In the modern world, where competition extends beyond national borders, a company's success often depends not only on its own resources but also on its ability to collaborate. Business clusters are an effective tool that allows companies working in the same field to combine their efforts to achieve common goals. This model of cooperation, which originated in Lithuania several decades ago, has gained new momentum thanks to financial support from the European Union.
The FTD LT Cluster: an example of successful collaboration
One of the most prominent examples of such an association is the FTD LT (Food Technologies Digitalization LT) cluster, established in 2019. It brings together 15 companies, 1 research organization, and 1 business and education support center from Lithuania, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Latvia. All of them operate in the field of manufacturing equipment for the food and related industries.
Vaidas Liesionis, CEO of the Alytus metal processing company Astra LT, explains that FTD LT operates on a vertical model. This means that each participant contributes their expertise, helping each other implement complex projects. For example, Astra LT, which specializes in the production of stainless steel tanks and high-pressure vessels, uses the experience and resources of its partners to fulfill orders.
"We gain access to technical know-how and engineering services, which helps us remain competitive in the global market," notes Vaidas Liesionis.
Collaboration within the cluster allows Astra LT to produce approximately 500 tanks and vessels annually, completing around 250 unique projects.
Innovation and process optimization
The constant individualization of projects creates challenges with management, deadlines, and budgets. To solve these problems, the FTD LT cluster launched a program called "Efficiency in the Production Chain." This event brings participants together to study industry specifics and find ways to optimize processes.
V. Liesionis emphasizes that many business tasks are repetitive, and exchanging experiences helps find more effective solutions. Cluster members are also actively exploring the potential of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their daily operations to increase efficiency.
An example of such optimization is the development of a technological tool that allows Astra LT to prepare a commercial offer in just 4 minutes, whereas it used to take a week. The company is now working on another important task: how to organize production to ensure an even workload and avoid productivity fluctuations.
Technology and the human factor
According to V. Liesionis, technical problems are often solved by acquiring new equipment. This year, Astra LT invested over a million euros in three new machines, which will significantly expand its capabilities.
However, in his opinion, the biggest difficulties are not related to the technology itself but to ensuring a smooth and consistent organization of processes—from order acceptance and technical project planning to technology development, procurement, production, quality control, and the creation of product documentation. Clusters help solve these problems by providing a platform for sharing experience and knowledge.
Vaidas Liesionis is confident that clusters are a strategically important solution for modern business. They allow companies to adapt more quickly to market changes, optimize resource use, and solve problems more effectively.
FTD LT cluster participants
Since its founding in 2019, the FTD LT cluster has united experienced market professionals, including:
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Astra LT AB
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AC-Mejerimaskiner
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Alytus Business Consulting Centre
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Aksonas UAB
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Aumega UAB
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Licatrans UAB
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Nordic Stainless Steel Tanks Oy
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Nordic Stainless Steel Tank AB
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K-Tech GmbH
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Trans Group LT, UAB
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Vaiskona, UAB
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Žiežmarių Sodai ŽŪB
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Food Project Management SIA
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Lanksti Linija UAB
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Išmanūs Inžineriniai Sprendimai MB
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Termosnaigė ir Ko, UAB
This initiative is part of the project "Development of a mature innovation cluster," which is co-funded by the European Union and the Republic of Lithuania. Its goal is to strengthen cooperation among participants and enhance their international visibility.
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