VR ordered 24 locomotives to improve the efficiency of shunting work,[1] which was back then mainly done with class Vr3 steam locomotives.[2] Two locomotives were delivered for testing purposes in 1969, with the main series being delivered between 1970 and 1972.[1] Until 1976, the Dr14 was known as the Vr12.[1]
The locomotives are used at the biggest Finnish rail yards at Helsinki, Riihimäki, Tampere, Seinäjoki, Kouvola, Imatra and Pieksämäki.[3]