Dell has opened a plant in Poland to cope with increased demand from consumers and businesses in central and eastern Europe.

The new 37,000 square-metre manufacturing facility in Lodz is designed to complement Dell's existing European operation in Ireland.

Dell has invested €200m in the Polish site, which will initially employ 1,200 workers.

Chief executive Michael Dell said: "As we saw our central and eastern European businesses grow, we knew we needed a manufacturing base here to maintain our ambition for the region.

"Our operations in Lodz mean that we can maintain this momentum and offer a superior service to customers."

The Lodz facility will initially produce Latitude and Inspiron laptops, and should result in a reduction of at least two days over current delivery times for central and eastern European and Nordic customers.

Dell has also set up a number of community projects in the region. Two schools in the Widzew district will receive Dell products worth $35,000, and more than 100 Dell employees have planted trees in the Lublinek forest park.

"We want to be a positive influence beyond our role as an employer in the city," said Sean Corkery, vice president of manufacturing at Dell EMEA, who is heading up the Lodz facility.

"We plan to extend these activities in partnership with the local community and the region as a whole."