In February, Częstochowa Foundry—operating under the Liberty Częstochowa name—was designated a strategic enterprise, with government officials citing its unique capability to produce hardened heavy-gauge steel plate for the defense industry.
The plant also boasts one of the European Union’s largest production halls, suitable for servicing military equipment.
Tusk’s visit follows a lease agreement made in November 2024, when state-owned Węglokoks regained control of the idled facility, restoring operations in the steel mill in January and in the heavy-plate rolling mill in February.
Although Węglokoks held a right of first refusal, the Ministry of Defense opted to purchase the plant’s assets directly. A local court last week ratified a new valuation to underpin the transaction.
“Today, with the Ministry of Defense becoming the owner of this plant, we ensure long-term orders not only for Częstochowa Foundry but for all its partners,” Tusk told workers at a brief press conference.
He emphasized that Polish firms “must be supported by their own government by every available means” and vowed to replicate this “top-to-bottom” support model nationwide.
Tusk described Częstochowa Foundry as a “positive rarity” on the European stage.
“Your production is modern, demanding, and in demand,” he said, adding that significant EU and national defense budgets would channel funds into plants like this one.
The prime minister also reiterated his earlier pledge that no Polish company would again lose out to foreign competitors due to favoritism.
“We will reverse that dynamic 180 degrees,” he said.
Officials expect the Ministry of Defense takeover to secure the plant’s future, safeguarding hundreds of jobs and cementing Częstochowa Foundry’s role in supplying armored vehicle components, naval plate, and other military-grade steel products essential for Poland’s expanding defense procurement plans.
(jh)
Source: IAR, PAP