This year, Poland is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its accession to the European Union. A new chapter in the political and economic history of our country began on 1st May 2004. Membership in the European community has allowed many businesses to develop on an unprecedented scale. It has facilitated expansion into European markets and enabled the extension or modernisation of operations through EU funds. On the occasion of this significant anniversary, Amica summarises how EU support has influenced the implementation of the projects undertaken by the brand.
The Polish Business Council Foundation and the Stefan Batory Foundation have invited Amica to celebrate together. The aim of this initiative is to promote pro-European attitudes and raise awareness about the business development that undoubtedly supports Poland's presence in the European Union. In May, alongside an information campaign for employees, EU flags and billboards promoting the campaign have been displayed at the Amica factory in Wronki. A light display illuminating the Management Board building is also planned.
All these activities aim to symbolically commemorate 20 years of the Amica Group's development within the European Union. During this time, thanks to funding, the company has implemented a series of investment projects, including the construction of a gas cogeneration plant, the development of modern technology for manufacturing electronic components, and the creation of proprietary digital printing technology (InkJet).
"We want to remind everyone that the Union is us. We are citizens of the European Union. By voting in the European Parliament elections, we have a real influence on its future. We may differ on many issues, but if we want to change something in the Union, we can do it together with other countries. We want the idea of this campaign to spread as widely as possible, including through social and business organisations that have extensive reach to their partners, clients, and employees," says Małgorzata Durska, President of the Polish Business Council Foundation.
Poland's membership in the European Union has opened numerous opportunities for professional development for Amica's employees, enabling participation in training and workshops as well as the implementation of advanced projects in the home appliances industry. Integration with the EU has allowed the company to expand significantly in international markets. In 2003, the Amica Group sold products worth PLN 0.5 billion in the European Union markets, and in 2023, this figure exceeded PLN 1.2 billion.
The Amica Group currently has trading companies in Denmark (Gram), France (Sideme), Germany (Amica International), the Czech Republic (Amica Commerce), and Spain (Electrodomésticos Iberia).
"The share of EU markets in our company's sales is steadily increasing. Thanks to support from the Union, we have also been able to begin work on innovative technologies for the home appliances industry, which has not only contributed to the development of the Amica brand and its growing significance in the European market but has also enabled us to deliver modern products that meet consumers' actual needs. Additionally, EU funds support the implementation of our long-term ESG strategy aimed at reducing the negative impact of the industry on the environment. These actions demonstrate our commitment to building a sustainable future and highlight the benefits of Poland's membership in the European Union," says Jacek Rutkowski, President of Amica S.A.
Greater energy efficiency means better air quality
In December 2019, Amica received funding from the European Union for the construction of a gas cogeneration plant along with the accompanying infrastructure. The project, being implemented in Wronki, will enhance the company's energy efficiency. This is made possible through cogeneration, a process that simultaneously generates electricity and usable heat.
Estimates show that the implementation of the project will significantly contribute to improving air quality. The installation will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide emissions will decrease by 5,076.59 tonnes annually) and limit primary energy consumption by 14,424.38 GJ per year.
EU funding for innovation development
Amica has also utilised EU funds to implement projects focused on developing innovative technologies for the home appliances industry.
The first project involved creating modern technology for manufacturing electronic components, particularly focusing on hobs, ovens, cookers, and extractor hoods. This initiative responds to the growing consumer demand for appliances with low failure rates and advanced technological features.
The second project related to innovation development involves creating proprietary digital printing technology (InkJet) for decorative elements on glass and ceramic panels, which are components of heating plates. The new technology perfectly fits into the concept of Industry 4.0, which aims for the harmonious integration of intelligent machines, systems, and effective methods for modifying production processes. The goal is to achieve excellent efficiency through a balanced combination of these elements.
EU funding has also enabled work on proprietary design solutions and a quality control system for products.
Through these projects, the Amica Group is not only increasing its competitiveness in the European market but also ensuring its customers have access to even more functional, modern, and advanced devices.