Japanese investments in the Łódź Voivodeship

The Łódź Voivodeship is becoming an increasingly attractive place for foreign investors, and Japanese capital ranks second in the region in terms of size, second only to German capital.

Thanks to the involvement of the Łódż Special Economic Zone (ŁSEZ) and the local authorities, further investments coming from Japan are becoming the main element of the region’s economic development.

Daikin’s modern factory in Ksawerów – a breakthrough investment

One of the most spectacular projects in the region is the new heat pump factory of Japanese technology giant Daikin. The plant, whose value is estimated at EUR 300 million, will be opened in Ksawerów near Łódź in the very near future. It will be Daikin’s first plant in Poland and one of the most modern production complexes in Central and Eastern Europe.

This investment will create as many as 3,000 new jobs by 2030, which will significantly affect the local employment market and economy. The production of heat pumps is a response to the growing demand for green heating solutions in Europe, also supporting EU regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Łódź as a centre of Japanese investments

The Łódz Special Economic Zone attracts many Japanese companies. So far, 11 companies have invested there, including such giants as Fuji, Fujitsu and Daikin. Significant Japanese investors, such as JTI Polska in Stary Gostków and Takeda, are also operating in Łódz but  outside the zone.

Further projects from Japan are to be announced in the coming months. Procedures for issuing a decision on support for new investments are underway, which only confirms that interest in the region among Japanese entrepreneurs is constantly growing.

Export of Polish food to Japan

Poland, as an importer of Japanese electronics and technology, is also developing the export of its products to Japan. Polish food and animal products, especially goose down, are particularly popular. Local companies from the Łódź Voivodeship are increasingly establishing cooperation with Japanese food chains, presenting their production capabilities during economic events, in among others,  in the łódz SEZ. An example is the September meeting RE Enter Japan organized by the Łódz SEZ together with the Polish Investment Agency (PAIH).

Cultural differences are an important element for success

Building long-term relations with Japanese partners requires understanding cultural differences. Negotiating with the Japanese can be time-consuming, but once trust is gained, it brings many years of benefits.

The inflow of Japanese capital to the Łódź Voivodeship opens up new development prospects for the region. Thanks to investments such as the Daikin factory in Ksawerów, Łódź is strengthening its position on the map of the global technology industry. Long-term business relationships, support for local entrepreneurs and strengthening economic ties between Poland and Japan are the foundation of the region’s future successes.

Sources:

• The Marshal’s Office of the Łódź Voivodeship, Łódź Special Economic Zone with an economic mission in Japan, October 2024
• Łódz Special Economic Zone (ŁSEZ)
• The Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH)
• Daikin