As a result of group layoffs, up to 350 people may lose their jobs at Sodium Zakłady in Janikowo. MEPs Krzysztof Brejza and Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz appealed at the meeting of the Council of the European Union to enter soda on the list of strategic raw materials.
Qmetica Soda Polska begins preparations for the hibernation process of the Soda plant in Janikowo (Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship). The complete termination of soda production in the plant is planned until the end of July 2025. 350 people have a job.
MEPs appeal
The Appeal of the European Parliament was based on a proposal of a group of Member States, including France, Spain, The Netherlands and the countries of our region (Czech, Romania, Hungarian, Slovakia) as part of “EU Critical Chemicals Act”.
The aim of the initiative is to support the sector to provide Europe by self -sufficiency in the field of chemicals.
MEPs sent a letter to the Vice -President of the European Commission Stéphane Séjourné, in which they “appeal to the European Commission for priority to quickly develop and implement the EU Critical Chemicals Act and support for recognition of strategic EU molecules – including sodium carbonate.”
Sodium plants in Janikowotvn24.pl
Poland one of the leaders in the production of soda in Europe
“Sodium carbonate is a great example of the EU trade deficit, because countries from outside the EU compete fiercely with European factories producing calcinated soda, using cheaper production energy thanks to the abundant resources of Russian energy raw materials” – wrote the MEPs.
Kamil Majczak, president of the board of Qmetiki, referred to the topic. – Maybe this initiative does not save our company today, but in a year or two, thanks to the introduction of protective mechanisms, it can help our other sodium plants in Poland and Germany he commented.
The initiators want to create better investment financing instruments and more active market protection against competition from outside the European Union. Poland is the second largest producer of soda in Europeand our plants are of critical importance for the functioning of Polish and European industry.
Sodium plants in Janikowotvn24.pl
Problems of the Soda plant in Janikowo
The plant has just started the hibernation process. The reason for such a decision is the high energy costs and the influx of competitive, cheaper soda with Turkey.
Recalling programs, voluntary departure program, and conditions of group layoffs exceeding market standards have been prepared for employees. In addition to the functioning salt plant in Janikowo, about 90 employees will remain in the existing soda plant to supervise the hibernation process and maintain key installations for the needs of the salt plant, as well as the city – the heat and power plant and sewage treatment plant.
Qmetica undertook to maintain heat supply and sewage collection by 2028, giving the city time to develop lasting alternative solutions.
Long story of “Janikosody”
Sodowe in Janikowo “Janikosoda” were founded in 1957, and in 1996 they were taken over by Ciech. The plant is located in the northern part of Janików.
The basic products produced by the assumption are: calcinated soda, brew salt, cosmetic chalk, medical salt, as well as lime fertilizer. They apply, among others, in the chemical, metallurgical or food industries.
Source of the main photo: tvn24.pl