The salt plant in Janikowo was famous last year when about 200 people lost their jobs and production entered the “hibernation” phase. The transaction with the German chemical concern is intended to allow the Qemetica group to free up capital and allocate it to the development of other strategic areas. Kamil Majczak, president of the management board of Qemetika, informs in a press release that the salt business has recently recorded good financial results and the group is handing it over to “good hands”. The new owner plans to modernize and expand the plant in Janikowo.
“It's the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter,” notes Kamil Majczak. The value of the transaction is expected to be approximately PLN 1.6 billion, the company informs.
See also: The billionaire's company from Szczecin is in trouble. New details have come to light
A German group takes over the Polish salt plant in Janikowo
Qemetica (formerly known as the CIECH Group) is an international chemical group that produces, among others: soda ash (used mainly for glass production), baking soda (food and pharmaceutical) and plant protection products. The plant in Janikowo is considered one of the largest chemical centers in the country.
In 2014, the strategic investor of the group became the investment holding Kulczyk Investments, which from 2023 owns 100 percent of the group. shares. It belongs to Sebastian Kulczyk, who took 4th place in the latest ranking of the richest Poles by Forbes, with a fortune estimated at over PLN 10 billion.
K+S is an international salt and fertilizer company with German origins and many years of experience in managing salt plants. Taking over the plant in Janikowo and another one in Stassfurt, Germany, will allow it to strengthen its production potential in the region. “This is an ideal expansion of our current portfolio,” emphasizes Dr. Christian H. Meyer, CEO of K+S.
See also: Lithuanians sell Stokrotka. Hundreds of stores in the hands of a new investor
The closing of the sale of the salt business is planned for the first quarter of 2027 and is subject to obtaining the required regulatory approvals. A new Resource Recovery business unit will be established.
Qemetica announces that there will be no layoffs and employment conditions will remain unchanged – employees will retain their salaries and existing benefits. It also informs that the new owner plans significant investments in the plant, which may exceed PLN 350 million.
