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On Thursday, a symbolic milestone was reached at the Baltic Towers facility on Ostrów Island in Gdańsk, where invited guests gathered to celebrate the production of the plant’s first offshore wind tower components. The factory, seen as a potential hub on Europe’s offshore energy map, has officially begun operations—though challenges still lie ahead.
A Symbol of Transition
On September 18, around midday, guests entered one of the vast factory halls to view the centerpiece of the event: the first completed segment of an offshore wind tower. Hundreds of visitors observed the enormous steel structures—each 8 meters in diameter and roughly 35 meters long—manufactured for Danish turbine leader Vestas. Three such sections were displayed during the ceremony, while production could be heard continuing elsewhere in the facility.
Each segment weighs between 300 and 500 tons and requires 10–12 weeks to complete, depending on project specifications. While the event officially marked the production of the first tower element, it also symbolized the conclusion of the investment phase and the beginning of large-scale manufacturing.
“We are now entering the production stage, which is as challenging as building the plant itself. With the first product, we tested every step—receiving raw steel, cutting, rolling, welding, assembling, painting, inspections, and installation. The machinery and processes proved effective. Our next task is to reach full capacity while completing our hiring plan. We currently employ 200 staff, with a goal of 500 by the end of 2026. Like any new facility, this is a learning curve, but our aim is to scale up production quickly while meeting customer expectations,” said Jakub Wnuczyński, CEO of Baltic Towers, in an interview with Gospodarka Morska.
Political and Industry Backing
The inauguration drew high-profile figures from national and regional authorities, including Climate and Environment Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Pomeranian Voivode Beata Rutkiewicz, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship Mieczysław Struk, and Gdańsk Mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz.
Baltic Towers’ shareholders were also present: the Polish Industrial Development Agency (ARP), represented by vice-presidents Ilona Deręgowska and Marek Zaleśny, alongside Spanish partner GRI Renewable Industries, represented by owner Jon Riberas and CEO Antonio Barbosa, who traveled from Spain. Spain’s Deputy Head of Mission in Poland, Miguel Garcia-Herraiz, also attended.
After speeches on the company’s role in Poland’s energy transition and regional development, an official ribbon-cutting marked the plant’s formal opening.
“For us, this investment of nearly EUR 200 million is a significant milestone. Our group operates 200 facilities across 28 countries, five of them in Poland, which we see as a key strategic market. After 15 months of work on this 62,000-square-meter site, I am proud to see it operational,” said GRI owner Jon Riberas.
Strengthening Energy Security
Minister Hennig-Kloska stressed the strategic importance of producing renewable energy technologies domestically:
“Establishing factories in Poland and Europe is essential to ensure our independence from external pressures. Without government support, this sector would still grow, but more slowly. Legal stability, financing, and a favorable investment climate are critical to attract partners and encourage Polish companies to take risks in new industries. I believe Poland is on track to become a leader in manufacturing components for renewable energy,” she said.
Building the Future of Offshore Supply Chains
For Baltic Towers, the immediate priority is workforce development and process optimization.
“In the coming years, we will refine operations, build organizational culture, and develop systems that ensure long-term efficiency and client satisfaction,” noted CEO Wnuczyński.
The facility is expected to act as a catalyst for regional economic growth, stimulating the offshore supply chain in Pomerania.
“Producing such large components requires an extensive network of suppliers. This plant is not only a boost for shipbuilding-related industries but also for companies that have never worked with large-scale steel structures before. It will provide hundreds of highly skilled, well-paid jobs. Considering global supply chain dynamics, it is increasingly clear that major turbine makers like Vestas and Siemens Gamesa will soon rely heavily on products made here in Gdańsk,” said Jakub Budzyński, President of the Polish Offshore Wind Energy Society.
