Skanska, a renowned construction company, has recently announced that it has secured a contract for the construction of Fazer’s state-of-the-art chocolate factory in Lahti, Finland. The project, estimated to cost approximately €400m ($467m), is set to revolutionize Fazer’s production capabilities through the implementation of advanced technology and automation.
The contract awarded to Skanska is valued at €89m and will be reflected in its Nordic order bookings for the third quarter of 2025. The construction of the factory, located in the Pippo industrial area, is scheduled to commence in the coming months, with operations expected to commence in 2028. Fazer has also mentioned that chocolate production will continue partially in Vantaa during the transition period.
The new facility, spanning around 33,300m², will integrate Fazer’s expertise in chocolate production with cutting-edge automated production lines and technologies to introduce new product offerings. Notably, the factory will be carbon dioxide emissions-free, emphasizing sustainability, and will focus on minimizing production waste through efficient raw material utilization.
Christoph Vitzthum, the President and CEO of Fazer Group, expressed excitement about the investment, stating that it is the largest in Fazer’s history and a significant milestone for the Finnish food industry. The new factory is expected to bolster both domestic and international growth for Fazer, showcasing the company’s commitment to the competitiveness of Finnish food production on a global scale.
To support the investment, Fazer has secured backing from Business Finland’s industrial investment support program and completed a real estate transaction with the City of Lahti to facilitate the construction phase. The project is anticipated to create job opportunities for hundreds of professionals, totaling over 500,000 working hours.
The financing for the project will be sourced through long-term debt, with a green finance framework in place to enable the issuance of green financial instruments. Fazer’s ambitious project is predicted to contribute significantly to Finnish food exports, with the company already accounting for 15% of these exports.
In other news, Skanska recently secured two additional contracts in the US and Sweden, further solidifying its position as a leading construction company. These contracts include a rail link construction project in the US and the development of a multisports facility in Sweden.
This article, “Skanska wins contract to build Fazer’s $467m chocolate factory in Finland,” was originally published by World Construction Network, a brand owned by GlobalData. Please note that the information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. It is recommended to seek expert guidance before making any decisions based on the content.
