The Batory Sheet Rolling Mill was established in 1873 in response to the intensive expansion of production capacity at the Bismarck steelworks in Chorzów. In 1900, following the modernization of the steelworks and the introduction of the open-hearth process, the rolling mill gained the capability to produce so-called thick plates. In 1913, it launched one of the largest duo rolling mills in Europe. From the very beginning, the rolling mill occupied several hundred hectares, covered with dozens of extensive production halls, all interconnected by a rail system. This system facilitated both the external transport of finished products and internal transport between different departments of the plant.
In the early 21st century, the rolling mill lost its connection to the public railway network, and the transport of steel and steel plates is now carried out entirely by road. However, the internal rail transport system has been preserved and continues to support the daily operations of the enterprise. Special dedicated traction vehicles and wagons are used to transport steel ingots and plates weighing up to several dozen tons.
