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Group layoffs in a Polish plant. An appeal from MEPs
Due to extensive layoffs at the soda factory in Janikowo, approximately 350 individuals might find themselves unemployed. MEPs Krzysztof Brejza and Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz urged during a Council of the European Union meeting that soda be added to the roster of strategic raw materials.
Qemetica Soda Polska is commencing preparations for the hibernation of the soda facility in Janikowo (Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship). The total halt of soda production is scheduled for the end of July 2025, resulting in job losses for 350 employees.
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MEPs’ Request
The MEPs’ request was founded on a proposal from a coalition of member states, including France, Spain, the Netherlands, and several from our region (Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia) under the „EU Critical Chemicals Act”.
The goal of this initiative is to bolster the sector, ensuring Europe’s self-reliance in chemical production.
MEPs addressed a letter to the Vice-President of the European Commission, Stéphane Séjourné, urging the European Commission to expedite the development and implementation of the EU Critical Chemicals Act and to advocate for the acknowledgment of strategic EU molecules, including sodium carbonate.
Soda factory in Janikowo tvn24.plPoland’s Leadership in Soda Production in Europe
„Sodium carbonate exemplifies the EU’s trade deficit, with non-EU nations aggressively competing against European soda ash manufacturers, benefitting from lower production costs due to Russia’s vast energy resources,” noted the MEPs.
Kamil Majczak, the CEO of Qemetica, shared his thoughts on the matter. – While this initiative might not rescue our company immediately, in a year or two, the implementation of protective measures could support our other soda facilities in Poland and Germany – he remarked.
The proponents aim to establish improved financing mechanisms for investments and more vigorous market protection against competition from non-EU countries. Poland ranks as the second largest soda producer in Europe, with our facilities being crucial for the functioning of both Polish and European industries.
Soda factory in Janikowo tvn24.pl
Challenges Faced by the Soda Plant in Janikowo
The facility has just initiated the hibernation process due to elevated energy expenses and the influx of cheaper soda from Turkey.
Retraining initiatives, a voluntary redundancy program, and layoff terms that exceed market standards have been arranged for the employees. Besides the operational salt plant in Janikowo, approximately 90 workers will remain at the current soda facility to oversee the hibernation process and manage essential installations for the salt plant and the city, such as the CHP plant and sewage treatment facility.
Qemetica has pledged to continue providing heat and wastewater services until 2028, allowing the city to explore sustainable alternative solutions.
The Long Legacy of „Janikosoda”
The Janikowo Soda Plant „Janikosoda” was established in 1957 and acquired by the Ciech group in 1996. The facility is situated in the northern area of Janikowo.
The primary products produced by the facility include soda ash, evaporated salt, cosmetic chalk, medical salt, and agricultural lime, which are utilized in the chemical, metallurgical, and food industries, among others.
