Huta Częstochowa is included in the list of strategic companies in Poland

The Polish steel plant Huta Częstochowa, which has only recently resumed operations after a 14-month shutdown, has been included in the country’s list of strategic enterprises. This decision means that any sale or transfer of the company to foreign investors will now require state approval. In addition, the company will come under the supervision of the Ministry of Defense. This was reported by BiznesINFO.

The government’s move came just a few days after the full restart of production. Earlier, in October 2024, the plant declared bankruptcy, which jeopardized its continued existence. Currently, Huta Częstochowa is managed by an interim administrator who is preparing it for sale through an auction. Several companies, including foreign investors, have already expressed interest in buying it.

The plant’s inclusion in the strategic list is due to its unique capabilities. Huta Częstochowa is the only producer of hardened plates in Poland, which are critical for the defense industry. The plant also has one of the largest production facilities in Europe, which allows it not only to manufacture specialized products but also to modernize military equipment.

Experts note that this decision could have a significant impact on the company’s future. Although the status of a strategic company provides additional state protection, it can also make it more difficult to find an investor. It is not known whether this will affect the plant’s financial stability, as despite the resumption of operations, its economic situation remains fragile.

As GMK Center reported earlier, on February 3, 2025, Huta Częstochowa reached a key milestone in its resumption of operations – it launched production in the plate mill (Walcownia Blach Grubych). This was the last step towards the company reaching full capacity after more than a year of downtime.

However, the future of the company depends on the asset sale auction scheduled for February 17, 2025. The plant’s liquidator presented the court with the auction’s valuation and rules, setting the starting price of the enterprise at PLN 227 million ($54.9 million). The plant is currently leased by the state-owned Węglokoks holding, which is actively working to restore its operations.