Zbigniew Kurant on NOYEN’s journey and cleaning solutions for the future

How did your company get started, and what inspired you to set up your business?
We began our operations in the industrial cleaning sector in the 1990s by distributing chemical products imported from the United Kingdom. I managed this process myself, visiting factories, negotiating prices, and commercial terms. A key challenge during this period was building trust and establishing good relationships with our British business partners. Over time, I realised that the demand in our market was much greater, which led to the decision to set up our own business and start manufacturing chemical products for industry. This gave me the opportunity to control the composition and quality of the final product—two crucial factors for our clients. Several years later, after successfully establishing ourselves in the chemical products market, I decided to expand our portfolio to include the production of cleaning equipment. In response to the growing quality requirements for component cleanliness, my team and I developed our first industrial washer. This was a significant step forward for the company, and our machines quickly became competitive in the industry. Today, we operate under the principle of ALL IN ONE SOLUTIONS, providing our clients with comprehensive industrial cleaning services, including the selection of washing technologies and chemical products, a wide range of cleaning equipment, and maintenance services.

How many employees does your company have, and who are the key members of your team?
Currently, we employ over 160 people. The core of our team consists of engineers, including designers, automation specialists, production staff, and laboratory technicians. Our employees are highly skilled experts in their respective fields, which allows us to innovate and develop new solutions in the manufacturing of our equipment. We are in the process of implementing the PSIpenta MES system, which will enable us to plan production more precisely, optimise resources, and continuously monitor processes. This will allow us to respond more quickly to market changes, minimise downtime, and manage production more effectively. We have also introduced and are further developing tools for computer simulations of flow processes and numerical analysis, essential for controlling and optimising cleaning processes. Implementing these changes is possible thanks to the experienced team we have.

How would you describe the solution/product developed by your company in the simplest terms?
We primarily design and create industrial washing machines, automation solutions, and industrial chemicals tailored to the individual needs of our clients. Most of our cleaning equipment is produced on an Engineering to Order basis, and the process always involves consultations. Before we present an offer, we assess the needs and specifics of the project, conduct cleaning trials on components, and select the optimal washing technology—all to find and propose the best solution. At each stage, clients can view the progress, for example, in the form of a 3D model. Our solutions are appreciated by clients for their effective removal of all types of contamination, in compliance with global standards, compact sizes that save space on the production floor, intuitive software, and processes focused on employee safety. In terms of industrial chemicals, we offer nearly 100 products, including universal cleaners (e.g. for degreasing) as well as unique formulations created to meet individual client requirements. We prioritise quality, and thanks to our well-equipped laboratory (ZEISS microscopes: optical and electron, climate chamber, salt chamber, extraction chamber), we can handle even the most demanding orders.

Which parts of the solution are developed in Lublin, and what influenced this decision?

Both of NOYEN’s manufacturing plants, where we produce washing machines and industrial chemicals, are located in Lublin. We chose the Lublin Subzone of the EURO-PARK Mielec Special Economic Zone due to the favourable conditions for investment in this area, as well as the suitable infrastructure and convenient location. Our decision was also influenced by the proximity to other manufacturing companies, including our suppliers and clients.

What are the advantages of your solution compared to similar technologies available on the market?
As the only company in Poland and one of the few in Europe, we have introduced the ALL IN ONE SOLUTIONS approach, providing comprehensive industrial cleaning support for our clients. Thanks to continuous investment in development and work on Industry 4.0 components for machines and processes, NOYEN has experienced steady growth in market share. Our brand is associated with high-quality products and excellent customer support. Our strategy is based on a policy of continuous innovation, which involves the ongoing development of products, services, technologies, and technical solutions.
This year alone, we have introduced new features in our iCleaning machine series, such as an automatic contamination sampling system and the ability to perform self-diagnostics. Automating the liquid sampling process increases control over technical cleanliness without the need for significant financial investment. Greater control over cleanliness directly leads to improved quality of final products. The self-diagnostic procedure in the equipment helps prevent malfunctions by regularly and thoroughly checking the status of the machine’s components, including operational and signalling parts. This allows users to receive up-to-date information on the technical condition of the device, enabling them to predict and plan replacements of key components, thus minimising potential production downtimes.
Our systematic approach to production, combined with continuous improvement, allows us to carry out even the most complex projects. Our clients have production facilities worldwide. We export 30% of our products—this year, for example, to Morocco and Mexico. Over 700 of our machines are operating globally, with 97% being produced on an Engineering to Order basis.

Who is your target audience, and what sales or investor acquisition successes can you boast?
As a leading provider of comprehensive industrial cleaning solutions, we are proud of the projects we’ve completed for clients around the world. Our participation in both domestic and international industry trade fairs since the company’s inception has helped us expand our network of contacts and raise awareness of our offering among potential clients. Our industrial washers are part of the production lines for brands such as Mercedes and Volkswagen. Outside of the automotive sector, we successfully supply our solutions to industries such as aerospace, machinery, and packaging.
To strengthen our position in the international market, we are investing in development, also taking advantage of EU funding programmes. Currently, we are implementing an EU-funded project that will result in an innovative industrial washer with enhanced energy efficiency. This solution will be a novelty in the industrial cleaning market, incorporating methods to reduce heat demand during the process and minimise loss of working fluids. This new washer will help our clients reduce costs associated with industrial cleaning.

What actions could the city of Lublin, together with institutional partners, take to further develop its potential as a hub for high-tech innovation?
We are pleased that Lublin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. In our view, it is a modern and open place, both for doing business and for daily life. To further develop its potential, the City of Lublin certainly needs to continue investing in structural projects that will improve the quality of life for residents and attract more high-tech companies. We also see opportunities in supporting entrepreneurship, for example, by creating favourable conditions for new and existing businesses, ensuring access to skilled human capital, and fostering the presence of related industries and business institutions.
For us, as an industrial company, cooperation with the academic community is vital for developing new projects, as well as for the labour market. We see the City of Lublin as a supportive partner in these areas.