P&G hedges its bets on Łód
Procter & Gamble has announced plans to build a new production plant in Aleksandrów Łódzki in the Łód Special Economic Zone (ŁSEZ). Over the next five years the company will invest $50 (zł.140) million in the plant, which will produce a range of cosmetics.
According to Marcin Nowacki, director of investor services for ŁSEZ, the new plant is among P&G's most technologically advanced projects in the cosmetics sector and a boon for the region. "This deal is especially valuable as the development of the local economy is strengthened not only by the creation of new jobs in the community, but also the application of innovative technologies," says Nowacki. Gmina authorities within the zone will be responsible for preparing basic infrastructure for the investment, including a new road and sewers.
P&G has already applied for building permits and expects to begin construction by October. "The opening is planned for the end of 2008 or the beginning of 2009," says Jacek Dziergwa, P&G's general director in Poland. By 2012, the plant will provide over 300 jobs for the local community.
The ŁSEZ investor-services department will initialize negotiations for some 10 new investments in the area over the next three months. P&G is also considering more investments in ŁSEZ. The company has been present in Poland since the 1990s and has since invested $190 (zł. 540) million - a figure that is expected to expand further as the company's presence on the Polish market grows even stronger.
