Poland’s Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the move as a “historic step” for both national security and strategic supply chains. Despite its relatively small scale, the plant is considered to play a critical role in the production of specialised steels used in military applications.
The takeover comes at a time when Poland has been accelerating defence investments following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with state-owned companies increasingly focused on localising the entire production chain – from raw materials to final assembly. At a ceremony held in Częstochowa on 22 December, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, together with Defence Ministry Undersecretary Paweł Bejda, participated in the formal handover process symbolising the transfer of the plant’s assets to the Ministry of Defence.
Highlighting the plant’s strategic importance, Kosiniak-Kamysz underlined that Huta Częstochowa has unique capabilities in Poland across the entire production chain of heavy plate steel, from the initial steelmaking stage through hardening and cutting. “There is no other facility in Poland with such capabilities today. As the country’s largest heavy plate rolling mill, the plant is able to produce armour plates up to 300 millimetres thick. With its high production capacity and skilled workforce, it is an indispensable asset for the defence industry,” he stated.
During the ceremony, a letter of intent was signed between Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), Węglokoks and Huta Częstochowa to assess and develop the plant’s potential in line with the needs of the defence industry. The document was signed by Arkadiusz Bąk, First Vice President of the PGZ SA Management Board; Tomasz Ślęzak, President of the Węglokoks SA Management Board; and Adrian Sienicki, President of the Management Board of Huta Częstochowa sp. z o.o. Prior to the ceremony, the notarised deed related to the acquisition of the plant was signed by Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda.
In his remarks, the Defence Minister also outlined the future objectives for the facility. “We have an important task ahead of us: to make Huta Częstochowa the best steel plant in Poland and to build a strong industrial potential. The new production capacities launched in recent months, secured contractors, and contracts largely guaranteed for next year provide a solid foundation for this goal. The necessary permits to restart armour plate production must be obtained in January,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
The assets of Huta Częstochowa will be transferred to the Military Property Agency, an executive body operating under the Ministry of Defence. In the next stage of the process, the acquired and transferred assets are expected to be handed over, as planned, to Huta Częstochowa, which is currently operating as a tenant and is part of the Węglokoks Capital Group.
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