Ventspils: A Hub for Building Materials Production

Forta PRO (Ltd. Forta Prefab)

Ventspils, renowned for its strategic Baltic Sea location, has rapidly evolved into a prominent location for innovative building materials production. This city, with a population of approximately 37,000 and an extended impact area population of 100,000, has earned recognition as one of the best European micro-cities for foreign direct investment, particularly in technology and industry.

​The Building Materials Production Cluster in Ventspils
This cluster showcases a diverse range of companies, each contributing uniquely to the building materials sector:

Forta Prefab: Since joining the cluster in 2015, Forta Prefab has established a strong presence in producing module-type mobile construction homes. In 2022, they reported a turnover of 19,631,370 EUR, slightly down from 20,091,379 EUR in 2021, while their workforce increased significantly from 287 to 318. With investments from Russia and Korea, they are a key player in prefabricated building solutions.

SIA «ARBO Windows»: This company, starting operations in 2014, specializes in manufacturing solid wood windows and doors. With a turnover of 9,070,932 EUR in 2022, an increase from 7,823,355 EUR in 2021, they have grown their workforce from 109 to 110. As a key component in construction, they represent traditional craftsmanship and modern efficiency.

Kurzemes granulas: Established in 2003, this leader in wood pellet manufacturing saw its turnover increase to 16,786,170 EUR in 2022 from 10,805,743 EUR in 2021. While the company initially employed 39 people and secured an investment of 4.2 million EUR, the workforce slightly decreased to 36 in 2022. These pellets are primarily used as sustainable fuel sources in construction heating systems.
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​Baltic Forest Trading: Since 2004, this company has been processing wood and producing essential construction materials. With a stable team of 10 employees as of 2022, the company's turnover rose to 1,096,100 EUR in 2022 from 872,619 EUR in 2021. Reflecting Ventspils' commitment to the woodworking industry, Baltic Forest Trading, attracting 0.3 million EUR in investments, has investment ties with Sweden.

Ventspils metināšanas rūpnīca: Founded in 2012 and specializing in large-scale steel constructions vital for building frameworks and infrastructure, the company had a turnover of 369,078 EUR in 2022, down from 3,033,125 EUR in 2021. Employing 49 individuals in 2022, up from 47 in the previous year, the company has investment origins in Cyprus.

Ventspils-Andren: Operational since 2009, they produce large complex structures and fiberglass industrial facilities. In 2022, they recorded a turnover of 439,229 EUR, a decrease from 480,699 EUR in 2021, and had a workforce of 16, down from 18 in 2021. Their use of fiberglass for insulation and strength in construction highlights their innovative edge, with investments coming from Sweden.
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Each company's financial and employment growth from 2021 to 2022 provides insight into their dynamic role in Ventspils’ building materials sector, reflecting the evolving industrial landscape of the city.

​Overview of Ventspils' Role in Building Materials
Ventspils not only excels in traditional materials like wood and steel but also in the production of modern materials such as fiberglass and prefabricated elements. This diversity underscores the city's status as a key player in the construction materials sector. The city's strategic infrastructure, skilled talents, and supportive business environment further enhance this sector's growth.

​Understanding CO2 Emissions in Ventspils: A Move Towards Sustainability
In Ventspils, a significant shift towards environmental sustainability is evident, particularly in the reduction of CO2 emissions. Key highlights include:

•  2014: A Turning Point - The city witnessed a notable decrease in CO2 emissions in 2014. This was primarily due to "Ventspils Siltums," a municipal entity, embracing renewable energy sources.
• Dominant Emissions Source - An overwhelming majority (95-98%) of emissions from stationary sources in Ventspils are attributed to CO2. This emphasizes the need for focused strategies to tackle this predominant pollutant.​

​In conclusion, Ventspils exemplifies a multifaceted approach to sustainability and industrial development, showcasing both the challenges and achievements in these areas. The city’s journey in reducing CO2 emissions, particularly its transition to renewable energy in 2014, underscores the complexity and necessity of sustainable practices in urban environments. While recent stagnations in emission reductions highlight that sustainability is an evolving challenge, the Building Materials Production Cluster in Ventspils stands as a testament to the city’s industrial ingenuity and economic resilience. Companies like Kurzemes granulas and Forta Prefab not only bolster the local economy but also reinforce Ventspils’ commitment to sustainable practices and innovation. This combination of environmental responsibility and industrial robustness illustrates how Ventspils navigates the dynamic balance between ecological sustainability and economic growth. The city’s experiences in both domains serve as valuable lessons for cities worldwide striving for a more sustainable and industrially diverse future.