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While Rail Baltica is a key project for Maru Betoonitööd (MBT) and many other sector companies, the Estonian teams must not yield their positions in Finland, Taavi Varb, CEO of Maru Betoonitööd (MBT) said today on the morning programme of Äripäev Radio.

Varb noted that the Rail Baltica project, which has entered the phase of concrete works, will bring in half of MBT’s revenue this year and nearly 70% next year. Despite being heavily engaged with this huge Estonian project, MBT will continue to operate actively in Finland.

“We have decided that we will not leave Finland,” said Varb. “Estonian companies have created a demand for their services in Finland. Our competitive advantage there is no longer cheaper labour, but our work organisation and project management skills. It is important for Estonian concrete works companies to keep the position they have won in Finland over the past 15 years.” Varb noted that a network of clients and suppliers has been developed in Finland, which is a big challenge to build in a new market.

According to Varb, Rail Baltica may position other Estonian developers in need of concrete works in a tough spot next year. Once companies have their core staff employed and overhead costs covered, they will become picky about projects or hike prices, Varb explained. Also, it currently remains unclear how easy it will be to extend the work permits of Ukrainians currently working in Estonia and Finland, doing the lion’s share of concrete works today. When the war in Ukraine ends, many of them will likely decide to leave, in order to rebuild their homeland, bringing about a labour shortage in Estonia.

MBT currently has a contract for the Phase V facilities in Rapla County—viaducts, bridges, and box culverts—as well as the concrete structures for Phase II of the Ülemiste terminal’s Cycle 0.

Link to the interview (in Estonan): https://www.aripaev.ee/saated/2025/09/08/betoonitootja-rail-balticu-ehitamisest-riske-on-palju-uks-neist-toojoud

 

MBT team at Ülemiste terminal