Dell CEO Michael Dell was on hand in Lodz, Poland to open what Dell calls its "most advanced manufacturing facility".
"As we saw our Central and Eastern European businesses grow, we knew we needed a manufacturing base here to maintain our ambition for the region," said Michael Dell. The company is counting on the location to significantly improve delivery times by up to two days for Central and Eastern European and Nordic customers.
The 37,000 square-meter manufacturing facility represents a approximately U.S. $292 million investment. Indirect investments made by suppliers will reach approximately €53 million, according to the company. Currently, 1,200 employees work in the facility.
The facility will initially produce the Latitude and Inspiron laptop computers, which are customized to meet the specific needs of Dell's business and retail customers.
Accompanying the plant relocation, Dell is involved in a number of community projects. Dell will enable two Lodz schools from the Widzew district to receive products worth U.S. $35,000 and more than 100 Dell employees will planting trees in the Lublinek forest park. This was the first stage of Dell's Plant a Tree' initiative, which saw 130,000 trees planted in Lodz and its surrounding area last year.
"We want to be a positive influence beyond our role as an employer in the city. We plan to extend these activities in partnership with our local community and the region as a whole," said Sean Corkery, vice president of Dell EMEA Manufacturing, who is leading the Dell Lodz facility.
Dell was awarded first prize by the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency and the Warsaw Voice daily newspaper for being the top new site or "Greenfield" investor employing the highest number of people.
