Grupa Lotos launches its asphalt production plant

Although PKN Orlen has rejected the proposition of Grupa Lotos to begin cooperation, the consolidation of the three southern refineries, that is Jasło, Czechowice, and Glimar with Grupa Lotos is underway. "Starting on January 1, 2004, a company called Lotos Asfalty will begin operations. It will produce asphalt in Jasło and Gdańsk. The venture will logistically be supported by the Czechowice refinery," said a source close to the venture. The formation of the new company is Lotos' answer to a recent decision by Orlen to create Orlen Asfalty a company, which operates in the same sector. The consolidation of the refineries will also help Grupa Lotos' plans to compete in the lubricants sector. Most probably by the end of December, or early January, Grupa Olejowa Lotos will start functioning. The company plans to move the production of lubricants from Jasło to Glimar, which is equipped with much more modern technology. The products will also be exported to Ukraine, where Lotos already has a strong market position. (Puls Biznesu, p. 10) A.K.