Dotnuva seeds launches cutting-edge seed processing center in Latvia
The plant’s core systems feature advanced equipment from Danish seed processing giants Cimbria and BM Silo Ltd., reflecting the strong and longstanding cooperation between the partners
LATVIA – Dotnuva Seeds, a leading Baltic seed producer, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art seed processing center in Iecava, Latvia, expanding its footprint in the region’s certified seed market.
This newly built facility represents the most advanced plant operated by the company in the last three years and signals a growing demand for high-quality seed production in the Baltic States.
With a total investment of €9.5 million (US$ 10.2M), the facility was developed by Dotnuva Baltic, part of the Akola Group, with technological design and installation handled in-house.
The plant’s core systems feature advanced equipment from Danish seed processing giants Cimbria and BM Silo Ltd., reflecting the strong and longstanding cooperation between the partners.
“This seed center has a much higher level of automation, the operator can make most of the settings on the computer, save and analyze process parameters,
“The automatic control system allows you to monitor the operation of all machines remotely, determine the appropriate parameters for each seed batch and save them,” said Evaldas Lukošius, project manager at UAB Dotnuva Baltic.
The center, built over a seven-month period, includes advanced Cimbria technology for seed cleaning, dehulling, and sorting. The gentle handling design preserves seed quality and germination, while minimizing mechanical damage and dust. An integrated aspiration system improves working conditions and boosts seed cleanliness.
According to Cimbria Sales Manager Michael Bjoern, “The Dotnuva Seeds factory in Latvia is one of the most important and advanced projects for us in recent years.” Cimbria annually supplies technology to dozens of seed processing facilities worldwide, with nearly half located in Europe.
BM Silo Ltd., the supplier of 48 square and 10 rectangular silos used in the facility, emphasized the project’s significance in demonstrating scalable, efficient storage design.
“This project is important to us not only in terms of scale, but also as a model for collaboration and innovation. It strengthens our position in the Baltics and demonstrates our ability to provide customized and high-capacity storage solutions for the seed industry,” said Lisbeth Barnbæk Nielsen the CEO of BM Silo Ltd.
The plant spans 4,550 m², including a production unit, warehouse, and a two-story administrative building with a laboratory. It will produce legume and cereal seeds, supporting growing demand in Latvia and Estonia.
The plant is expected to create 30 new jobs and will operate at full capacity, up to 30,000 tons of seed annually, ahead of the autumn sowing season.
Dotnuva Seeds’ first factory, launched in Lithuania in 2003, continues to produce around 27,000 tons of seeds annually, supplying over 90% of its capacity. The new Latvian center aims to ease logistical constraints and offer more competitive pricing, particularly in Estonia.
“This project shows what can be achieved when technical expertise, vision, and teamwork align. We didn’t just build a factory, we built a facility with long-term potential to serve a growing market,” said Arminas Grigalis, Infrastructure Manager at UAB Dotnuva Baltic.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
