A North Karelian company, Kesla, has secured its largest order ever for multi-purpose vehicles from a NATO country, valued at approximately 17 million euros.
Kesla, a North Karelian forestry technology company, has announced a significant contract with a NATO country for the supply of Kerberos multi-purpose vehicles worth around 17 million euros. This order marks the largest in the company’s history, highlighting its expansion into defense products. While the details of the buyer and transaction remain undisclosed, the company's CEO, Pasi Nieminen, emphasized the importance of this order for the company and the local community in North Karelia, as it showcases the domestic production capabilities of Kesla, which boasts a local manufacturing rate of 92%.
The financial scale of the contract is underscored by the fact that the entire revenue for Kesla in 2024 is expected to be approximately 44.3 million euros. This order is anticipated to have a positive impact on local employment, with Kesla planning to hire up to ten new workers at its Kesälahti factory as a result of fulfilling this order. Currently, Kesla employs around 230 people across its facilities in Joensuu, Kesälahti, and Ilomantsi, underscoring its role as a significant employment provider in the region.
The Kerberos multi-purpose vehicle, developed in collaboration with defense entities, highlights Kesla’s strategic diversification into the defense industry. As demand for defense products continues to grow amid geopolitical tensions, Kesla's focus on quality and local manufacturing could further enhance its reputation and business prospects on the global market. This development not only signifies a pivotal moment for Kesla but also reinforces the importance of local industries in supporting national defense initiatives.
