Local impacts of large greenfield investments: the example of the Volkswagen car production plant in Września, Poland

Abstract

Large investments can have significant impacts on local development, as illustrated by the conceptsof the multiplier effect and corporate social responsibility. The subject in this paper is the Volkswagen -Crafter car production plant opened in 2016 in Białężyce near Września (Wielkopolskie Voivodeship in Poland), one of the largest greenfield investments in western Poland since 1990. On the basis of the data obtained from company representatives and local governments, the numerous benefits for local residents and the natural environment resulting from the investment and actions undertaken at Volkswagen have been described. Questionnaires among residents have shown that the main benefits of the plant are the creation of new jobs, new municipal and infrastructure investments, an increase in Września’s prestige, an increase in service sector activity as well as housing for new inhabitants and start-up companies cooperating with Volkswagen. The recognition and reliability of Volkswagen as an employer and large enterprise (along with other factors, e.g. discounts on cars for employees) influence the above -average sales of Volkswagen in Września Poviat.