Estonian electro-optical systems developer and manufacturer Hevi Optronics is building a new factory in Tabasalu near Tallinn to bring its development and production operations under one roof.
The new site is designed to expand the company’s capacity for product development, testing and serial production, as demand grows for electro-optical systems used across land, sea and air platforms. ERR reported that most of the company’s expected growth will come from exports, with Europe as its main focus.
One site for development and production
Hevi Optronics says the factory will combine electronics and systems assembly with a substantially larger in-house precision-mechanics operation. It will also provide a more modern testing and development environment, replacing the company’s current arrangement across several sites.
The architectural solution for the new building was prepared by Kontsept Arhitektuuribüroo, while Mapri Ehitus is the main contractor. The project is therefore intended as a permanent production base for the company’s next stage of development, not only as an increase in floor space.
Hevi Optronics’ official product range includes stabilised surveillance and targeting systems, sensor modules, mission grips, pan-tilt units and other components. Its turnkey solutions are configured for customers in the air, land, sea and surveillance markets, with the system architecture adapted to different sensors and operating requirements. The company also develops embedded video-processing hardware, line-of-sight stabilisation and rugged system accessories.
Electro-optical systems for European programmes
Hevi Optronics says changing security conditions have increased the need for sensors, stabilisation, image processing and automation on unmanned systems and other defence platforms. Its customers and partners are primarily defence and security companies and system integrators that incorporate the company’s systems and components into wider solutions.
The export focus builds on the company’s business-to-business model and modular product approach. Its earlier B2B strategy and modular systems have helped it work with larger defence contractors, while the Estonian defence sector provides a domestic base for international development and production.
Hiring across engineering and production
The expansion is also expected to create new jobs. Lauri Valdmann, Hevi Optronics’ production manager, said the company needs additional mechanical, electronics and software engineers, production and quality specialists, CNC workers, and staff for systems assembly and testing.
The company’s sales reached €27.15M in 2025, compared with €9.94M a year earlier, according to ERR. It currently employs more than 30 people. The new factory is intended to give that team room to increase production capacity while developing and testing the next generation of electro-optical systems for European customers.
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