Hesburger, the largest fast food chain in Finland, has opened a production facility for burger patties and a distribution warehouse in the city of Boryspil, making an investment of EUR 7.3 million.
"This opening is a significant step forward in strengthening our competitive position in Ukraine. It lays a solid foundation for business growth, restaurant network expansion, and improved operational capabilities," said Kari Salmela, CEO of Hesburger Finland, in the company's release.
It is noted that the new manufacturing and warehouse complex will create 10 new jobs, and a total of 75 employees work for Hesburger in Ukraine.
According to Wanda Zamička-Bergedahl, CEO of Hesburger Ukraine, the construction was lengthy and interrupted twice, which significantly extended the project's timeline. She expressed gratitude to Ukrainian partners, including the Ministry of Development, Ministry of Economy, Kyiv Regional State Administration, and Boryspil District State Administration, for their support.
"Hesburger plans further development in the country and hopes to expand its network this year, but first and foremost deeply desires peace in Ukraine," the release emphasized.
The Finnish company Hesburger, founded by Heikki Salmela and his wife Kirsti Salmela, started its fast food business in 1966 in the town of Naantali. A family business with over 50 years of history, Hesburger now operates in nine countries and has over 480 restaurants, including 269 in Finland, 64 in Lithuania, 53 in Estonia, 53 in Latvia, 32 in Bulgaria, 2 in Germany, and 1 in Poland. Hesburger currently has seven locations in Kyiv and the Kyiv region.
In Finland, Hesburger employs more than 6,000 people, while the total number of employees across the network exceeds 9,100.
- The Finnish company is best known for its Hesburger sauces, produced at the company's factories in Finland and Lithuania, as well as for using 100% beef for its burgers.
- Hesburger started its business in the fast food industry in 1966. Today, the company operates in nine countries and has over 480 restaurants, seven of which are located in Ukraine (in Kyiv and the Kyiv region).
- Before the start of the full-scale war, Hesburger had 38 restaurants in Russia and four in Belarus. In April 2022, the Finnish company decided to close all its Russian restaurants.
