Core Insights - AB Akola Group is investing over €4.8 million in dairy farm modernization projects to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the market [1][2] - The investment will focus on advanced milking equipment and infrastructure upgrades, aiming to increase milk production significantly [1][3] Investment Details - More than €2.6 million of the investment will be allocated to construction work, while €1.9 million will be used for modern BouMatic milking equipment [3] - The BouMatic equipment will automate up to 90% of the milking process, reduce labor costs by up to 30%, and increase milk yield per cow by up to 15% [4] Production Capacity Expansion - The herd at Žibartonių ŽŪB is expected to increase by 200 milking cows, while Sidabravo ŽŪB will add 170 cows, leading to a projected increase in milk production from 24 to 32-33 tons per day and from 18 to 25-26 tons per day, respectively [6] - This represents a 33-44% increase in milk production for both farms [6] Market Positioning - The expansion aims to meet the anticipated demand for high-quality milk from Lithuanian milk processors [7] - The payback period for the planned investments is estimated to be 3-5 years, depending on milk purchase prices [7] Project Timeline and Funding - Construction and equipment upgrades are scheduled for completion by the end of April 2026, with the need for 1-2 additional employees post-implementation [8] - The European Union is contributing €908,000 towards the modernization and expansion projects [8] Company Overview - AB Akola Group is the largest agricultural and food production group in the Baltics, employing over 5,000 people and generating consolidated revenue of €1,580 million for the 2024/2025 financial year, a 4.9% increase from the previous year [9]