Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu (ARP) and Zakłady Górniczo-Metalowe Zębiec (ZGM Zębiec) have signed an investment agreement and a share subscription agreement, paving the way for a major expansion of the company’s bentonite production capacity. The total capital injection will reach nearly PLN 74.5 million, allocated to three consecutive share capital increases between 2026 and 2027.
The deal marks one of the largest state-backed industrial investments in the mining and minerals processing sector in recent years. ARP will acquire new shares in ZGM Zębiec, with funds earmarked for building a fully automated production line for bentonites and bentonite mixtures. The project is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2026 and conclude in the third quarter of 2028.
Bentonites are versatile clay minerals used in a wide range of industries, including foundry, construction, drilling, and environmental protection. ZGM Zębiec currently operates in two strategic areas: mineral raw materials processing (bentonites and bentonite mixtures) and metal products manufacturing, including pellet-fired central heating boilers.
Investment details and timeline
The investment agreement provides for three tranches of capital increase in 2026 and 2027. The total value of the injection is PLN 74.5 million, which will be used to finance the construction of the new line and related infrastructure. The line will be fully automated, which is expected to significantly boost production efficiency and product quality.
– The investment in ZGM Zębiec proves ARP’s consistent mission of supporting Polish companies in their development. Thanks to this project, the company will not only significantly increase its production capacity but also strengthen its position as the domestic leader in the bentonite segment, which will translate into increased competitiveness of the entire Polish economy – said Marek Zaleśny, vice president of ARP.
Strategic importance for Polish industry
The project is seen as a key element in strengthening Poland’s self-sufficiency in industrial minerals. Currently, the country imports a significant portion of its bentonite needs, and the new line will allow ZGM Zębiec to nearly double its output, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. The investment also aligns with the government’s strategy to support domestic raw materials processing and enhance the resilience of supply chains.
– With ARP’s support, we are starting a project of fundamental importance for the company’s future. The investment will allow us to nearly double production capacity, implement modern technologies, and increase the competitiveness of our products on both domestic and international markets – said Katarzyna Bernaciak, CEO of ZGM Zębiec.
Modernisation and future prospects
The new production line will incorporate the latest automation and quality control systems, enabling ZGM Zębiec to meet the highest standards demanded by the foundry and drilling industries. The company expects that the expansion will also create new jobs in the Zębiec region and stimulate local economic development. ARP’s involvement underscores the state’s role in catalysing industrial modernisation while maintaining prudent financial discipline.
The investment is part of a broader trend in Polish industry, where state-owned development institutions increasingly provide capital for strategic projects that enhance technological capacity and reduce import dependence. With the completion of the project in the third quarter of 2028, ZGM Zębiec aims to become a leading supplier of high-quality bentonites in Central and Eastern Europe.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. OleksSH / Shutterstock
