How Limerick lost out to Lodz in Dell’s supply chain

THE flags fluttering at the gates of the Dell compound in Lodz seemed to relish the breeze as respite from the powerful heat of the early Polish summer.

It was May 2007 and cement trucks and JCBs trundled around the giant construction site, kicking up clouds of dust over the new metal beams that formed the skeleton of the fast-appearing manufacturing plant.

A source of pride to Lodz (pronounced “woodge”), the city fathers of Poland’s second largest metropolis viewed the investment as a vote of confidence in the region and validation of the generous tax breaks, grants and other incentives provided to foreign companies.