Hortex processing plant in Plonsk still lonely and waiting for investment

The closed Hortex fruit and vegetable processing plant in Plonsk, which was to be taken over by Kalisz-based beverage producer Hellena, is still waiting for an investor since the transaction was cancelled, probably due to the plant's financial burdens. Hellena has not confirmed this information, so the real reason for the withdrawal remains unknown. However, it was reportedly interested in the deal and official documents had even been signed. Moreover, the firm has been using Hortex production lines in Plonsk for three months. Company authorities say they might return to talks if there were a need. However, Hellena stresses that prior to a deal it would have to increase production output in its own plants. Hellena marketing chief Krzysztof Abram said, "We used Plonsk because we needed more fruit and vegetable concentrate during the season." The facility in Plonsk has huge debts, but the tax office says the zl. 12 million outstanding could be negotiated with a future investor. Plant authorities are looking for an investor themselves, but according to the mayor of Plonsk it is unclear what Hortex intends to do. (Puls Biznesu, p.9)