What are the similarities and differences between the construction markets in France and Poland?
The French market is mature, highly regulated and consolidated. The current focus is on sustainable development. Important issues include the circular economy, optimal use of natural resources, reducing the impact of the industry on the planet and on the climate. Our Group in France is already very advanced in the production of recycled materials. In addition, key projects are implemented in the public-private partnership formula. Our company is a leader in the implementation of this type of projects in France, having financed, designed, built, managed and operated motorways, airports, high-speed rail lines, stadiums and public buildings.
The Polish construction market, on the other hand, is in a phase of dynamic development, fueled by European funds and, above all, high demand. The focus is on, among others, defense, transport infrastructure, and energy. In addition, after a moment of stagnation related to the COVID-19 pandemic or the crisis in Ukraine, private investors are returning to the market. This applies, for example, to logistics – Poland is today a European hub, one might say – and industry.
What is your idea for Poland? You mentioned recycled building materials, PPP, are these ideas that you would like to implement more strongly in the market?
We can say that such projects are already being implemented. When it comes to raw materials and construction products, our group has its own mines, resources for the production of materials such as concrete or bituminous masses. For years, we have been trying to develop an offer for Poland that is more friendly to the environment and the climate. We have already introduced various products, for example low-emission concrete.
Is this where you see your competitive advantage in Poland, in the context of EU regulations related to ESG and decarbonization?
ESG is a new topic. How it will develop in Poland is not certain. There is a large demand in the construction market, which is to be met quickly and efficiently. But the construction industry is not yet mature. In the short term, it is difficult to talk about an advantage, but in the long term – yes. We can already see that, for example, private financing of projects that are not ESG compliant is not possible.
I will also mention PPP, because it is not new to us in Poland. We have already implemented several projects in this formula. For example, we recently finished building an aqua park in Płock. This is definitely an area where we can offer a lot. We have experience from our own and many other countries. We have resources that allow us to finance projects of any size and type.
What about the labor market, are you struggling with problems when it comes to employees?
This is unfortunately a problem for the construction industry in general. In Poland, firstly, it lost some of its potential after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, I mean the employment of Ukrainians. Secondly, the industry must work on its image, new generations of employees do not fully treat it as a future. Many stereotypes have taken root, and we have a lot to offer, today it is a different world than before. We are innovative, digitalized, we have interesting offers for talented employees. The implementation of construction sites has changed a lot, the stereotype of dangerous work has also changed. One of our priorities is how to achieve a situation of zero accidents. We work together with the industry in the Agreement for Safety to make sure that the entire industry meets certain standards and together we convince the new generation to work. However, in 2-3 years, when there may be a boom on the market in Poland, actually recruiting employees may be the main problem.
A shortened version of the interview conducted during the XXXIII Economic Forum in Karpacz. The entire interview can be viewed at forsal.pl
