Zdeněk Jíra, Member of the Board of Directors responsible for finance and assets, explained: “We are going through a period of significant changes that reflect both our decarbonization strategy and current developments in macroeconomic markets. We invest in low-emission technologies and at the same time optimize our business to strengthen our competitiveness. We focus on key areas – refining, petrochemicals, energy and sustainable development. For activities that are not directly related to these areas, we are looking for new forms of utilization. We believe that the location has great potential for new investors who can implement projects with great added value for the city and the entire region.”
The 44.4-hectare property offers opportunities for sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, and real estate development. Previously dedicated to lubricant production, the site benefits from proximity to the D11 highway and primary rail lines. It includes a dedicated rail connection, enhancing transportation options, along with complete utility infrastructure and an independent water supply.
The local administration in Kolín supports the company's choice. Michael Kašpar, Mayor of Kolín, commented: “The industrial site in Kolín has a long tradition and has been an important part of local industry for decades. ORLEN Unipetrol has been a long-standing and stable employer in the region. However, we fully understand that if there is no further use for the site within the company’s current strategy, it is logical to look for a new way. We are ready to cooperate with new investors who will respect the needs of the city and its residents. We believe that the new use of the area will bring job opportunities, innovations and further development of the region.”
The Kolín facility boasts over a century of operational history, commencing in 1902 as the Czech Joint Stock Company for Kerosene Refining in Kolín. In 1953, it was rebranded as KORAMO, representing the Cologne Mineral Oil Industry. The plant concentrated on manufacturing lubricants, bitumens, and related refinery items, contributing significantly to the nation's chemical sector. Following 2000, it integrated into the Unipetrol Group, now known as ORLEN Unipetrol, and joined the international ORLEN Group in 2005. Due to shifts in the chemical field and European market trends, lubricant output decreased progressively, leading to the site's permanent shutdown in 2021. The offering for sale forms part of the group's comprehensive adjustments and emphasis on core operations.
This transition reflects ORLEN Unipetrol's commitment to adapting its portfolio to future-oriented practices, ensuring sustained viability in a changing economic landscape. By divesting non-essential assets, the group aims to concentrate resources on primary segments while enabling new entities to revitalize the Kolín location. Potential acquirers can explore diverse applications, capitalizing on the site's established infrastructure and strategic positioning to foster regional growth and economic contributions.
