History of WSP „Społem”

The Cooperative began its operation precisely on September 15, 1920 as Production Plants in Kielce. That day, the first batch of lye soap was cooked. Later, in addition to chemical manufacturing, the company added food production to its operation, which today is its leading business branch. During the first years after WWII, the plants became a part of Polish Commercial Cooperatives Union, later “Społem” Central Food Cooperatives and next it was encompassed into Central Board of Fats Processing Industry.  At that time the plants functioned under the name of “Kieleckie Zakłady Przemysłu Tłuszczowego” [“Kielce Fats Processing Industry Plants”].

The year 1959, was significant in the history of WSP „Społem”, as it was then that the first mayonnaise industrial production line in Poland was launched. What is exceptionally important to emphasize, is that the recipe of this product was developed at the plant laboratory. From the very beginning, the production was right on target., and the above said recipe proved itself to such a degree, that the approved by the factory plant norm became the basis for creating a Polish Norm for mayonnaise.
After the politically-economic changes in the country at the beginning of the 90’s of the last century and the liquidation of the Central Board of Food Manufactures Cooperatives, the company’s employees decided to turn the plants into an independent entity. Wytwórcza Spółdzielnia Pracy „Społem” [Manufacturing Labor Cooperative “Społem”] was founded in 1990. The new company had to quickly take on and resolve many existing problems, among them: pay off outside shares and invest more into production. During the most difficult period, a waste water plant was built, additional lines were purchased for the production of „Snack - Przysmak Świętokrzyski” and the products assortment was expanded, at the same time adapting it to the demands of the market economy.  However, all attributes with which the Cooperative was associated with in the past were kept unchanged, that is unique taste and the highest product quality as well as their traditional recipes.

It was precisely thanks to this, that the company was able to defend itself against threats brought on by economic transformation and to successfully fight for its share of the food products market. As of 1993, WSP „Społem” placed great emphasis on export. From that moment on it is being consistently developed.
The company itself and its products have won tens of awards, quality certificates, medals and Trade Fare recognitions. To give an example, in 1977, as a company operating based on its own Polish capital, WSP „Społem” was awarded a prize plus a title of the „Polish Food Producer”.