The decisive influence on the town’s development, the water reservoir connect to the nearby Elbe, meant the gradual expansion of chemical production.

In 1908-1915, a smaller of ammoniac and fertilisers production plant was based here, and later on (between the World Wars), the complex changed to a production plant and warehouses for food stuffs (sweets, chocolate, rolled pickled herrings, fish salads, mustard, soup spice, marmalade, and chicory).

After the German occupation of the borderland in 1939, it was purchased by Spolek pro chemickou a hutní výrobu (Association for chemical and metallurgical production), which started expansion of the factory.

The basis for this was the production of pure chemicals, agents for agricultural pest control, and car paints, finishes, and waxes.

Over time, additional chemical plants in Křinec, Kralupy nad Vltavou (Reagencie) were incorporated into Spolana.

This development culminated in 1970 to 1976, when new units for the production of chlorine by electrolysis (from imported salt), sulphuric acid and polyvinylchloride (PVC) were built.

In November 2006, Unipetrol sold its business share in Spolana to the Polish company ANWIL SA, which is also part of the PKN Orlen concern.