Significant changes are taking place in Rēzekne’s industrial landscape. The shareholders of Rēzekne-based company “REBIR” RSEZ AS have decided to liquidate the company, with the process expected to be completed by the end of this year. Once one of Latvia’s leading power tool manufacturers and closely associated with the establishment of the Rēzekne Special Economic Zone (Rēzekne SEZ), the company is ending its operations in Rēzekne after almost 60 years.
At the same time, the former REBIR production site has not been left vacant. New manufacturing activities are developing on the premises, while new companies have joined Rēzekne SEZ in recent years and significant investments continue to be made.
From REBIR to a New Manufacturing Facility
In 1998, “REBIR” became the first company to be granted Rēzekne SEZ status. For many years, the company was one of Latvia’s largest specialised power tool manufacturers, exporting its products to European countries, the CIS and Southeast Asia. The decision to liquidate the company is linked to the loss of traditional export markets and long-term changes in its business model.
The REBIR story also reflects broader changes in Rēzekne’s industrial environment. Alongside companies that are closing down or transforming their operations, new manufacturing businesses are emerging in the city and within the Rēzekne SEZ, while existing companies continue to develop.
New Companies Join Rēzekne SEZ
Over the past five years, six new companies have joined Rēzekne SEZ – “FISHBOAT” RSEZ SIA, “Baibiņa” RSEZ SIA, “Ķēdes” RSEZ SIA, “LORVILA” SIA, “SMART Interior” SIA and “VTI Avoti” SIA.
The new Rēzekne SEZ companies represent a range of manufacturing sectors, including boatbuilding, woodworking, metalworking, garment manufacturing and furniture production. Their development plans include the creation of new jobs as well as investments in production infrastructure and technologies.
For example, approximately 99% of LORVILA’s production is exported to the United States, the United Kingdom and European Union countries. Meanwhile, SMART Interior plans to invest up to EUR 1 million in production development over the next five years. VTI Avoti plans to invest more than EUR 1.3 million in the development of its woodworking operations.
Rēzekne SEZ Companies Invested EUR 144.9 Million Over Five Years
The arrival of new companies is only one part of the development of Rēzekne SEZ. Existing companies also continue to make substantial investments. Between 2021 and 2025, Rēzekne SEZ companies invested a total of EUR 144.9 million in long-term investments.
The largest investments during this period were made by VEREMS RSEZ SIA – EUR 90.09 million; OptoElektronika LV RSEZ SIA – EUR 23.39 million; LEAX Rēzekne RSEZ SIA – EUR 5.05 million; Baibiņa RSEZ SIA – EUR 3.58 million; and NewFuels RSEZ SIA – EUR 2.26 million.
In 2025, the net turnover of Rēzekne SEZ companies reached EUR 137.46 million, while the companies employed 1,248 people.
More Than EUR 40 Million Invested in the Former REBIR Site
One of the most striking examples of how Rēzekne’s industrial landscape is changing is the former REBIR production site.
In 2019, the site was acquired by SIA Avoti , which launched a major development project there. The company is one of the most technologically advanced woodworking companies in the Baltic States, specialising in the production of solid pine furniture and wood pellets. Most of its production is exported.
More than EUR 40 million has so far been invested in the development of the company’s Rēzekne production facility. In May 2026, a new, modern furniture manufacturing facility was opened on the site, with a strong focus on production automation, efficient use of resources and quality control.
As a result, the site that was associated with power tool manufacturing for many years has now become one of the key locations for the development of woodworking in Rēzekne.
Development of Rēzekne SEZ Continues
“The end of REBIR’s operations is a significant moment in the industrial history of the city. At the same time, we can see that its former production site continues to develop, with substantial investments being made there. More broadly, Rēzekne SEZ companies have continued to invest, expand their production and seek new markets in recent years. Our task is to provide an environment in which companies can develop, invest and adapt to change. Rēzekne’s industrial landscape is changing, and at this stage it is important not only to preserve what already exists, but also to create the conditions for the next stages of development,”
says Santa Kuzņecova, Acting CEO of the Rēzekne SEZ Administration.
Additional information:
Daiga Utāne
Communications and Public Relations Specialist
Rēzekne SEZ Administration
Tel.: (+371) 2863 3550
E-mail: pr@rsez.lv
Website: www.rsez.lv