- Network partners
- Sector group
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Maritime Industry and Services
- Countries
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LITHUANIA
Can local shipbuilding know-how become a platform for EU-wide growth? With support from the Enterprise Europe Network, FOER Group expanded its specialist marine and construction services into new EU markets, securing long-term cooperation agreements and driving sustainable export growth.
A Lithuanian marine services leader stepping onto the European stage
Founded in 2023, FOER Group has rapidly become a trusted supplier of skilled professionals in the marine and construction sectors. Based in Klaipėda, Lithuania’s maritime centre, the company provides welding, pipefitting, outfitting and industrial installation services for shipbuilding, repair and construction projects across Europe.
FOER Group has completed more than 100 projects in 11 countries and built a workforce of over 200 specialists. With European demand increasing for certified fitters, welders and industrial technicians, FOER Group set out to strengthen its international presence by becoming more visible to companies seeking specialised labour. This is where the Enterprise Europe Network would play a pivotal role.
Seizing the right opportunity at the right moment
In October 2024, a Belgian company published a request in the Network’s partnering opportunities database, seeking qualified welders and pipefitters. The match was ideal for FOER Group.
"We saw a clear demand for profiles we could provide quickly and of high quality," recalls Jekaterina Kudria, head of sales. FOER Group’s strong track record and flexibility helped it stand out. Initial contact followed in early November 2024. Over the next two months, the companies aligned on technical requirements, timelines and contract terms, despite the busy end-of-year period. FOER Group relied on its established recruitment network to assemble a fully compliant team and keep the process on schedule.
In early 2025, FOER Group deployed a team of 10 specialists to Belgium (4 pipefitters, 4 Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welders and 2 fitters). Within a month, this expanded to 18. Their work involved high-precision welding for both food and non-food industry pipelines, meeting rigorous safety and quality standards, including carbon steel and stainless-steel pipework.
Building on this success, FOER Group also signed a partnership agreement with Trust Hr Pro Team in Romania to strengthen its recruitment capacity for future projects. The partnership helps streamline sourcing and candidate screening while FOER Group manages final selection and project delivery.
Supporting cross-border growth
The Network's advisers at the Klaipėda Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts played an important role throughout the process. They monitored business requests and guided FOER Group’s engagement with its new partners in Belgium and Romania.
In October 2024, FOER Group responded to the Belgian request. By January 2025, the companies had signed a cooperation contract, and a partnership agreement was officially registered. The Romanian opportunity followed in December, leading to a consultancy contract in March 2025, after facilitated discussions. When negotiations briefly stalled, a timely reminder from the Chamber helped restart the process.
"The Enterprise Europe Network is a true key to business success on the international stage. With the Network’s support, FOER Group secured two international collaboration contracts, discovered new partners and export opportunities, and gained knowledge that strengthened sustainable growth. Without a doubt, the Network opens the door to limitless opportunities for international expansion," said Daniela Diržininkaitė from the Klaipėda Chamber of Commerce.
Charting the next steps in Europe
FOER Group’s journey shows how local technical expertise can drive cross-border growth when the right partners, timing and support come together. Through targeted brokerage and hands-on follow-up, the Enterprise Europe Network helps SMEs turn online opportunities into real contracts, projects and jobs on the ground.
With two international contracts already secured and additional collaborations underway, FOER Group is now focused on deepening its presence in Europe through high-quality project delivery and ongoing engagement with the Enterprise Europe Network – advancing its expansion one strategic step at a time.