On September 10th, the Dutch bicycle manufacturer Pon.Bike opened its new factory in the Kėdainiai Free Economic Zone. The factory is set to create over 600 new jobs and attract more than 56.9 million euros in investments, providing a significant boost to the local economy and the Lithuanian manufacturing sector.
The facility will focus on producing electric bicycles, an increasingly popular market. This factory is the company’s seventh and most advanced worldwide, utilising cutting-edge technology and meeting the highest sustainability standards.
Boost for the Region
According to Aušrinė Armonaitė, Lithuania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, the establishment of Pon.Bike in Kėdainiai is a positive sign for the country’s economic growth.
“The fact that a leading bicycle industry company, with more than 2,000 employees worldwide, has decided to establish itself in Kėdainiai is a significant recognition for Lithuania and an important contribution to our economy. This project will strengthen the region by attracting important investments and creating about 600 new jobs,” Armonaitė said.
Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainability
Speaking at the opening event, Janco van der Heiden, Vice President of Operations at Pon.Bike, emphasized the importance of the new factory: “By implementing the ‘Pon.Bike’ factory project in Kėdainiai, we are opening a new chapter in our cycling history, which spans more than a hundred years. We want to sincerely thank the many enthusiastic new colleagues in Lithuania, as well as local partners and government representatives who helped make this project a reality. We look forward to many years of successful cooperation, producing some of the strongest bicycle brands here in Kėdainiai.”
The facility spans 40,000 square meters and is certified with BREEAM Excellent standards for sustainable construction. Additionally, it meets the A++ energy efficiency class and will be powered by a 10,000 square meter solar power plant installed on the roof, ensuring that production aligns with modern sustainability and environmental standards.
Future Growth
Algimantas Gedvilas, Plant Manager of the Pon.Bike factory in Lithuania, highlighted the company’s focus on sustainable growth: “We have assembled a strong team of local managers and specialists who have smoothly integrated into the international organization. From day one, our factory operates at the highest industry standards. The hiring process for new employees continues, and we aim to grow sustainably, ensuring high quality throughout.”
The Kėdainiai factory will assemble bicycles for various Pon.Bike brands, with a large portion dedicated to electric bicycles, which are seen as the future of the market.
