US-based Fairbanks Morse Defence (FMD) is set to nearly double its production output in Poland after committing €6.98m ($8.09m) to expand its Vestdavit manufacturing facility in Redzikowo.
The site will become a global Davit Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (DMCoE), targeting the growing requirements of Nato and European naval forces for crewed and autonomous vessel handling systems.
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The company revealed the expansion at a groundbreaking event on 13 August attended by FMD executives, the Pomeranian Regional Development Agency (PARR), and local government officials.
Once completed in the fourth quarter of 2027, the enlarged facility will increase annual davit production by 80%, supporting faster delivery and more localised lifecycle support for European navies.
Of the total investment, €5m is allocated to expanding the physical footprint, with a further €1.9m for production equipment and a new test yard.
The project will more than double the site’s floor space from 3,000 to 5,600m2, adding specialist halls for steel fabrication, machining, assembly, and davit testing, as well as scaled-up hydraulic and electric assembly operations.
FMD also plans to enhance CNC machining capacity and test capabilities at the upgraded facility.
FMD Davits managing director Rolf Andreas Wigand said the Słupsk District was chosen for its strategic location, well-developed regional infrastructure, and skilled workforce.
“By strengthening nearshore European manufacturing and supply chains, FMD can ensure allied navies have lifecycle support on the continent to execute increasingly dynamic missions in a contested maritime domain,” Wigand said.
PARR, which manages the Słupsk Special Economic Zone and runs the Polish Investment Zone programme, is supporting the initiative as part of efforts to encourage regional economic development.
FMD expects the facility’s output to reach up to 150 davits per year, with added flexibility to support future product lines.
The company also anticipates a 30% increase in workforce over the next three years, creating roles for welders, electricians, hydraulic technicians, assemblers, and engineers.
Last month, FMD, part of Arcline Investment Management, completed its acquisition of the Rolls-Royce Naval Handling facility in Peterborough, Ontario.
