"When over six years ago ORLEN got a share in UNIPETROL, we became one of the regional leaders in this industry. During this time we proved that ORLEN is a strategic and reliable investor, interested in the long-term development of UNIPETROL not short-term profit. We are prepared for further investments and transformation of the company into a modern multi-energy concern," said Jacek Krawiec, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PKN ORLEN and also Chairman of the Supervisory Board of UNIPETROL when presenting the company to President Komorowski.
While inspecting the plant and meeting with the top management, the President conveyed his best wishes to all employees and regretted the fact he was not able to meet everyone as his visit to Záluží, according to the diplomatic protocol, was set out privately. For this reason, the sole representative for the Czech party was the ambassador of the Czech Republic in Poland, Jan Secher.
The refining and petrochemicals UNIPETROL Group is an important part of the Czech industry. It is the biggest oil processor, one of the most important plastics processor and the owner of the largest filling stations network in the Czech Republic. Since 2005 it is a part of the PKN ORLEN Group.
"After UNIPETROL entered the PKN ORLEN Group almost six years ago, the level of investments increased significantly in comparison to the previous period. Between 2005 and 2009 the total investments expenditure amounted to almost CZK 19 billion, which means over three times increase in comparison with the period 2000-2004. Thanks to active cooperation between ORLEN and UNIPETROL the company's value on the Prague Stock Exchange in 2010 increased by over 40 percent. If we look at our investment in the Czech Republic from the time perspective, we may say with certainty that nothing improves international economic relations better than joint investment projects and harmonic economic cooperation," summarised the presentation of the Záluží plant Jacek Krawiec.
The Chempark Záluží petrochemical plant provides products used for production of packaging in the construction, automobile and electronic industries as well as in agriculture for the German, Austrian and Slovak markets, the Baltic states, Ukraine and Poland. It is one of the biggest chemical plants in the Czech Republic and the 12th biggest polymers producer in Europe. The volume of refinery-petrochemicals production and the fact that the Group employs almost 4000 people proves its position and significance for the Czech economy. UNIPETROL is also an important presence in the region, sponsors the local school, the ecology centre, the hockey club, many cultural events and social projects.
The assets of the UNIPETROL Group include:
- 3 refineries with the annual capacity of 5.5 million tons of oil
- 3 units for polyolefin production with the annual capacity of 595 thousand tons
- a steam cracker with the annual capacity of 544 thousand tons
- over 335 fuel stations
- wide range of transport services