HAWE Hydraulik: our journey in the Klaipėda FEZ has only just begun

HAWE Hydraulik began operations in the Klaipėda Free Economic Zone (FEZ) a year ago, and is now celebrating its official opening ceremony on September 18. The company has had very positive experience in Lithuania so far. The international manufacturer of mechatronics and hydraulic products and systems is particularly pleased with the motivation and qualifications of local specialists, and expects to double its Klaipėda team over the next year.

Since last year, German-routed HAWE Hydraulik has occupied more than half of the production and administrative building FlexStart 03 developed by the Klaipėda FEZ management company. The family-owned company has been operating for more than 75 years and has almost 3,000 employees in 24 countries. It develops and manufactures hydraulic components and system solutions used by businesses in medical, agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, renewable energy and many other sectors.

Maximilian Röring, Managing Director of UAB HAWE Lithuania, says that the Klaipėda site focuses on assembly and testing of hydraulic systems for the wind energy industry. These products ensure safe and reliable operation of a wind turbine: Some systems adjust the rotor blades angle to the wind, some stop and secure the turbines when required, while others lubricate critical components, protecting them from wear and maximizing performance.

“We have already established a strong local team, covering assembly, quality, logistics, purchasing, production planning, process engineering and administration. Building on this foundation, we will continue to grow a highly capable manufacturing organization that contributes to the company’s long-term success.. Guided by the principle ‘Think globally, act locally’, our employees in Klaipėda are already taking ownership and help shaping a more sustainable future around the world,” says M. Röring.

”Our experience has been very positive”

The head of HAWE’s Klaipėda site reveals that the company started looking for a location for its new plant in 2023.

The port city competed with several locations that were examined in depth and was ultimately selected because of its “particularly convincing overall package”: strong logistics infrastructure across all modes of transport, technically qualified and motivated specialists in a region with a strong industrial tradition, support from the Klaipėda FEZ and Invest Lithuania before and during the establishment process, the possibility to adapt the FlexStart building to the company’s needs and partnerships with companies already operating in the free economic zone.

The manager was particularly impressed by the fact that only five months passed from the establishment of the company to the assembly of the first product in Klaipėda.

“Overall, we felt that Lithuania has a genuine interest in developing advanced manufacturing and renewable energy industries. This was an important factor that strengthened our confidence. Our experience so far has been very positive – we particularly value the pragmatic and flexible approach of the FEZ, the fast setup, the motivation of local talent to learn and their willingness to take responsibility. We have also been impressed by the digitalization of many administrative processes in Lithuania, cooperation with authorities and institutions, and the local business ecosystem. Of course, certain regulatory and administrative requirements can initially be challenging for a foreign investor, and simplifying these areas would help make Lithuania even more attractive to other investors,” says M. Röring.

HAWE’s growth plans

HAWE’s Klaipėda site currently employs 18 colleagues,  in line with the company’s initial ramp-up plans. “We plan to grow our team to around 40 colleagues over the coming years, with a particular focus on expanding our assembly and logistics teams. I believe we stand out in the market because of a combination of experience and stability of an international industrial group with the entrepreneurial spirit of a start-up. Every colleague has the opportunity to actively shape and improve processes across production, logistics, purchasing and administration from day one,” says M. Röring.

With an average age of 37, HAWE Lithuania has built a young and experienced team that combines fresh perspectives with professional expertise. The company supports its employees through continuous development and feedback programs, internal career opportunities, five additional vacation days and an additional accident and health insurance. Information about career opportunities at the company is available here.