Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of Ukrainian mining and steel producing group Metinvest, has stated that the company plans to invest in its logistics center in Katowice, Poland, to increase its capacity and improve exporting opportunities in Europe.
The company is also looking at the possibility of creating a joint venture, setting up a new distribution center, or buying an existing one as it continues to supply steel to Poland. He noted that Metinvest currently has no plans to build production facilities in the country, but is monitoring the market to see arising opportunities. In addition, Mr. Ryzhenkov also said he does not believe that anyone will build new steel production plants in Poland as there are enough plants there already.
Metinvest’s CEO said that the company lost operational control over its Azovstal and Ilyich Steel plants in Mariupol to Russia last year and that they have been damaged as a result of the war. At the same time, Metinvest has halted coke production in Avdiivka due to its proximity to the front line. Zaporizhstal and Kamet Steel are operating at 65-70 percent and 75 percent of their capacities, respectively. Approximately 25 percent of the company’s products are sold domestically, with the rest going mainly to the EU.