Poland: Gdansk Shipyard Restructuring Program Progresses to Its Midpoint Phase

Gdańsk Shipyard restructuring program is in the halfway, so is the investments’ plan. The main idea of this program is to base of the company`s production on three pillars: shipbuilding, large-size steel constructions and wind towers.

The shipyard has already made some steps in the new sectors: the first steel constructions (girders) for the new airport terminal in Rębiechowo were delivered in May, and the wind turbines masts for Nordex are waiting for receipt. However, the restructuring program means not only the diversification of production, but also the investments.

“We are closing the investment plan related to the shipyard production” says Andrzej Stoklosa, President of Gdansk Shipyard, “we also want to show the shipyard in a businesslike way, without emotions. Implemented technological changes are our chance for economical and social success“.

Investments are an important part of the four-year restructuring plan approved by the European Union. “Their goal is to increase the efficiency of production and the auxiliary processes, as well as broaden our product range or introduce new technologies. Nearly 50 per cent of the entire investment program is intended for the production of wind towers and it amounts to almost 120 million zlotys, which is necessary to build a wind tower factory” says Arkadiusz Aszyk, the Board Member.

Over 100 million zlotys were intended for investments related to shipbuilding and large-size steel constructions. The latest generation technological lines have been installed. One of lines serves for fabrication of flat sections, on the other one the micropanels are assembled. Changes included also the modernization and purchase of appliances (e.g. cranes) or improvement of industrial infrastructure. It is worth to mention the modern methods of utilities supply as a new compressors and water treatment stations.

One thing is certain – such large-scale investments have not been seen here for over 20 years.

[mappress]

Source: gdanskshipyard, August 8, 2011;