Forcit secures permits for TNT plant in Pori’s Noormarkku

Forcit has received location and construction permits for a planned TNT factory in Noormarkku, near Pori, Yle reports.

The permits were approved Friday by Pori’s vitality and environment board, with one member, Minka Leino-Holm (Green), dissenting.

A location permit was required because the plant will be built outside a zoned area. The facility will include several buildings with a combined floor area of about 14,000 square metres, some partially underground for safety reasons.

A protection zone defined by government regulations will surround the plant, with most properties within it already under the project’s control. Authorities determined the project would not cause unreasonable harm to landowners or neighbouring properties.

Four objections were filed, from the Finnish Nature League’s Pori branch, the Safe Noormarkku association, and private individuals.

Forcit had previously withdrawn earlier permit applications after parliament approved amendments to construction law this spring, easing procedures for critical defence industry projects. Under the new rules, construction can proceed despite potential appeals, based on the permits now granted.

The plant still requires environmental and chemical safety permits. Production is scheduled to begin in 2028, with preparatory work already underway. The project is estimated to create around 70 jobs in Noormarkku and cost approximately €200 million.