The American corporation will locate its plant in Bolesławiec. On Wednesday, March 25, in the Council Chamber, Mirosław Greber, president of the management board of the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone “Invest-Park,” presented Enrique Martinez, director of Guardian Automotive Poland, with a permit to operate in the Bolesławiec subzone. Construction of the plant is scheduled to begin in a few months.
– This is a very important moment for our region and a milestone in Bolesławiec’s development – said Piotr Roman, president of Bolesławiec, during Wednesday’s press conference.Piotr Roman – I hope that other investors will follow in Guardian’s footsteps.
Enrique Martinez spoke.Enrique Martinez – Today we are beginning cooperation that will bring benefits both to our company and to Bolesławiec’s local community – he noted. – We realize that an economic crisis is under way. But this is the best time to invest. The crisis will end someday. We must be well prepared for that.
Guardian Automotive is a global leader in the production of glass and automotive parts. Its products are used by such renowned brands as Volkswagen, BMW, Skoda and Renault. The company employs nearly 20,000 people in 27 countries.
In Bolesławiec, the corporation plans to invest at least PLN 85.5 million (ultimately, €30 million). The company may employ as many as 240 people. – We want a long-term partnership – Martinez assured everyone gathered in the Council Chamber.
Why did the Americans choose Bolesławiec? – Ten years ago, we made our first investment in Europe. Now the time has come to expand our operations. That is why we are here – said the director of Guardian Automotive Poland. – We considered several locations. More and more cars are being sold in Central Europe. We want to be closer to our customers.
Is the crisis not affecting the zone?
Nearly 31,000 people work in factories operating in the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone “Invest-Park.” – 2008 was a record year in terms of investment expenditure – said president Mirosław Greber.Mirosław Greber – And the end of the first quarter shows that 2009 will not be as bad as many pessimists predicted. I can calmly and without excessive optimism assure you that Guardian Automotive will not be the last investor this year – he added.
(information ii)