american investors

Since 1992, International Paper-Kwidzyn S.A. has been part of International Paper, the world’s biggest papermaking company. The capital invested in the purchase and modernization of the Kwidzyn mill has exceeded PLN 560 million.

The privatization of the Kwidzyn mill, carried out during 1991-1992, was successful by all measures. A US$ 200 million modernization effort undertaken upon privatization doubled the mill’s output and increased product quality to the level needed to compete in EU markets. Over the last three years, the share of exports in total sales value rose from 45% to 48.7%.

The mill’s manufacturing processes guarantee maximum protection of the environment. Thanks to its developed and modernized environmental equipment, International Paper-Kwidzyn S.A. is one of the leaders of the European pulp and paper industry in this respect. In addition, the mill’s modern facilities provide sewage and heat to the town of Kwidzyn.

Though the workforce was highly qualified at the time of privatization, International Paper has continued to invest in development and training. Together with the modernized plant, the Kwidzyn mill’s staff ensures International Paper-Kwidzyn S.A. a leading position among the mills of International Paper Company. Over the years, the size of the mill’s workforce has been rationalized by creating new enterprises. As the affiliates have acquired new customers, the combined workforce of International Paper-Kwidzyn S.A. and its affiliates has grown (from approx. 3500 to approx. 4100) since privatization.

The operations of International Paper S.A. have had a major impact on the economy of the town of Kwidzyn and the region. In addition to being a major employer, the mill is a major taxpayer (PLN 51.6 million in income tax and PLN 14.5 million in property tax in 2002) and underwriter of community development projects. Its community projects include establishing a computer and foreign language center for Kwidzyn’s children and teenagers (cost: USD 600,000) and building a water purification plant which provides Kwidzyn and neighboring villages with water meeting EU standards (cost: USD 3,800,000). Other projects include the modernization of local hospital wards (USD 730,000) and conversion of a historic manor house for a rehabilitation center for the disabled (USD 400,000).

International Paper-Kwidzyn S.A. is also well known for its engagement in cultural events. In 2002, the company was the main sponsor of the Andrzej Drawicz’s Literary Award. In 2003, International Paper-Kwidzyn S.A. is sponsoring the “Poland Reads to the Children” and “Literature for Children and Teenagers” campaigns.

Its successful operations and community service have earned International Paper-Kwidzyn S.A. numerous awards and prizes, including the Teraz Polska (Poland Now) Promotional Emblem, the title of Brand Academy founder-member, the triple Fair Play Enterprise certificate, and finally, the Economic Award of the President of the Republic of Poland in 2003 for The Best Foreign Investment in Poland.