UHB Group

UHB Group’s portfolio is expanding in a new direction: road infrastructure. The Group’s company UHB Service has taken over the operations of “Kelio ženklai” in Pilviškiai (Vilkaviškis district), including the brand, production equipment, existing contracts and technological know-how.

This step allows us to immediately continue activities at full capacity, based on the established business model and experienced team. The road infrastructure segment is characterised by clear technical standards, stable order flows and long-term projects, making it a natural addition to the UHB Group portfolio.

The UHB Group industrial complex already operating in Pilviškiai includes a logistics and packaging terminal, compact fertiliser production and a big bag factory. The new direction of activity strengthens this infrastructure and allows the Group to expand the range of solutions for infrastructure projects.

“It’s important for us to invest in segments where we can create long-term value. The road infrastructure market is characterised by steady order flows and clear quality requirements – this fits very well with the business strategy of UHB Group,” says Kęstutis Pakalnis, Chairman of the Board of UHB Group.

Read more about this decision and the UHB Group’s direction in the article in Lithuanian.

UHB Group investments are aimed at the development of Lithuanian regions. One of the most striking examples is Pilviškiai (Vilkaviškis district). The UHB Group Board – Tomas Kropa, Ugnė Makarauskienė and Kęstutis Pakalnis as well as the entire management team of the Group coordinated decisions, thanks to which the territory turned from an abandoned area into a functioning industrial and logistics centre in just a few years.

Almost 11 million euros were invested in the revitalisation of the territory, about 9 hectares of infrastructure were put into operation, today a loading terminal, a compacted fertiliser factory and a modern big bag line operate here.

Kęstutis Pakalnis, Chairman of the Board of UHB Group, emphasises the strategic role of these decisions: “There are many people in the regions who want and are able to work and economic activity can be revived only with a clear strategy and long-term vision. Here, value is often created faster than in big cities, because costs are lower and the competitive environment is more stable.”

Companies operating in Pilviškiai have created about sixty jobs, contributing to stable employment for local residents, and have also strengthened the function of the entire Vilkaviškis as a regional industrial and logistics centre promoting broader economic activity in the region.

The further vision includes the development of warehousing capacities and the installation of a second railway track, which will significantly increase transport throughput.

Read more in Lithuanian at vz.lt.

We support those we believe in: UHB Group sponsorships are much more than just financial support. For us, it’s primarily about participation, involvement and sharing what builds value. Working in the regions, we understand very well that strong communities, sports culture and trust in people are the basis for long-term success.

The Širvintos-UHB Group basketball team is one of those projects that we are proud of. The team, representing our hometown, started the new season strong – with inspiration, energy and vigorous belief in its own strength. Basketball here is not only a sport, but also a symbol of community – uniting business, local government and fans.

Another sport we support is equestrian sports. This October, the RHR tournament held at the Royal Horse Resort brought together professional riders, amateurs and spectators for a joint celebration to win the UHB Cup. We are honored to be the main sponsors for the event – not only this year, but also in the future, continuing our friendship with the sports community, which is guided by the same values as our business.

We are happy to be able to contribute to the success of the young rider Ignas Makarauskas, who this year became the Lithuanian champion in the 4-year-old horse class: his stubbornness, responsibility and consistent work are something we admire and support.

Each of our sponsorships reflects the UHB philosophy: sharing is the greatest multiplication.

When you share, you multiply: success, trust, community and the value that we create together through our work, connections and involvement.

UHB Group has invited the team to come together for a joint reflection – to review the path taken, discuss the results and share plans for the future. At the start of October, we held a half-yearly discussion, which was attended by the managers and administrative staff of all companies. Such meetings become not only a discussion of numbers and strategic directions, but also an opportunity to get to know each other better and strengthen the common vision.

This time company presentations with some big news took front and centre: this is especially relevant in a group that is constantly growing and developing new products. Each manager briefly introduced his company, talked about the main areas of activity, achievements and challenges. This allowed us to see how diverse the group’s activities are – and at the same time to look for even more synergy.

The numbers and results speak for themselves – all companies are growing and establishing themselves in the markets today. This is clear evidence that focused work, maintained quality standards and consistent investments bring returns.

However, an even more important aspect of this meeting was the people: general discussions and training sessions were replaced by informal communication in the evening. Because the basis of the UHB Group’s success is not only technologies or products, but also people who work every day, look for solutions and share responsibility.

Such meetings allow us to better understand what value we create together – each company in its own way, but all together. And it’s this sense of togetherness that becomes the main engine when looking at the next half-year and even more ambitious goals in the future.

UHB Agro, a part of the UHB Group, is taking a new strategic step by introducing a line of NPK fertilisers enriched with microorganisms, designed not only to improve fertiliser efficiency, but also to help farmers respond to the challenges posed by modern agriculture.
The formula of the new product was created in cooperation with one of the most advanced European biotechnology companies. The microbial components developed by a qualified partner are unique – in bulk form, technologically superior to alternatives in the segment and perfectly technologically suitable for integration into the fertiliser production process. The production of the new fertilisers will be carried out by the Marijampolė NPK plant belonging to the UHB Group, and a strong partner has been selected for the distribution of fertilisers in the Baltic States – AB Linas Agro, part of the Akola Group.

According to Tomas Kropa, CEO of UHB Agro, the new line helps exploit the microbiological potential of the soil, improves the availability of nutrients to plants and helps ensure crop stability even in adverse climatic conditions: “We are convinced that the future belongs to solutions combining sustainability and efficiency. That’s why we’re constantly looking for technological innovations that would not only increase the efficiency of fertilisers, but also help farmers optimise costs. Fertilisers enriched with microorganisms are a logical next step in our product development,” says Tomas Kropa, CEO of UHB Agro.
Investments in strategic partnerships, renovation of the fertiliser plant reactors, modernisation of the production process and application of technologies for integrating microorganisms into granules show that sustainability for UHB Agro are not just slogans, but actions as well.

“UHB Group has been rapidly expanding its activities both in Lithuania and in export markets in recent years. The focus on creating higher value-added products has helped create synergy between different segments of the group and ensure long-term competitiveness,” says Kęstutis Pakalnis, Chairman of the Board of UHB Group.

Not only sponsors – but also participants

We believe that true sponsorship does not begin with a logo on a T-shirt, but with participation, involvement and a lively connection with the environment in which we operate. Therefore, it’s important for us not only to support, but also to participate ourselves. That’s why we were pleased to join the sporting highlight of the Širvintos birthday celebration – the Dragon Boat Festival. The atmosphere of the competition was especially cheerful and full of excitement: it was important not only to row, but also to beat the drum and create an incendiary mood for the fans on the shore and the team on the water.
In our team, not only members of the basketball and kickboxing teams supported by “UHB Group” took up the oars and drums, but also the administration and production employees, who proudly took the third place. But the most important thing that we brought back from these competitions is a common rhythm, unifying ties and great emotions.

We are glad to have been able to contribute to the festive atmosphere and support an initiative that promotes movement, community and positive leisure: Širvintos District Mayor Živilė Pinskuvienė acknowledge the group leader Kęstutis Pakalnis for his active involvement.

Thank you to everyone who created this celebration – from the organisers and volunteers to everyone who took part in the UHB boat or supported the team on the shore. See you next year and at other events – with even stronger oars and even louder drums!

A young specialist starting their career as an intern and soon becoming a full-fledged member of the team is not a slogan, but reality. And Domantas Kailius, who is now a technologist at the Marijampolė NPK plant, can attest to that.
“Since I am from Marijampolė, I’ve known about Marijampolė NPK for a long time,” says Domantas. While still in his third year of study, he decided that he wanted to delve into the field of fertilisers. It didn’t take long to find an internship – after consulting with his teacher, the door to a modern and growing plant opened.

“At the very start, everything seemed really complicated. The amount of information was enormous. It was difficult to understand how technologists were able to cover all the nuances of production. But at the same time, it was interesting: the team welcomed me warmly and included me in all processes from the very beginning,” he shares.

The internship was not just observation from the sidelines. Domantas had the opportunity to participate in real production processes and even contribute to the organisation of a new project in the first months.
“What I learned at the university helped me understand the essence of processes and the operation of equipment. However, in practice, you encounter problems that textbooks do not cover. That’s when real learning starts.”
The decision to stay at Marijampolė NPK after the internship was not accidental – it was a conscious step to deepen knowledge in the chosen field.

“Fertiliser technology is more than just formulas. It’s constant work with a process where you can grow, create, and improve. I realised that I wanted to stay because I find this work interesting and meaningful.”
When asked what advice he would give to students who are considering where to intern, Domantas answers simply:
“First, decide what really interests you. And then don’t be afraid to look for an internship where you see your future. Sometimes that first opportunity can be a great start to your career.”

Marijampolė NPK is a place where we view internships not just as a formality, but as an opportunity to create and grow.
Maybe your story will start here too?

UHB Group has acquired 75 percent of UAB Agronovus, a company operating in Širvintos district, and is launching a new development project under the name of UAB UHB Bag and the production is being transferred to Pilviškiai (Vilkaviškis district), where one of the most modern big-bag factories in Europe will be established.

It’s planned that the majority of UAB UHB Bag’s production – about 90 percent – will be allocated to sales, in cooperation with fertiliser manufacturers and other industry partners in Europe and beyond. The rest will meet the needs of the UHB Group itself, ensuring an uninterrupted fertiliser packaging chain.

Work in Pilviškiai is planned to begin in mid-June, and the factory should reach full capacity in July. The project is based on the experience gained at the Samarkand NPK plant in Uzbekistan, which has already implemented a modern factory within a factory concept – from polypropylene fabric production to the final product.

The new line in Pilviškiai will be even more modern and efficient. It is important to note that all produced big-bags will be fully recyclable, thus contributing to a more sustainable industry.

“The most important things in the market today are speed and quality. Our decision to produce big-bags ourselves not only allows us to ensure uninterrupted supply to existing customers, but also opens the door to a wider European industrial market,” notes Kęstutis Pakalnis, Chairman of the Board of UHB Group.

Read more about the project in the Verslo žinios article in Lithuanian.

UHB business group is celebrating a special anniversary – 20 years in business! This number not only marks the maturity of the business but also is a chance to pause and look back at the beginning, evaluate the path we have taken and thank the people without whom all this would not have happened.

We celebrated this anniversary together with the team: gathering together, sharing memories, thanks and, of course, good mood.

As Kęstutis Pakalnis, shareholder of UHB Group and Chairman of the Board, said to his colleagues during the evening:

“I have always said that business is not built with money: the main resource is people. Only by working together can we both be proud of our achievements and survive and grow in this difficult competitive struggle and geopolitical space. I am very grateful to my family and especially my wife, who supported me from the very beginning.

Today, UHB has grown into a large and strong business group. And looking back at the path we’ve taken, I am most pleased with the people who have been with us since the very first days – those who believed, contributed and helped us grow.

We have gained a lot of experience, gained self-confidence and most importantly – we have attracted very talented, dedicated people. Each of you is a part of the company’s heart and you all create enormous value every day. Thank you to each and every one of you!”

Symbolic nominations – gratitude for dedication

At the celebration, we especially honored those whose contribution to the company’s history is exceptional. They were presented with symbolic nominations.

“Golden Hands” – Algirdas Pakalnis: for exceptional craftsmanship and responsibility – every task is performed carefully, professionally and on time. There is no task for which a solution can not be found.

“Pillar of Knowledge” – Violeta Čėsnienė: for unparalleled knowledge, care and responsibility – always knows everything, always takes care and helps everyone. A true heart and support of the company in everyday life.

“Pillar of the Company” – Vitalis Morkūnas: for the ability to find solutions even in the most difficult situations – where others fail, Vitalis finds a way out.

“Employee of 20-Years” – Loreta Pakalnienė: for loyalty, excellent performance as the first company manager, significantly contributing to the formation and growth of the company’s direction.

“Irreplaceable colleague” – Reda Geigalienė: for loyalty, dedication and constant help to the team, readiness to always help and solve problems.

20 years is not just a number. It’s proven endurance, strengthening ties, consistent growth and an increasingly strong team. Therefore, the celebration was primarily dedicated to us – the people who build UHB business group every day, sincerely, with determination and faith in what we do.

Our path leads forward and upward – with the best team: to new challenges, new projects and even more joint victories.

Thank you for being a part of this story.

The UHB group ended 2024 with an joyful and festive gathering: the guests got together at the Pilviškiai loading terminal managed by UHB Service and were presented with the progress made during the second stage of modernisation of the terminal.

In the rapidly changing terminal, in less than half a year, the storage area was expanded by another 6,000 sq. m and special attention was paid to the renovation of the logistics infrastructure. New road and railway scales, passage and passage nodes were purchased and installed. According to Andrius Ivaška, the head of UHB Service, all these upgrades serve both to increase the company’s capacities, as well as to the convenience of customers and the speed and modernisation of services: “Even more control, clarity and simplicity – after introducing new technologies and modernising processes, all loading takes place quickly and smoothly. This is especially convenient for customers, because technological capabilities now allow us to be extremely flexible, quickly respond to any order and execute it promptly.”

As the mayor of Vilkaviškis district Algirdas Neiberka said in his welcoming speech, it is worth celebrating not only the jobs being created, the growing investments in the region but also the speed and vigour of the modernisation being carried out. He also wished that the growing terminal would achieve its goals and make the district famous.

Already in the first stage of modernisation 5.6 million euros were invested in the Pilviškiai terminal and in the second stage another 2.5 million euros were added to the investment. And this is just the start: according to Kęstutis Pakalnis, the head of the UHB Group, who welcomed the guests, the total investment in the Pilviškiai terminal should reach about 15 million euros, not only modernising it but also expanding the range of services provided.

“Two years ago, having acquired this abandoned territory and envisioning many big things in it, we immediately emphasised that we are the investors who not only plan a lot but also do a lot. Therefore, today, celebrating the end of the second stage, we continue to work intensively so that in the near future we can invite everyone to the grand opening, which will mark the beginning of the largest land terminal in Lithuania, which will make the entire Vilkaviškis district famous,” – K. Pakalnis has no doubt.