Modeling image of the Kotka CAM plant. Photo: Finnish Minerals Group
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Conflicting statements have surfaced about the expected number of Chinese workers at a major battery materials plant under construction in Kotka, southeastern Finland.
The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) says it has received early indications that hundreds of Chinese nationals may apply for work-based residence permits related to the construction phase of the plant. Migri’s Tuuli Huhtilainen, who oversees permits and seasonal labour, said that while the exact figure is unclear, the agency is preparing for a substantial group.
“My understanding is that they are from China, and we are talking about hundreds of people,” she said. “These are preliminary estimates.”
The plant, being built in the Keltakallio industrial area, is Finland’s first facility for producing cathode active material used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Construction began this spring, and the €800 million site is expected to begin production in 2027.
The main contractor is China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), which insists that Chinese workers will not be involved in the construction phase beyond a limited number of managerial staff.
Lin Tao, deputy project manager at CHEC, said around 80 subcontracts will be issued, primarily to Finnish firms, covering earthworks, foundation, structural, technical, and equipment installation. He said that up to 100 Chinese technicians could be brought in only if no suitable expertise is found in Finland.
“That would be a backup plan. The goal is to hire locally first,” Lin said.
Construction is expected to employ 500 to 600 people in total. Rego Oy, a Helsinki-based firm coordinating subcontractors, said the management team currently numbers about 30, split between Finnish and Chinese professionals.
Heikki Schemeikka, CEO of Rego, said local contractors remain the priority. “It’s unfortunate if there’s misinformation circulating. Of course there are international bids, but we are primarily looking for workers in Finland,” he said.
Speculation about the workforce has also reached local hospitality providers, who have reported inquiries linked to a potential influx of Chinese workers. Migri’s estimate is based on advance notifications typically shared by employers or embassies when large groups are involved. The Finnish Foreign Ministry said it had no direct information but noted that data might have come from Finland’s embassy in Beijing.
The ownership of the plant reflects a joint venture structure. Easpring Finland New Materials is owned 70% by Beijing Easpring Material Technology and 30% by Finnish state-owned Finnish Minerals Group (FMG).
Timo Strengell, head of battery value chain operations at FMG, confirmed that Chinese technical personnel will be essential during the start-up phase. He expects around 50 Chinese experts to be employed when production begins.
“This is their technology. We want them here to teach us. We don’t have similar facilities in Finland,” Strengell said.
He also dismissed claims of large numbers of Chinese workers during construction. “Absolutely not. If hundreds were coming, they would all need permits. That’s not even practical,” he added.
Once operational, the factory is expected to employ around 270 people directly, all of whom will be recruited from Finland.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
