Silesia, a region in southwestern Poland, is long renowned for its industry. Back in the middle of the 18th century, the region became an economic powerhouse due to its burgeoning coal mining and metallurgy industries, and as the government plans to gradually cease coal mining, Silesia's rich reserve of copper ore - 7th largest in the world - gives Poland a foothold in the electromobility industry. In fact, Silesia is also the base of Europe's largest lithium-ion battery production, and the combination of these advantages make Poland among the world's top ten exporters of automotive components. Overall, the auto industry accounts for 8% of Polish GDP and approximately 13.5% of the country's exports value, according to data from the Polish Investment & Trade Agency,
Centered around the Upper Silesian city of Katowice, the Katowice Special Economic Zone (KSSE) was established in 1996 as one of the fourteen economic zones in Poland, and sees over half of inbound investments coming from the automotive industry. In late 2023, for instance, China's Sanhua Automotive announced an EUR 37- 48 million investment in the city of Tychy to build a factory producing thermal management system components for new energy vehicles.
Offering a tax income relief up to 30% for big enterprises and additional 10-20% reliefs for small and medium businesses, the KSSE also sees auto supply chain investors from South Korea and Japan: SK IE Technology, a part of the SK Group, completed its first separators plant for li-ion batteries in the city of Dąbrowa Górnicza near Katowice in 2021. With the scheduled completion of the fourth plant by the end of 2024, the site will be the company's largest separator production facility in Europe. The Japan-based NGK group also set up a ceramics production in the city of Gliwice as a greenfield investment far back in 2003.
Alongside foreign investors, the region also has its own champions in the automotive supply chain. AIUT, also based in the city of Gliwice, has been one of the key players in Poland's automotive supply chain, and also the largest Polish integrator of industrial automation systems with completely Polish capital. The company, specializing in designing and turn-key implementation of robotic production lines and workstations, control systems, industrial electrics, and automated warehouse and material handling systems, counts major automakers like BMW, Volkswagen, and Toyota among its customers, and operates branches in Germany, China, the United States, India and Romania. In 2023, AIUT saw sales reaching US$100 million, and its staff grew to more than 1,000.
According to AIUT, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) have transformed warehouse and distribution center operations, revolutionizing how companies handle increasing order volumes and meet heightened customer expectations. To stay competitive, businesses recognize the necessity of adopting fully automated warehouse models. These modern solutions enhance operational efficiency, maximize warehouse space utilization, and enable the fulfillment of a larger volume of orders effectively.
AIUT is a leader in both advanced Industry 4.0 solutions and the creation of automated robotic workstations and production lines. In Industry 4.0, AIUT focuses on digitizing automation processes through virtual commissioning, using digital twins to simulate operations and manage tasks such as order processing and production planning efficiently. Additionally, AIUT designs and implements electrical works, automation systems, and production management solutions, ensuring seamless integration and comprehensive service delivery.
In their creation of automated robotic workstations and production lines, AIUT collaborates closely with clients to develop detailed project plans and analyze solution concepts thoroughly. They utilize computer simulations to ensure error-free implementation of robotic workstations, supporting customers throughout the entire lifecycle with flexible warranties and ongoing service. AIUT's solutions incorporate cutting-edge technologies including linear drives, pneumatic actuators, servo drives, and industrial robots sourced from top manufacturers worldwide.
Silesia exemplifies a thriving hub within Poland's automotive industry, characterized by its rich industrial legacy and strategic positioning in electromobility. With Europe's largest lithium-ion battery production and the Katowice Special Economic Zone attracting substantial foreign investments, the region thrives on innovation and strategic growth initiatives. Local champions like AIUT lead the charge in advancing Industry 4.0 technologies, enhancing operational efficiency and solidifying Silesia's reputation as a global center for automotive excellence. This convergence of resources, infrastructure, and technological prowess ensures Silesia's continued prominence in shaping the future of automotive manufacturing and innovation worldwide.
