Cornerstone laid for Fortaco Group’s Factory Construction

Panattoni is developing a manufacturing plant for the Fortaco Group in Knurów, near Gliwice, and the construction of the factory has been financed by a loan from Alior Bank of over €24 million. Fortaco is the leading strategic partner in Europe for international clients in the heavy all-terrain vehicle and maritime industries.

Panattoni is developing a highly specialised BTS centre for the group to meet highly demanding automated production requirements. The 34,660 sqm area will allow the company to consolidate by moving its main steel processing operations from various locations to one new factory, where 200 people are to be employed.

The symbolic start of the construction of the new facility was marked by the cornerstone-laying ceremony, which was held on November, 21. Representatives from Fortaco participated in the event, including Lars Hellberg, Fortaco Group President & CEO; local authorities, such as Adam Rams, the Mayor of Knurów; and Panattoni, including Aurelia Rachtan, Associate Development Director in the Silesian region. Dr. Janusz Michałek, the CEO of the Katowice Special Economic Zone, also attended the event.

“With the current re-industrialisation trend, more factories are being built in Europe and Poland could benefit immensely from this due to its central location and its attractive business environment. Upper Silesia is becoming a key location with the former mining area turning into an industrial hub. So the appearance of further factories in the region is only a question of time. Financial institutions can see the attraction of this market at a time of economic change. We appreciate the support of Alior Bank in making it possible to develop another strategic project for a major player,” commented Karina Trojańska the Chief Financing & Operating Officer for Poland at Panattoni.”

The facility is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2024.