The steel industry is the backbone of the modern economy. This year marks the 20th anniversary of ArcelorMittal’s presence in Poland. Over these two decades the company has invested over PLN 10.5 bn in its plants, reducing dust and CO2 emissions as well as energy consumption. In this period, ArcelorMittal Poland has produced almost 100 m tonnes of steel and 90 m tonnes of coke.
Steelmaking is the backbone of the Polish economy. It is indispensable in transport, construction and automotive industries, and now also in energy transition. Steelmaking provides jobs not only directly, in steel production; one job in the steel industry generates six jobs in related industries and every million zlotys generated in the steel sector generates nearly 6 m zlotys in the entire economy.
This year, ArcelorMittal Poland is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its presence in Poland. Over these two decades the company has produced 90 m tonnes of coke and almost 100 m tonnes of steel, and has put a lot of effort and commitment into maintaining and developing the steel industry in Poland - despite crises, market turmoil and aggressive imports.
“We have already invested PLN 10.5 billion in our six units, reducing CO2 emissions by 42%, dust emissions by 90%, and energy consumption by 41%. Safety continues to be our top priority. We have reduced the lost time injury frequency rate fourfold since 2004. According to the latest report of the Warsaw School of Economics, last year ArcelorMittal was the second largest foreign investor in Poland. This is the best evidence for the scale of our engagement. These achievements gain even more importance at a time when many steel companies in the CEE region are facing serious challenges, with a question mark hovering over the continuance of their operations” comments Sanjay Samaddar, chairman of the Board of Directors at ArcelorMittal Poland. “This jubilee is also a perfect opportunity to thank 9,000 of our employees, many of whom have had ties to the industry for generations. These achievements would not have been possible without their engagement.”
Speaking about the 20th anniversary of ArcelorMittal Poland, Mr Lakshmi Mittal, executive chairman of ArcelorMittal, said: “The acquisition, in 2004, of what is today known as ArcelorMittal Poland not only cemented our position as the leading steel producer in Central and Eastern Europe - it also led to our rapid emergence as a leading steel producer in Europe more broadly. Poland was a very important stepping stone on the journey to creating ArcelorMittal three years later. The years since the acquisition have been very successful: we have made a lot of investment to modernize and continuously transform the plant, ensuring that ArcelorMittal Poland remains at the forefront of steelmaking in the country. And, looking ahead, we will continue to invest and support ArcelorMittal Poland, to maintain the leading market position you enjoy in this vibrant country. “
Addressing guests at the 20th anniversary celebrations, Geert Van Poelvoorde CEO ArcelorMittal Europe, said: “During my meetings and interactions with Polish colleagues on the shop floor, your ethic of hard work and your pride in steelmaking shine through. Having the best workforce and steelmaking expertise are more important now than ever. We all know that the steel industry is cyclical, but our industry is now at a crossroads: the road that is taken will decide the shape and size of European steelmaking for the future. Due to the high costs of making steel here in Europe, and the volume of subsidized cheap imports flooding the market, the European steel industry will continue to shrink. But with the right policies in place to support us, we can thrive - and our industry can continue to be the foundation of European industry, in a new era”.
“It is hard to imagine a world without steel. Steel accompanies us in every aspect of our lives – from small everyday objects, through household appliances, cars, ships, planes, to wind farms, solar panels or spaceships. Steel is essential in hospital operating rooms, in schools, at work – everywhere. Steel is an extremely important, if not the most important construction material in the world. But the world is changing and poses great challenges to the steel industry. The ArcelorMittal Group successfully takes up these challenges, introducing innovative solutions and technologies and achieving ambitious goals in the fight for our environment. I wish development and further success for both the heads of the concern and all employees, health and prosperity, including personal well-being. I also wish another fruitful 20 years for the company, which I hope will continue to supply us all with what is necessary in our everyday lives using innovative technology - steel” – said Marzena Czarnecka, Minister of Industry in the Polish Government.
