US-based Weber, a global leader in outdoor cooking innovation, technology and products, has opened a new manufacturing and distribution hub in Zabrze, Poland. Located in Katowice Special Economic Zone, the 50,000m2 facility will produce high-quality barbecue grills for the European market.

The factory is the company’s first outside of the US. It features the Weber Grill Academy Experience Centre, a learning space that will host culinary classes, interactive chef’s tables, private parties and corporate team-building events.

Chief executive officer Chris Scherzinger commented: “Our new manufacturing and distribution centre marks an important milestone in Weber’s global expansion and European growth. A key element of our growth plans includes our ‘make-where-we-sell’ strategy. This approach focuses on manufacturing high-quality Weber barbecue products closer to our retail customers and consumers, improving our delivery and service speed. We also gain considerable efficiencies operationally and a new level of flexibility to respond and react to local market dynamics and needs.

“Further, we are deeply thankful for the support of the City of Zabrze and the Katowice Special Economic Zone throughout this project.”