Another strategic investment in the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone! Umicore and PowerCo, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, will build a battery materials factory in Nysa

The Umicore Group has been present in Poland since 2015. The factory in Nysa will be their third investment in Poland, and the second to produce cathode battery materials for European customers in the automotive industry. Construction work is expected to start later this year, with production expected to start in 2026, with around 900 new jobs expected to be created at the factory by 2030.

A strong economy is our country’s strength, building our security. After all, security is a multidimensional concept. Without strong and developing regions, where the most important investments on the continent are located, there will be no dynamic development of the country for the next generations. We need a strong and safe Poland. I believe that the investment we are inaugurating today in Nysa brings us closer to this goal. - emphasized Marcin Ociepa, representing Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Member of Parliament for the Opole Region and Secretary of State in the Ministry of National Defence.

The Umicore and PowerCo investment is the best proof that Poland is one of the leading countries in terms of attracting the largest and at the same time the most innovative investments. This is yet another such a large investment announced this year. We are also pleased that this is an investment supporting the sustainable economic and energy transformation of Poland towards zero emissions. At the same time, this project will be a driving force for the development of the local economy, which will have a measurable impact on the creation of new jobs and an increase in the attractiveness of the region. This investment will bring measurable benefits to both the economy of our country and the entire environment. - said Waldemar Buda, Minister of Development and Technology.

We would not be able to talk about a new investment without very good cooperation between investors and representatives of the system of development institutions, government and local government. An excellent investment offer and efficient cooperation allowed us to attract another great player to Poland. I believe that it is such an investment that will shape our path to a clean and innovative economy - added Grzegorz Piechowiak, Deputy Minister of Development and Technology.

According to representatives of Umicore and PowerCo, the Opole and Nysa regions, where Umicore's second plant in Poland has been operating since 2021, are an ideal area for the implementation of further business goals of these brands. The location of the investment is centrally located in Central Europe and has well-developed transport links to the target markets. Thanks to this, logistics costs can be reduced, which is of particular importance for the completeness of the supply chain, which is for the partnership of both companies, within the framework of the project and the newly formed company IONWAY, a key element of the closed loop of battery materials, in the spirit of a sustainable and circular economy. The proximity of renowned universities and research institutes located in nearby Opole, as well as in nearby Wrocław and the Upper Silesian Conurbation, ensures the availability of highly qualified staff.

Electromobility is a huge and still growing branch of the economy of the future. Thanks to this investment, Poland is strengthening its position as a leader not only in Europe, but also in the world. The interest in the e-mobility sector is primarily due to the increased environmental awareness of consumers, the pursuit of the most sustainable development and technological progress. As PAIH, we support our partners and investors operating in this area. Today's ceremony is the best proof that this is one of PAIH's priorities. The Umicore and PowerCo investment is not only an important step in the modernization of our industry, but also new, highly-paid jobs and another chance for the development of the region and a great opportunity for young educated people who have already become a visiting card of Poland and the Polish economy - emphasized Paweł Kurtasz, Chairman of the Management Board of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency.

This is another breakthrough moment for Nysa and the entire subregion, and a unique honour for the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone. Establishing cooperation with partners with such a global reach and undeniable reputation opens the door to the exchange of knowledge and valuable experience, which will have a positive impact on the development of the economy in the Opole region. The investment by Umicore and PowerCo and the allocation of €1.7 billion prove the potential and attractiveness of this region. I am grateful for your trust and tenacity in your actions. - added Piotr Wojtyczka, Chairman of the Management Board of the WSEZ "INVEST-PARK".

The new investment will ensure continuity of orders for Umicore and stable supplies of active cathode material for PowerCo. Such cooperation will be a growth engine for both sides of the joint-venture.

We are grateful to the Polish government for its support in the context of the IONWAY project in Nysa. Thanks to the strategic location of the new plant, right next to Umicore's cathode materials factory, which is still unique in Europe, it makes the transformation in electromobility and sustainable transport a reality. - emphasized Mathias Miedreich, CEO at Umicore.

The launch of the IONWAY project confirms PowerCo and Umicore's strong commitment to sustainability. Our common goal is to make electric cars accessible to everyone - said Thomas Jansseune, CEO of IONWAY.