A Strategic Investment in Greece’s Defence Autonomy
Athens, Greece – June 6, 2025 – On Thursday, June 5, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited METLEN’s industrial facilities in Volos. These facilities are rapidly evolving into a one-of-a-kind defence hub for Greece and Europe, as part of a major investment initiative being implemented by the Company in the region. The project aims to establish an interoperable defence industry ecosystem of strategic importance for national defence security and autonomy.
During his visit, the Prime Minister toured the historic factory, observed the operation of existing production lines, and received a comprehensive briefing on the progress of the new units currently under construction. Mr. Mitsotakis expressed his strong satisfaction with the development of the project, highlighting its significance in strengthening the country’s defence and industrial capabilities. He also emphasized the importance of Greece establishing a role on the European co-production map through the development of a modern, reliable, and internationally connected defence industrial ecosystem.
The full speech of the Prime Minister is available here.
The Prime Minister was welcomed on site by Mr. Evangelos Mytilineos, Chairman and CEO of METLEN, who noted the symbolic importance of the visit, as Mr. Mitsotakis is the first Prime Minister to visit the Company’s Volos facility—an honor both for the Company and the broader industrial region of Volos. Mr. Mytilineos also stressed that the active support of the Greek government has been crucial in realizing this strategic investment. As Mr. Mytilineos stated:
"Greece can—and must—build a national defence industry. An industry that, as in other advanced nations, is based on collaboration between certified, credible enterprises. Companies that not only manufacture but also maintain critical systems with consistency and long-term commitment. METLEN is ready to play a vital role in this national endeavor—bringing its proven expertise, reliability, and operational excellence both within Greece and internationally.” Mr. Mytilineos also extended his warm thanks to the Minister of Development, Mr. Takis Theodorikakos, for his active support throughout all phases of the project.
Mr. George Oikonomou, Director of the METLEN facility in Volos, provided the Prime Minister with a detailed update on the initiatives being undertaken at the site. Mr. Mitsotakis committed to returning in 2026 to inaugurate the launch of operations for all five industrial units of the defence-industrial complex within the year. The visit was also attended by representatives from the government and local authorities.
The defence hub in Volos, upon completion, is expected to employ approximately 1,000 skilled workers —boosting the local economy and playing a decisive role in the reindustrialization of Greece and the revitalization of critical high-tech sectors. Through strategic investments such as this by METLEN, Greece strengthens its defence autonomy, enhances its industrial and technological base, and reasserts its position on the European map of industry and innovation.
