Tomasz Sadzynski, President, explains why the Lodz Special Economic Zone (Lodz SEZ) is the right choice for foreign entrepreneurs.
European Times: Why should companies set up operations in the Lodz Special Economic Zone?
Tomasz Sadzynski: We offer investment incentives and significant tax exemptions, a strategic location and high-quality infrastructure. Companies setting up their business and creating new jobs may get even 70% of their investments back in a form of income tax exemptions. The Lodz Special Economic Zone, a joint-stock company, is owned 70% by the Polish government and around 27% by municipalities, and we are committed to creating the right conditions for companies here to thrive.
European Times: What kinds of companies are already operating in the zone?
Tomasz Sadzynski: Around half the companies here are Polish and half foreign. Our biggest investor is Procter & Gamble, which is currently expanding its operation here significantly. This demonstrates that the zone offers entrepreneurs the right kinds of facilities and services. Another of our major investors is Bosch-Siemens, and we are launching a promotion campaign to attract more investors from Germany. Other multinationals who have chosen the Lodz Special Economic Zone include Infosys, Fujitsu, Dell, Indesit, ABB, Amcor and more, while prominent local companies include Adamed, Aflofarm, Ceramika Paradyz, Ceramika Tubadzin, Atlas, HTL Strefa, Ericpol and others. Ericpol was established in Lodz and now has around 400 employees in its operation. Our leading sector is manufacturing of household appliances, and we are also very strong in pharmaceuticals, packaging, building materials and logistics.
European Times: Is the Zone growing?
Tomasz Sadzynski: Definitely yes. Last year we issued 22 new Business Permits, of which eight were for companies already operating in the zone and planning to expand. Up till now the companies operating in the Zone have invested altogether ca. €2 billion and have created almost 25,000 jobs. This shows that the Lodz Special Economic Zone has helped these companies achieve success.
European Times: What sets the Lodz Special Economic Zone apart from similar facilities elsewhere in Poland?
Tomasz Sadzynski: Our location is a huge advantage. Lodz is right in the centre of Poland, at the crossroads of the A1 and A2 motorways, so the zone is ideally placed for trade-oriented enterprises and logistics operations. In addition, we also offer a Partner Programme through which we help foreign companies find good local partners in many sectors. Another advantage is the excellent human resources that companies can count on here in Lodz thanks to high-quality local education and institutions of higher education, including the University of Lodz and Technical University of Lodz. We have initiated co-operation with local training institutions to promote technical education among youngsters. We also engage ourselves in CSR activities. Finally, the Lodz Special Economic Zone has an incredible team, and each company setting up operations here has its own designated project manager who offers assistance all along the way.
