ORLEN Unipetrol plans to sell Kolín lubricants plant as part of restructuring, seeking investors for industrial redevelopment opportunities.
ORLEN Unipetrol Group, headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, has announced plans to divest its industrial complex in Kolín by putting the site up for sale. This move is part of a broader strategic restructuring within the group, which is aligning its operations with a low- and zero-emission future while also adapting to ongoing macroeconomic pressures. The company is seeking potential investors and development firms interested in leveraging the site’s significant industrial potential for new business initiatives.
Zdenek Jíra, Member of the Board of Directors of ORLEN Unipetrol responsible for finance and assets, emphasized that the company is undergoing a period of profound transformation. “We are experiencing major changes driven by both our decarbonization strategy and current macroeconomic market dynamics. While investing in low-emission technologies, we are also optimizing our portfolio to strengthen competitiveness. Our focus is on core business areas such as refining, petrochemicals, energy, and sustainable development. For activities outside these strategic domains, we are exploring alternative utilizations. We believe Kolín’s site offers immense potential for investors capable of delivering high-value projects for both the city and the surrounding region,” he said.
The Kolín complex spans an extensive 44.4-hectare area and presents a rare opportunity for investors in industrial, logistical, or development sectors. Historically dedicated primarily to lubricant production, the site benefits from a strategic location near the D11 motorway and major railway lines, complete with its own railway siding, ensuring seamless transport access. The property is fully serviced, including its own water supply, enhancing its appeal for various industrial or development projects.
Local authorities in Kolín have expressed support for ORLEN Unipetrol’s decision. Michael Kašpar, Mayor of Kolín, acknowledged the site’s longstanding contribution to local industry and employment. “The industrial site has a rich tradition and has been integral to Kolín’s economy for decades. ORLEN Unipetrol has long been a stable employer. However, we understand that if the company’s current strategic focus no longer includes this site, seeking new forms of utilization is logical. We are ready to cooperate with new investors who respect the city and its residents, and we believe redevelopment can bring employment, innovation, and regional growth,” Kašpar stated.
The Kolín plant has a history exceeding a century. It began operations in 1902 as the Czech Joint Stock Company for Kerosene Refining in Kolín and was renamed KORAMO in 1953, specializing in lubricants, bitumens, and other refinery products. The complex became a cornerstone of the Czech chemical industry and, after 2000, joined the Unipetrol Group (later ORLEN Unipetrol). In 2005, it became part of the multinational ORLEN Group. Changing market conditions and industry trends led to a gradual decline in lubricant production, culminating in the site’s closure in 2021. Today, the plant is offered for sale as ORLEN Unipetrol continues to streamline its operations toward its strategic core.
