Grupa Azoty notifies prosecutors of safety breaches during 2023 flagship project launch (updated)

Grupa Azoty SA

01/09/2026 13:47

Adds quotes from deputy CEO in paragraphs 4 and 7, details on the audit and context on Polimery Police project in paragraphs 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9.
Sept 1 (Reuters) - Polish chemicals group Grupa Azoty ATTP.WA said on Tuesday it had notified prosecutors over alleged safety breaches during the 2023 launch of its flagship Polimery Police project.
The state-controlled chemicals maker said in a statement that the Polimery Police plant, operated by an Azoty unit, was started without the required permits and in conditions that could have endangered employees and local residents.
It said documentation pointed to numerous defects and showed permits were issued only in 2024, months after the plant's ceremonial opening.
"In our opinion, an irresponsible experiment took place, where the health and lives of employees and residents ... could have been at stake," Deputy CEO Małgorzata Krolak said.
The notification follows an internal audit of the project, which has been plagued by cost overruns and delays.
The probe was one of several launched by new management at Poland's state-controlled firms into their predecessors' activities. Azoty previously notified prosecutors in February over alleged damages from gas procurement contracts.
"We are not prejudging the responsibility of any specific individuals today. The assessment is up to the prosecutor's office," Krolak said.
Since late 2022, Azoty has faced financial challenges due to high gas prices, competition from cheaper imports and cost overruns at its flagship project. It filed its first notification concerning the entire history of the investment in November 2025.

    State-owned refiner Orlen PKN.WA in April signed a preliminary deal to take over the project.
  

(Reporting by Marta Maciag, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)
((Marta.Maciag@thomsonreuters.com;))