Volkswagen opens new plant near Wrzesnia
Volkswagen's new car factory, which opened in Bialezyce near Wrzesnia, western Poland, on Monday, is planned to produce 100,000 Volkswagen Crafter vehicles annually as of 2018.
Built in 23 months, the plant will employ some 3,000 people. The investment value is estimated at EUR 800 million. Next year's production is planned at over 50,000 vehicles.
In a letter from President Andrzej Duda read out at the official opening on Monday, the Polish head of state expressed the hope that "this investment and the experience of the factory's employees will be an inspiration and will help direct the Polish economy onto new paths of dynamic growth".
"Poland needs reindustrialisation and harmonious, sustainable development of different sectors - above all manufacturing sectors that contribute to creating and implementing scientific and technological innovations", President Duda added.
The plant is Europe's most modern automotive factory and will manufacture Europe's most modern delivery van; Volkswagen is proud to have achieved these two goals here, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles CEO Eckhard Scholz told reporters.
Volkswagen Poznan (VWP) is currently the biggest employer in Wielkopolska (western Poland). Once the new plant is operational, Volkswagen will employ over 10,000 people in the region. (PAP)
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