CONTINUING ON OUR CHOSEN PATH

A year-end review with Joakim Westerlund, CEO, FORCIT Group

The past year has once again underscored the importance of stability and security in a world of constant change. While global uncertainty remains a factor, FORCIT Group has remained steadfast on its path of development and investment, guided by a clear purpose. We are not just navigating the present; we are actively building for the future. 

Our strategy has proven to be resilient and relevant. The decisions and investments we are making today are a testament to our unwavering belief in our mission and our crucial role in society. We are moving forward with confidence, strengthening our capabilities to meet the demands of tomorrow. 

SUPPORTING SAFETY AND SECURITY 

The geopolitical landscape has made our purpose clearer than ever. A stronger, more self-reliant Europe is essential, and FORCIT is at the heart of building this strategic autonomy. From enhancing defence capabilities to developing infrastructure and securing the supply of critical raw materials through our vital partnership with the mining industry, our contributions are fundamental to the security and resilience of the Nordics and Europe as a whole. 

As Finland has become a security provider within NATO, our role as a developer of advanced defence systems has been further highlighted. We take this responsibility seriously, and our on-going investments and recruitment efforts are a direct reflection of our commitment to fulfilling this vital role. 

INVESTING IN CAPACITY AND FUTURE GROWTH 

Words are important, but actions speak louder. Over the past three years, FORCIT has invested approximately €100 million in technology and increased capacity. Looking ahead, we have announced further planned investments of more than €300 million for the coming years. 

This proactive approach ensures that we can meet the surge in demand. We have moved decisively to build the capacity that our customers and society require. While recent investments have largely been driven by the need for capacity, we have also invested significantly in upgrading older production lines to ensure we maintain our high standards of quality, safety and security of supply. These investments, focused on both our defence and civil explosives businesses, are primarily located in Finland but will serve our global customer base, generating significant export revenue and contributing to national prosperity. 

STRENGTHENING OUR CORE THROUGH PEOPLE AND INNOVATION 

Our growth is not just about numbers; it’s about people. In the past year, we have welcomed approximately 100 new employees to the FORCIT family. This rapid growth has been a driving force for development, creating new opportunities for our employees and bringing diverse new perspectives into our organisation. We are committed to fostering the next generation of experts through comprehensive internal training and clear career paths. 

At the same time, we continue to innovate and invest in product development.  Investments in product development have been steadily accelerating in line with our set targets, with FORCIT’s customer-centric approach always emphasising safety and quality. 

SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY AS CORNERSTONES 

As we grow, our fundamental principles remain unchanged. Safety is, and always will be, our top priority. It is the bedrock of our culture and a non-negotiable aspect of everything we do. 

Our commitment to sustainability also remains strong. We are proud of our comprehensive sustainability reporting, which we have proactively developed ahead of regulatory requirements. We are continuously working to improve the environmental performance of our operations and are investing in the development of more sustainable raw materials, demonstrating our dedication to responsible growth. 

BUILDING A PROSPEROUS FUTURE TOGETHER 

Looking ahead, we are confident that the demand for our expertise will continue to grow. Our course is set, and we will continue to build on our strong foundation, pursuing sustainable growth and embracing new opportunities with great determination. 

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated employees, whose expertise and commitment are the driving force behind our success. I am also grateful to our customers, partners, and owners for their continued trust and collaboration. Together, we are not just building a stronger company; we are contributing to a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for all.