Lithuanian-owned businesses. We are glad that a long-established company has chosen our business community to expand into next-generation technologies,” Kiudulas said.

Currently, the Autoaibė retail network comprises 18 stores in major cities and regional centres across Lithuania. Its online platform autoaibe.lt is also performing successfully, offering fast delivery throughout the country.

Autoaibė currently employs nearly 240 people across Lithuania. Last year, the company’s revenue reached €43.2 million, an increase of 16% compared to 2023.

This autumn, the manufacturer of mechatronic and hydraulic products and systems HAWE Hydraulik will launch operations in the Klaipėda Free Economic Zone (FEZ). The company will be located in the newly completed FlexStart 03 building and will focus on producing hydraulic systems for the European wind energy sector.

HAWE has signed a lease agreement with Klaipėda FEZ for 4.260 sqm of production and office space, occupying half of the FlexStart 03 building. The German based company plans to start production almost immediately after construction is completed — in autumn this year. By 2027, HAWE plans to assemble a team of around 40 specialists in Klaipėda. The hiring process starts now.

According to the company, Klaipėda was selected due the large pool of qualified professionals in Klaipėda, as well as the professional support from local government and the Klaipėda FEZ management company. Also, Klaipėda‘s proximity to air and especially sea port, which ensures more efficient transport routes, played an important role.

“HAWE is strengthening its own presence not only in Asia and America, but also in Europe. The new production building will enable us to supply our customers especially in the wind industry more quickly and make us more competitive at the same time,” explains CEO Wolfgang Sochor.

According to Klaipėda FEZ CEO Eimantas Kiudulas, HAWE’s arrival reinforces several strategic directions at once: high value-added production and renewable energy.

“The arrival of a global-level player confirms that Klaipėda remains competitive, attractive and full of potential. It contributes to the transformation of supply chains, competencies and energy,” says Kiudulas.

The decision by HAWE was welcomed by Elijus Čivilis, Invest Lithuania’s CEO, who said that the new investor will strengthen Lithuania’s renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem.
“Lithuania is strategically investing in the development of renewable energy. We aim for 100% of consumed electricity to come from renewable sources by 2028. This strategic direction is becoming increasingly important for global industrial companies. That’s why we are pleased that HAWE Hydraulik has chosen Klaipėda FEZ as the location for its expansion. This investor not only reinforces our manufacturing ecosystem but also contributes to the growth of high value-added industry and the creation of a more sustainable Lithuanian economy,” says Čivilis.

HAWE Hydraulik is a family-owned company since 1949 and develops mechatronic and electrohydraulic control systems for over 70 different industries. The company currently employs 2,830 people across 12 locations in Germany and branches in 21 other countries worldwide.

A new terminal is being constructed in the Klaipėda Free Economic Zone (FEZ). By the end of the year, it will house a 1,100 sq. m AB Lietuvos Paštas parcel sorting center, while the remaining space is planned to be leased to other companies in the logistics, warehousing, or transportation sectors.

Back in 2022, the Klaipėda FEZ management company signed an agreement with UAB “S.V.S” for the lease and investment in a plot at Pramonės St. 18. Initially, the company planned to develop a smart warehousing project for businesses and residents, but a more detailed market analysis postponed these plans.

Now, after securing Lietuvos Paštas as the main tenant, UAB “S.V.S” will begin construction in March on a 2,150 sq. m logistics terminal intended for warehousing and administrative purposes. The project will receive an investment of approximately €2 million. The new facility will enable Lietuvos Paštas to serve customers in Western Lithuania more efficiently while also improving working conditions for employees.

UAB “S.V.S” is already offering the remaining terminal space for lease, which is suitable for logistics, warehousing, transportation, or related services. The building will feature an A++ energy efficiency rating, and a solar power plant is planned for its roof. Additionally, the company is still considering implementing its previously announced smart storage services project on an adjacent site.

“The Klaipėda FEZ, originally established as an industrial zone, is evolving into a hub for product development, service provision, business operations, trade, and administration. The transport, logistics, and warehousing sector has historically been strong here, and the arrival of a major industry player like Lietuvos Paštas is likely to encourage even more companies of this profile to set up in our area,” said Klaipėda FEZ CEO Eimantas Kiudulas.

On Friday, an official start was given to the €60 million investment by the biodiesel producer Mestilla in the Klaipėda free economic zone (FEZ). The company started developing a new rapeseed processing plant, as well as an advanced biofuel technology within its current manufacturing infrastructure. With the completion of these projects by the end of 2025, Mestilla will become a significant competitor to major European companies and address the issue of residual odor.

Mestilla has begun constructing an entirely new rapeseed processing plant adjacent to its current infrastructure on Kretainio street in Klaipėda. Upon the completion of this €50 million project, the company’s rapeseed processing capacity will increase to 500,000 tons per year, biodiesel production will rise to 200,000 tons, and rapeseed protein additive production will reach 300,000 tons annually. These capacities will be 2-3 times greater than the current plant allows, enabling the company to compete more robustly with the largest biodiesel market players in Northern and Western Europe due to efficient technologies and economy of scale.

The current production lines, operating for almost two decades, will undergo substantial modernization to facilitate the processing of used cooking oil (UCO) and the production of advanced biofuels. This €10 million project will enable the extraction of 20,000-30,000 tons of advanced biofuels from used oil, which will be blended with conventional biodiesel.

The expansion of Mestilla will include various proven and new odor management technologies, such as two new 70-meter-high chimneys. These are expected to significantly improve odor dispersion and minimize its impact on the residential environment. Although Mestilla had already exceeded official odor standards, the new development phase aims to definitively resolve this issue.

During the capsule-laying ceremony for future generations, Mestilla’s CEO Arūnas Zubas stated that this step strengthens Lithuania’s strategic energy and environmental goals, the agricultural sector and the overall economy.

“Over our operational period, the amount of rapeseed grown in Lithuania has increased 4-5 times, and purchase prices have risen 2-3 times. Today, every car tank contains 7-10% of renewable Lithuanian energy, providing work for thousands of farmers, replacing imported raw materials, and keeping money in Lithuania. I am pleased that our business goals align with the country’s most important interests, and Klaipėda residents will soon be able to take pride in another strategic energy independence project,” said Zubas.

“It is gratifying that more and more industrial companies are turning to environmentally sustainable technologies and implementing them in production. These investments are no exception, and I hope many Klaipėda city and district residents will feel their impact. What delights me the most is that Mestilla’s multimillion-euro investments, including the construction of two 70-meter chimneys and technological changes, will reduce odor dispersion, and I believe that upon project completion, we will receive fewer complaints about the ‘pancake’ smell. This is a good example for all companies that take residents’ concerns into account, create added value for the city and invest in sustainable technologies,” said Klaipėda mayor Arvydas Vaitkus.

“Other responsible businesses in our country could learn from Mestilla’s ideas of sustainability and environmental friendliness. The problem of disposing of used oil will be solved, and we will have more eco-friendly fuels such as biodiesel. This plant is an excellent example of a circular economy, and the biodiesel it will produce in the future will help Lithuania strengthen its energy independence. I wish this company great and beautiful ideas. And I wish everyone to create sustainable businesses and the prosperity of Lithuania,” said the Environment Minister Simonas Gentvilas.

And according to Agriculture Minister Kęstutis Navickas, this plant is an excellent example of a bioeconomy, where high value-added products such as biodiesel and protein additives are made from raw materials grown by farmers.

“It is very important that the added value remains in Lithuania. The processing of used oil into second-generation fuel is particularly relevant – it’s a great example of circularity. All this will gradually allow us to move away from fossil fuels. We hope that the biofuels produced in this plant will be used in Lithuania,” said Minister Navickas.

The technologies of global leaders in their fields – Desmet, Cimbria and Alfa Laval – will be implemented in the Mestilla plant. The project is carried out in collaboration with companies such as Eika Development, Sweco, Budrių Statyba, Fern Group, Dotnuva Baltic, Vilniaus Rentinys, Daimena and Pajūrio Šaltinis. Swedbank is the financial partner of the project, and the logistics partner is Vakarų Krova – a subsidiary of BLRT Grupp.

100% of Mestilla shares belong to the shareholders of Akola Group (formerly Linas Agro Group), the largest agricultural and food production group in the Baltics. The company has been operating in the Klaipėda FEZ since 2005, and during 2005-2007 it developed the current €45 million plant, which was one of the largest greenfield investments in renewable energy in Lithuania at the time.

In 2023, Mestilla’s revenue exceeded €200 million. The company sells its products in Lithuania and the Baltic region, as well as in Scandinavia, Western Europe, and other countries. The company employs about 60 people.

Construction of the new Mestilla plant officially began in Klaipėda free zone

On Friday, an official start was given to the €60 million investment by the biodiesel producer Mestilla in the Klaipėda free economic zone (FEZ). The company started developing a new rapeseed processing plant, as well as an advanced biofuel technology within its current manufacturing infrastructure. With the completion of these projects by the end of 2025, Mestilla will become a significant competitor to major European companies and address the issue of residual odor.

Mestilla has begun constructing an entirely new rapeseed processing plant adjacent to its current infrastructure on Kretainio street in Klaipėda. Upon the completion of this €50 million project, the company’s rapeseed processing capacity will increase to 500,000 tons per year, biodiesel production will rise to 200,000 tons, and rapeseed protein additive production will reach 300,000 tons annually. These capacities will be 2-3 times greater than the current plant allows, enabling the company to compete more robustly with the largest biodiesel market players in Northern and Western Europe due to efficient technologies and economy of scale.

The current production lines, operating for almost two decades, will undergo substantial modernization to facilitate the processing of used cooking oil (UCO) and the production of advanced biofuels. This €10 million project will enable the extraction of 20,000-30,000 tons of advanced biofuels from used oil, which will be blended with conventional biodiesel.

The expansion of Mestilla will include various proven and new odor management technologies, such as two new 70-meter-high chimneys. These are expected to significantly improve odor dispersion and minimize its impact on the residential environment. Although Mestilla had already exceeded official odor standards, the new development phase aims to definitively resolve this issue.

During the capsule-laying ceremony for future generations, Mestilla’s CEO Arūnas Zubas stated that this step strengthens Lithuania’s strategic energy and environmental goals, the agricultural sector and the overall economy.

“Over our operational period, the amount of rapeseed grown in Lithuania has increased 4-5 times, and purchase prices have risen 2-3 times. Today, every car tank contains 7-10% of renewable Lithuanian energy, providing work for thousands of farmers, replacing imported raw materials, and keeping money in Lithuania. I am pleased that our business goals align with the country’s most important interests, and Klaipėda residents will soon be able to take pride in another strategic energy independence project,” said Zubas.

“It is gratifying that more and more industrial companies are turning to environmentally sustainable technologies and implementing them in production. These investments are no exception, and I hope many Klaipėda city and district residents will feel their impact. What delights me the most is that Mestilla’s multimillion-euro investments, including the construction of two 70-meter chimneys and technological changes, will reduce odor dispersion, and I believe that upon project completion, we will receive fewer complaints about the ‘pancake’ smell. This is a good example for all companies that take residents’ concerns into account, create added value for the city and invest in sustainable technologies,” said Klaipėda mayor Arvydas Vaitkus.

“Other responsible businesses in our country could learn from Mestilla’s ideas of sustainability and environmental friendliness. The problem of disposing of used oil will be solved, and we will have more eco-friendly fuels such as biodiesel. This plant is an excellent example of a circular economy, and the biodiesel it will produce in the future will help Lithuania strengthen its energy independence. I wish this company great and beautiful ideas. And I wish everyone to create sustainable businesses and the prosperity of Lithuania,” said the Environment Minister Simonas Gentvilas.

And according to Agriculture Minister Kęstutis Navickas, this plant is an excellent example of a bioeconomy, where high value-added products such as biodiesel and protein additives are made from raw materials grown by farmers.

“It is very important that the added value remains in Lithuania. The processing of used oil into second-generation fuel is particularly relevant – it’s a great example of circularity. All this will gradually allow us to move away from fossil fuels. We hope that the biofuels produced in this plant will be used in Lithuania,” said Minister Navickas.

The technologies of global leaders in their fields – Desmet, Cimbria and Alfa Laval – will be implemented in the Mestilla plant. The project is carried out in collaboration with companies such as Eika Development, Sweco, Budrių Statyba, Fern Group, Dotnuva Baltic, Vilniaus Rentinys, Daimena and Pajūrio Šaltinis. Swedbank is the financial partner of the project, and the logistics partner is Vakarų Krova – a subsidiary of BLRT Grupp.

100% of Mestilla shares belong to the shareholders of Akola Group (formerly Linas Agro Group), the largest agricultural and food production group in the Baltics. The company has been operating in the Klaipėda FEZ since 2005, and during 2005-2007 it developed the current €45 million plant, which was one of the largest greenfield investments in renewable energy in Lithuania at the time.

In 2023, Mestilla’s revenue exceeded €200 million. The company sells its products in Lithuania and the Baltic region, as well as in Scandinavia, Western Europe, and other countries. The company employs about 60 people.

Simonas Petrulis, the CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Baltic FEZ, and new President of the Lithuanian Association of Free Economic Zones (LAFEZ), emphasized the significant potential of the country’s FEZs. He highlights that FEZ management companies create attractive conditions for investors by quickly adapting manufacturing, storage, and logistics facilities to meet their needs. S. Petrulis also notes that the Parliament’s decision to allow defense industry companies to establish operations in FEZ territories is an important step that could significantly boost the development of these zones and help achieve an economic breakthrough.

The territory of the Baltic FEZ is located near the future European railway “Rail Baltica,” and it is in this area that a dual-purpose loading and unloading platform will be installed. “This upcoming infrastructure of European importance justifiably allows us to expect that the Marijampolė FEZ will become an even more attractive location for the defense industry,” states Povilas Isoda, the Mayor of Marijampolė Municipality.

The Baltic FEZ, located near the upcoming European railway “Rail Baltica”, plans to construct a manufacturing facility that will meet the highest energy efficiency class, A++. This building will be adapted to individual manufacturers’ needs with minimal costs. Moreover, the building will be divided into three sections, each with external accesses and driveways designed for trucks, and additional ramps can be installed if needed. A solar power plant is also planned to be installed on the roof, the energy from which will be used for the building’s needs.

The manufacturing facility in the Baltic FEZ is being constructed on a 1.1 ha plot. It will have a height of up to 12.5 meters and will be equipped with all necessary utilities, including electricity and natural gas.

This project aims to attract manufacturers and exporters of higher and medium-value products. 

The construction of the manufacturing facility in the Baltic FEZ is partially financed by INVEGA through the incentive financial instrument “Installation of Typical Manufacturing Facilities in Free Economic Zones, Industrial Parks, and Other Industrial Areas.” The project is funded by the budget funds of the Republic of Lithuania through INVEGA.