Fakro: Lack of good will by the authorities of Nowy Sącz
“Initially, we planned to organize production for the American market in Poland, but in the current facilities we had too little space. We wanted to build a hall in Nowy Sącz for this production, but we did not get permission from the city hall. It was a shame to miss the increase in demand for the American market and wait for good will President of Nowy Sącz. We fought for four years with bureaucracy in Poland, and in the US it went much easier. FAKRO did not lose its goodwill on the lack of good will by the authorities of Nowy Sącz, but lost the region and Poland ” – convinces the president of FAKRO in an interview with PAP.
The start of production in North Carolina is scheduled for the second half of June. The president of Fakro in an interview with PAP emphasized that the company met in the US with great favor and even support proposals.
“So far, the only challenge was the availability and competitiveness of construction teams. All other procedures – building permits, acceptance, fire or electrical arrangements – were very smooth. We obtained decisions in a short time, and the local authorities actively supported the project, together with help in the process of recruitment of employee – he told PAP Florek and added:” In the United States, the owner has no restrictions to cut treesor even a forest, which is often in Poland a very big limit in development, especially in tourism. “
The US production line is ready to be launched
The start of production was originally planned for the first quarter of 2025, but it was necessary to adapt new stairs models to changed American technical standards. Currently, all technical acceptance has already been completed, and The production line is ready to start.
“Changing regulations and customs rates in the US make local production more and more profitable. Distributors, especially after the experiences of the pandemic and interrupted supply chains, are increasingly preferring suppliers producing on site, even if they are slightly more expensive than foreign competition – explains Florek. As he emphasizes, the label “Made in USA” also gains importance in the political and consumer context.
As the company’s president explained, the plant in Elizabeth City will focus on the production of two new attic models: fireproof and thermal insulation. They were designed specifically for American building requirements. The company does not exclude the further expansion of the product portfolio on the US market, but in the first place it wants to gain operational experience and better prepare for possible scenarios for the development of a trade situation.
Why did Fakro choose North Carolina?
Florek added that the choice North Carolina As an investment location, it was dictated by several factors: the closeness of the sea port in Norfolk – one of the largest container terminals on the east coast, a favorable tax system – CIT rate is 2.25 percent.good communication access – I -95 interstate and the possibility of rapid production of production in the purchased industrial facility with the option of expansion.
Employment in the new plant is to be based mainly on local employees, including people of Polish origin living in the USA. The management will also be supported by people delegated from the company’s headquarters in Poland.
Production in the US is to supplement Fakro factories in Poland. The new investment is to increase the demand for components and raw materials produced in the country. The company also counts on an increase in sales on the American market, which can positively affect the entire FAKRO group. Currently, the company does not plan further foreign investment in other countries, but does not exclude them in the future if the conditions for conducting production activities in Poland and the European Union deteriorate.
Fakro was founded in 1991 by Ryszard Florek. The main branch of the company is the production of roof windows made mainly of wood. The company exports many countries. From the small family factory, FAKRO has transformed into an international corporation; It employs over 4,000 people, and its products are available in over 60 countries.
Szymon Bafia (PAP)
