UHB Group

The pursuit of the highest quality standards is one of the UHB Group’s most important values. This approach was once again confirmed by UHB FOOD’s result: it successfully passed the international IFS Food audit and achieved an extremely high rating of 98.19%.

IFS Food is one of the most important food safety and quality standards in Europe and the world. This standard assesses not only the final product but also all company activities: process management, production, quality control, traceability and food safety culture.
The achieved result confirms that UHB FOOD processes meet the highest international food safety and quality requirements and ensures a reliable partnership for Lithuanian and foreign customers.

We are especially proud that our team ensured the preparation for the audit, the necessary documentation and process management. This achievement is the result of the daily work, responsibility and continuous improvement of all employees.

The 98.19% rating is not just a number. This is a testament to our team’s professionalism, commitment to quality and consistent work. We thank all employees, partners and customers for their trust and contribution to this achievement. We will continue to strive for the highest standards of food safety and quality, creating reliable products and long-term value for our customers.

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 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 TERRAMILE brand NPK fertilisers with humates, developed at the “Marijampolė NPK” factory, a part of UHB group, won an award in the “Made in Marijampolė 2024” competition.

The competition is organised by the Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts together with the Marijampolė municipality administration and it aims to promote the production and consumption of high-quality Lithuanian products that can compete in the Lithuanian as well as foreign markets and business development in Marijampolė.

TERRAMILE fertiliser with humates is a truly unique product, which was developed taking into account the latest scientific research data and recommendations: its unique feature is that, in addition to all the main nutrients, the fertiliser pellets are supplemented with humic acid. This acid improves both the solubility of the fertiliser in the soil and the fertility of the soil itself. TERRAMILE is the only fertiliser of this type produced in Lithuania. Like all “TERRAMILE” products, they are special for their extremely high quality as well as great attention to sustainability and product efficiency in every step of production.

Photo credit: www.marijampole.lt

Exactly ten years ago, in September, two UHB Group companies were founded: UHB Agro, working in the agricultural sector and UHB Service, operating in the logistics services sector.
From promising newbies to experienced and valued professionals in the market: this is how the progress of both companies and the work done in the last decade could be assessed.

Among the most important projects for UHB Service are the reconstruction of the UHB Terminal in Pilviškiai, which is moving forward rapidly, and the major investments of UHB in the development of the Terminal. After their completion both the volume and services offered will increase significantly.

Meanwhile, UHB Agro has proven during its ten years of activity that they are true professionals in their area, who, even when faced with extraordinary tests and global challenges, are able to find business-growing solutions and take care of customer needs.

All this would not be possible without the synergy of experienced employees and insightful management team as well as loyal customers.

We congratulate both teams on their first decade and wish them great success as they enter their second decade in business!

The past five years have been exceptionally challenging for both Lithuanian and global businesses so no surprise that UHB Group companies were affected as well. However, when discussing the results of the group for this period, the UHB Group Chairman of the Board, Kęstutis Pakalnis, has something to be happy about: turnover has increased 168%, around 300 employees work in various countries around the world, UHB Group expanded to 12 companies that are operating not only in Lithuania but also abroad (an acquisition of fertiliser factory “Samarkand NPK” in Uzbekistan in 2023).

According to Kęstutis, although the final results look inspiring, in fact the last five years have been like a roller coaster for the group: expansion and challenges were interchangeable, and in critical situations it was necessary to think outside the box both figuratively and literally to successfully continue the expansion: by establishing or acquiring new companies without geographic limits.

When discussing the challenges, K. Pakalnis also mentions the use of the Lithuanian legal system by competitors, which allows several dozen court cases to be filed on one controversial issue and hinder the company’s activities for years: “Once again the golden rule of business has bee proven: when you have a competent team even the most difficult challenges become opportunities. Even if unscrupulous competitors try to blackmail you using loopholes in the legal system.”

UHB FOOD achieved a 98.19% rating during the international IFS Food audit

Not only sponsors – but also participants

Symbolic nominations – gratitude for dedication