Panattoni with over 24 million euros in financing from Alior Bank for another manufacturing plant. Cornerstone laid for the construction of a factory for the Fortaco Group

Panattoni, the most active industrial real estate developer in the world, is a trusted partner in the age of re-industrialisation. The company is developing a manufacturing plant for the Fortaco Group in Knurów, near Gliwice, and the construction of the factory has been financed by a loan from Alior Bank of over EUR 24 million. The cornerstone laying ceremony for the investment took place on November, 21.

Fortaco is the leading strategic partner in Europe for international clients in the heavy all terrain vehicle and maritime industries. Panattoni is developing a highly specialised BTS centre for the group to meet highly-demanding automated-production requirements. The 34,660 sqm area will allow the company to consolidate by moving its main steel processing operations from various locations to one new factory, where 200 people are to be employed. The symbolic start of the construction of the new facility was marked by the cornerstone laying ceremony, which was held on November, 21 this year. Representatives from Fortaco participated in the event, including Lars Hellberg, Fortaco Group President & CEO; local authorities, such as Adam Rams, the Mayor of Knurów; and Panattoni, including Aurelia Rachtan, Associate Development Director in the Silesian region. Dr. Janusz Michałek, the CEO of the Katowice Special Economic Zone, also attended the event.

The facility is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2024. The project is being financed by a loan worth more than EUR 24 million issued by Alior Bank.

“With the current re-industrialisation trend, more factories are being built in Europe and Poland could benefit immensely from this due to its central location and its attractive business environment. Upper Silesia is becoming a key location with the former mining area turning into an industrial hub. So the appearance of further factories in the region is only a question of time. Financial institutions can see the attraction of this market at a time of economic change. We appreciate the support of Alior Bank in making it possible to develop another strategic project for a major player,” comments Karina Trojańska the Chief Financing & Operating Officer for Poland at Panattoni. “The Group’s strategic development and the customer feedback point to even further growth in the demand for the products offered by Fortaco such as vehicles used in warehousing, container and timber transporters as well as excavators and construction vehicles. The huge potential of this project has certainly helped with securing the financing,” she adds.

One of the largest contracts of Q2. The scale of Fortaco Group’s new project is clearly demonstrated by it being one of the three largest rental agreements in Poland in the second quarter of this year. A key benefit of the new location is its proximity to steel suppliers. Moreover, being close to the A1 and A2 motorways allows for easy access to the country’s borders in the north and south as well as to the east and west.

"Over 2.5 million square meters of industrial space delivered in Upper Silesia, along with the ensuing trust and support from financial institutions, represent a significant capital that facilitates the acquisition of new clients. For Polish and international enterprises, this guarantees stability, effectiveness, and the assurance of efficient project execution. It's an advantage we gain as a market leader", summarises Karina Trojańska.