US pledges $20 million for Forcit TNT plant in Pori

Forcit has marked the start of construction of a TNT explosives plant in Noormarkku, a district of Pori, with a cornerstone-laying ceremony, Yle reported. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said the United States would contribute $20 million to the project.

The plant is intended to produce TNT explosives, including for the needs of Finland’s Defence Forces. It is scheduled to begin operations in 2028, Forcit Chief Executive Joakim Westerlund confirmed.

“The United States joining the financial support for the TNT plant demonstrates the deep defence cooperation between our countries,” Häkkänen said in a statement from the Ministry of Defence.

The total estimated cost of the project is about 70 million euros.

Construction is still in its early stages, while the permits required for the plant and explosives production are being processed. Forcit has applied for a building permit in three parts, and Pori’s vitality and environmental committee has already approved two of the applications.

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency is also processing a chemical safety permit application. Forcit will additionally need an environmental permit for the explosives plant.

Westerlund said the cornerstone ceremony had major symbolic importance. He described the plant as part of Europe’s effort to strengthen its ability to defend itself and ensure that people could live in peace in the future.

A charter, newspapers published that day, a guest list and current coins and banknotes were placed in a time capsule in the cornerstone.