News
On 2 October, BLRT Valukoda officially opened its new facility in Kohila, increasing annual production capacity from 1,000 to 3,000 tonnes and enabling the manufacture of larger and heavier cast iron products. Nearly €14 million was invested in the construction of the new facility.
“The newly built BLRT Valukoda facility in Kohila is one of BLRT Grupp’s largest investment projects in Estonia. It is an important step in the company’s development, helping us respond even better to our customers’ growing demands and needs,” said Paul Gross, Managing Director of BLRT Valukoda.
One of the key reasons for building the new facility was the growing demand for large and heavy cast iron castings. The development potential of the company’s former production site in Kopli had been exhausted, while the new facility in Kohila enables the company to produce castings weighing up to three tonnes and to manage their storage, handling and processing more efficiently.
“For us, this primarily means expanding our technological capabilities and product range. Modern equipment, digital and software solutions ensure consistently high quality, increase efficiency and make us more flexible in carrying out different customer projects,” he added.
The new facility is equipped with a 1,500 kW Inductotherm induction furnace, which can melt up to 3.5 tonnes of iron per melt. Three new FAT mixers optimise the use of sand, resin and hardener and ensure consistent moulding sand quality. The largest mixer has a maximum capacity of 20 tonnes of sand per hour, while the other two are configured for capacities of 12 and 8 tonnes per hour, respectively. As the mixers are continuously connected to the network, remote diagnostics and technical support can be provided when required. Production data collection and analysis also help monitor the process more effectively.
The company can now also offer heat treatment of its products. The brand-new 7,500-litre Nabertherm heat treatment furnace is designed to process batches weighing up to 4.4 tonnes at temperatures of up to 1,200°C.
Moving production from Kopli to Kohila has also improved the company’s logistics. The newly opened production facility offers more space and better opportunities for storing and handling products, while transport to Tallinn and its ports can be organised more efficiently. Most of BLRT Valukoda’s production is exported to Scandinavia and other foreign markets.
“For us, the new facility is about more than investing in production capacity and technology. It is an investment in long-term relationships with customers and partners and in our ability to grow together with them,” Paul Gross said.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasised the importance of looking to the future and recognising the opportunities ahead. “Reaching an investment decision like this takes years and requires the courage to believe in tomorrow and create new opportunities. It demonstrates confidence in Estonia and our economic environment, and shows that even in a challenging economic environment, it is possible to move forward and develop in Estonia. I wish the company every success and assure you that the state is firmly behind you. I am sure that the people of Kohila Municipality and the surrounding area will do the same.”
Rando Lai, Deputy Mayor of Kohila Municipality, noted that BLRT Valukoda’s decision to build its new facility in Kohila Municipality is an important vote of confidence. “The arrival of a strong company gives momentum to the entire region, creates new jobs and strengthens Kohila’s business environment. As a municipality, we consider it important that companies have the confidence to make long-term plans and investments here. Decisions like this show that Kohila is seen as a place where it is worth building for the future,” he said.
