Poland to Produce Explosives for Large-Calibre Ammunition

Poland will launch the production of nitrocellulose and gunpowder needed for large-calibre ammunition, the Polish government's website reports.

The agreement was signed by the Industrial Development Agency, Grupa Azoty, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa and Mesko.

The development of explosives production facilities is crucial for the future production of ammunition in Poland.

Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz also announced plans to build several ammunition plants in the country.

‘Poland is a large country and should be able to produce 155mm ammunition on its own. Our goal is not just one plant, but several, and to work with NATO and EU partners to join forces,’ the Polish minister said.

According to him, the government will allocate about 3 billion zlotys (almost 700 million euros) for the construction of the ammunition plant.

The idea to produce explosives is an attempt to pull Poland's largest chemical concern, Grupa Azoty, out of the financial crisis.

‘It would be a sin not to take advantage of such a business opportunity and pursue this new direction. We see this area as an important element of Grupa Azoty's future positive performance,’ acknowledged Adam Leszkiewicz, the company's president.

On behalf of the group and its partners, he declared his full readiness to work on the new project so that, according to him, it could quickly move from the letter of intent to the implementation stage.

The construction of the new facilities is expected to start in Tarnów in about a year.

Grupa Azoty is one of the largest chemical holdings in Europe, specialising in the production of nitrogen and complex fertilisers, as well as structural plastics, oxo-alcohols and plasticisers. The largest shareholder of Grupa Azoty is the Polish state treasury (33%).

Increased production of ammunition by Polish companies should ensure sufficient stocks in case of a Russian attack.