The most important news from July 19 until July 23 of the year 2004

Uncertain grounds
Michelin plans to develop one of its factories in Europe. The French are seriously considering the development of Stomil factory in Olsztyn. However, according to Stomil spokeswoman, Ewa Garnecka, final decision hasn't yet been made.
It is known that the Michelin company plans to invest as much as EUR 600 million and create 1200 new jobs. In order to convince Michelin to invest such an amount in Warmia and Mazury district, Olsztyn authorities declared to make maximum concessions. The transaction may not work out  as regulations appear to be the main impediment to it.
Source: Gazeta Olsztyńska - Mazury
 
 
Transport. Fast development of cheap airlines
In the first half of the year Polish airports served around 3.8 million passengers - 20% more than a year before. The analysts state that it is just the  beginning of a rapid growth of air transport's popularity in Poland.
Increased Bigger number of passengers is mainly the result of cheap airlines present in Poland for just a year. Air Polonia declares that till the end of June it had carried more than 100,000 passengers, while Wizz Air more than 50,000. In total, more than 250,000 passengers at Polish airports may have used cheap airlines transport.
Source: Rzeczpospolita
 
 
Spanish car company plan to establish new plant in Poland
Spanish car interior manufacturer, Grupo Antolin, which is involved in extending new factories throughout the world in China, India, Mexico and Canada, is finalizing its plans to set up a new factory in Poland. The company is considering Kraków or Wrocław as two possible location for investment.
The new factory would create 200 new jobs. Grupo Antolin did not reveal the project's cost, but it would spend approximately EUR 100 million every year on investment. The Spanish company made the decision about investing in Southern Poland because lots of partners, clients and subsidiaries are already located in the region.
Source: Puls Biznesu
 
 
Bill on freedom of economic operations
On 22 July 2004 president of Poland Aleksander Kwaśniewski signed a bill on freedom of economic operations and introductory regulations. He stressed that this would be               a milestone in the direction of putting  our domestic business environment on a higher gear. These economic regulations are planned to be the gate to reduce both limitations of doing business and state officials intervention in business in Poland. However, some specialists say that the freedom of running business activity would be still just an illusion.
Source: PAP
 
 
Valeo's new investment project
French car equipment manufacturer Valeo plans to open a new factory in Zielonki, near Kraków till the end of 2004, in which production of wiper systems will be launched. The firm will build second factory in Chrzanów as well. The start up of lamp production is planned  for October. Valeo announced it will invest EUR 100 million on the Polish market within the next few years. The French company had started its business activity in Poland in 1996 and since then it has opened 5 factories .
Source: Parkiet - Gazeta Giełdy
 
 
3M shifts production to Poland
American 3M Corporation has decided to shift the production (casting and splinting materials) from its factories in France, Japan and USA to Wrocław. The Company, which was attracted by lower labor costs in Poland and excellent investment climate of Lower Silesia, employs 380 workers in Wrocław and plans to increase that figure by another 130 new jobs.
The construction of the new factory will cost around PLN 84 million (€ 18 million) and take up 4,000 square metres. It is supposed to be completed by the end of 3Q 2004. The production will start in the beginning of 2005.
Turnover of 3M Poland reached PLN 316 million in 2003.
Source: PAIiIZ