The Ämari Airfield Is Built on Limestone

Nordkalk delivers limestone to the biggest current infrastructure project in Estonia.

Vasalemma

The Ämari Airfield reconstruction project is the biggest Estonian infrastructure project in 2009-2010; in total around 64 MEUR. According to the reconstruction plan the airfield, with minimum requirements, should be ready at the end of 2010. In 2012 it should be ready to serve the world's biggest military transportation airplanes. Main user and employer of the airfield will be NATO.

The first renovation step for 2009 has been taken, and 51 MEUR (70 % out of total budget) will be spent to reach the main target for 2012. Nordkalk AS plays a very important role at this stage being the main supplier of limestone aggregates for runways, sideways, roads and linked infrastructure buildings. On top of the high quality demands, it is also challenging to transport all the raw material from Vasalemma quarry to Ämari - 510 000 tons of stone in 5 months makes quite a heap.

Local community in Vasalemma has been very patient, but the heavy and frequent traffic has been a challenge during the hot and dusty summer. Due to the Ämari deliveries Vasalemma's production rate has been high, which has had a positive effect on the activities of the whole Nordkalk AS in the current uncertain market situation.

The renovation of the airfield will continue; the second and third stages will include fuel terminals, service and maintenance areas and a training center. There are even more long-term plans around Ämari airfield, Vasalemma village and Keila city - a possible scenario of moving the Tallinn civil Airport to Ämari, developing the surrounding infrastructure, logistic centers, hotels, a railway, a wide road corridor -  a so called transport and logistic solution.

The general planning of the Vasalemma County is ongoing. Nordkalk plays an important role in infrastructure building as supplier of high-quality limestone-based products. We have a certified production process (CE marking rights) and quality system (ISO 9001) and we are aiming to have the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications by the end of 2010.

Oleg Epner
Commercial Director