Lithuania nets global leader

SIAULIAI - One of the largest producers of fishing nets in the North Atlantic market, VON, has chosen Lithuania for its new manufacturing facility, reports ELTA. The Faroe Islands-based company has plans to invest about 2-2.3 million euros, and will employ over 70 textile manufacturing and mechanics specialists at Siauliai Industrial Park, Invest Lithuania says in a statement.

The facility will produce various types of fishing nets for use in fishing around the globe. Trawls, cages and other equipment used for fish farming will be produced. Additionally, safety nets and cargo transportation equipment for offshore oil and similar platforms will be made. VON’s Lithuanian production will be exported to the Faroe Islands, Norway and other countries.

“Lithuania has a well-developed textile sector and an experienced work force, with specific competencies that are very important for our highly innovative operations. We expect the Lithuanian input and the advanced production equipment to be used in the Siauliai-based manufacturing facility to accelerate our production modernization process,” said Hjalmar Petersen, executive director at VON.
The company uses complex computer models and special video equipment to monitor the underwater behavior of nets and various fish species.

Newly employed Lithuanians will be trained by VON at their headquarters in the Faroe Islands and the company’s other factories in Greenland, Norway, Denmark and Canada. In this way, the company expects its employees to adopt the most advanced production practice and to apply them in Lithuania.
“Siauliai is the third strongest city contributing to Lithuania’s textile industry. Foreign investors recognize this area as a highly attractive region for expansion in this sector. VON is the second largest foreign company to choose this city for fishing gear manufacturing,” said Milda Darguzaite, managing director of Invest Lithuania.

The new investor intends to remain active in cooperating with local businesses. The company will buy plastic parts from Lithuanian-based producers. Finished products will be packed and exported by local companies as well.
VON was established in 1969 by 5 fishermen. Today, VON is one of the largest fishing net producers in the North Atlantics market. The company produces trawls, fish farm cages, purse seine, gillnets, sport nets and security nets for oil platforms. VON is headquartered in the Faroe Islands. Its design, development and production units operate in Faroe Islands, Denmark, Greenland, Norway and Canada.