Wheelabrator Group announces major investment in Poland

World leading surface preparation and finishing equipment specialist Wheelabrator Group has unveiled plans for a new €7 million manufacturing facility in Poland, accelerating its expansion plans into central and eastern Europe.

Due to be operational by the end of the year, the 35,000 sq m site in Wrzesnia, near Poznan, will manufacture its complete line of surface preparation equipment and components. The new facility will augment the production capacity of Wheelabrator’s existing Zagorow manufacturing operation and employ 200 staff at its peak capacity.

This move is the cornerstone of the company’s regional expansion strategy and was the basis for Mid Europa Partners’ investment in Wheelabrator Group last year.

Robert E. Joyce Jr., president and CEO of Wheelabrator Group, said: “Wheelabrator’s three targeted regional growth areas are Asia, India and central Europe. Our investment in Wrzesnia is the first step in establishing a strong local presence in these strategic growth markets.

“Our customers demand that we provide better local support, faster service and closer technical links as they move production eastward. Investing in Wrzesnia, therefore, is our way of committing to our customers’ long-term growth plans.”

Andrew Carmichael, senior vice president Wheel & Air Technology Centres, at Wheelabrator Group added: “We already have a small plant in Zagorow, near Konin, but needed a larger regional facility with an “on-the-ground” presence to fully support our burgeoning order book.

“We looked at a number of the surrounding countries before finalizing our decision to further invest in Poland. We have been operating in Poland for over ten years and, in the final analysis, were comfortable with the business infrastructure required to support our growth objectives. This investment further secures our position as the industry’s market leader.”

Wheelabrator Group has teamed with Belgian developer IIG (a specialist in industrial buildings) to build the new facility. The land has been purchased from the local city council. When the new facility is fully operational, Wheelabrator Group’s total employment in Poland will exceed 300 people.

Tomasz Kaluzny, mayor of Wrzesnia, said: “We’re delighted our city has been chosen by Wheelabrator for such a prestigious facility. We can offer a strong geographical location and plentiful resources, and are happy to help the company make this dream a reality. As a major employer, Wheelabrator Group will be a significant contributor to our economy and we look forward to working together.”

Employing more than 1,200 people in over 20 countries worldwide, Wheelabrator Group owns, designs, manufactures and provides wheelblast, airblast, wetblast and mass finishing equipment for surface preparation and cleaning. It also supplies washing, degreasing and ultrasonic cleaning systems, blast media, spares and consumables.

The group serves a wide range of sectors, including the aerospace and automotive industries, precision engineering and medical sectors, as well as the more traditional rail, shipyard and foundry industries.

Mid Europa Partners, which has offices in London, Budapest and Warsaw, has a strong track record of supporting companies operating in Central and Eastern Europe.

Further information can be found at www.wheelabratorgroup.com

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