On 20 December 2024, representatives of the German defence technology company Rheinmetall, EPSO-G Invest and the Lithuanian company Giraitės ginkluotės gamykla signed a partnership agreement. This regulates the acquisition of shares in the company Rheinmetall Defence Lietuva, which will be responsible for building the 155 mm artillery shell production plant.
The plant near Baisogala is expected to start production in 2027 and, once fully completed, it will be capable of producing tens of thousands of 155 mm calibre artillery shells annually. According the preliminary calculations total investments into facility may reach around €260 million. The plant is expected to create at least 250 new direct jobs in the region.
On 29 January 2025, a memorandum was signed in which the partners committed to using green electricity, biogas as needed, and energy storage solutions to ensure reliable and efficient plant operation. It was also agreed that future energy purchases for the plant must comply with the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act.
