Rauma Marine Constructions Oy (RMC), a pioneer in arctic shipbuilding, will receive a major infusion of capital for further growth from three actors Finnish Industry Investment Ltd, Finda and a fund managed by Taaleritehdas. RMC’s strengthened position is yet another indication of the recovery of the Finnish shipbuilding industry.
Rauma Marine Constructions Oy (RMC) is a Finnish-owned shipyard with leading-edge expertise and technology in this field. Strategically, RMC specializes in the construction and maintenance of multi-purpose icebreakers, car ferries and naval vessels.
The infusion of capital and the involvement of major Finnish investors will contribute to the success and viability of the Finnish maritime cluster, and at the same time help keep the maritime industry’s value chain intact. Finnish Industry Investment Ltd, the fund managed by Taaleritehdas and Finda Oy participated in an investment round which will increase RMC’s share capital to nearly EUR 25 million. One of the existing owners, Kasvattajarahasto, managed by Aboa Venture Management, will also take part in the share issue. The strengthened capital position allows RMC to carry out major shipbuilding projects.
”The Finnish maritime industry is on the rise. We want to be involved in promoting the international growth of a company whose Arctic expertise is of the highest standard in the world,” says Investment Director Jussi Hattula of Finnish Industry Investment Ltd.
”The Finnish maritime industry represents the kind of expertise of high added value that our economy sorely needs. Together with our customers, we want to channel Finnish capital into this type of project. Taaleritehdas is pleased to be involved in strengthening the domestic ownership base which, in turn, will create jobs in Finland,” explains Chief Executive Officer Juhani Elomaa of Taaleritehdas.
“It’s great to witness the development of world-class expertise in one’s own country. We’re making a major investment in this fine growth company and its future with a view to potential listing in a few years’ time. Finda will be able to make its expertise in this area available to RMC,” says Finda’s Chief Executive Officer Jarmo Leino.
One of the objectives established by the Marine Industry 2020 working party appointed by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy is to develop Finland into a major global player in the marine industry. In Finland, the functions and services related to the Arctic marine industry are highly integrated and the entire value chain under local control.
“We’ll continue to be the number one choice as a supplier of car ferries, ice-breakers, naval vessels and as a partner, and we’ll contribute to the Finnish Arctic expertise on our part. By specializing and investing in skills and technology, Finland will continue to be an important player in the shipbuilding sector,” concludes President and Chief Executive Officer Heikki Pöntynen of RMC.
