Briefs

Groundbreaking ceremony at Okęcie

The groundbreaking ceremony at Okęcie Airport's new terminal construction site was held Friday 28th May. In 36 months time building work on the USD 200 mln project is set to be completed. The consortium responsible is composed of Ferrovial Agroman, Budimex and Estudio Lamela.

Concrete signs of growth

According to the Association of Cement and Lime Producers more than 1.5 mln tons of cement was sold in April 2004 which equates to an increase in sales of 71 pct. year-on-year. In the first quarter of this year the rate of growth was 50 pct. compared to first three months of 2003. Analysts believe that this is a result of growth in the whole of the construction sector.

Construction sector booms

The Polish office of statistics (GUS) released construction industry data for April. Most segments of the industry have seen growth. Sales in the construction industry rose by nearly 26 pct. compared with April 2003. The seasonally adjusted figure (excluding the greater number of working days this year) was still 19.9 pct. Analysts say the growth is caused by firms hurrying to avoid the increased level of VAT on flats and building materials, which was due to kick-in on 1st May. The sales of firms specialising in products for property refurbishments rose by 40 pct. Price inflation in the construction services sector was 1.1 pct compared with March 2004. Year-on-year this translated into a 1,5 pct increase.

Mostostal Warszawa to consolidate

Mostostal Warszawa's shareholders have agreed to consolidation within the group. The aim is to achieve cost savings and better financial results. Three subsidiaries: Mostostal Puławy, Mostostal Kielce and Wrobis will be incorporated into the Mostostal Warszawa structure. The management's next target is to increase sales by least 20 pct in 2004.

Brick maker to expand in Poland

Weinerberger, the world's largest brick maker has announced expansion plans, including acquisitions in Poland. It will acquire the Kupno, Nowy Sącz and Osiek brick plants, from Ploegsteert International N.V. and Vandersanden Steenfabrieken N.V. for eur 16.5 mln. In 2003 the plants produced 150 mln brick units and had eur 8.2 mln of revenue. After the acquisition Weinerberger will have 19 Polish plants.

Warbud wins Marymont

Warbud, a publicly quoted Polish construction company, has won the tender to build the Marymont metro station in Warsaw. The company was chosen as it offered the lowest price (56 mln zł) and the shortest construction time (less then two years). Marymont metro station is to be opened to passengers in the second half of 2006. This new station will be one of the cheapest built along the line.