The German company “Kromberg & Schubert” is launching a new investment project in Bitola, which entails the creation of 2,000 new jobs over the next four years and the production of automotive components for Audi. The project will be implemented at the factory in the Zabeni Industrial Zone near Bitola and will involve the introduction of new technologies, the digitalization of production processes, and the application of artificial intelligence. As a result, the company’s total workforce in the country is expected to reach approximately 10,000.
At a press conference today, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski described the investment as significant for Bitola, the Pelagonija region, and the economy of Macedonai as a whole. He noted that the factory in the Zabeni Industrial Zone will manufacture systems for a new Audi model, with a planned output of over 3,000 wiring harnesses per day.
“This is an important investment for Bitola, the Pelagonia Region, and the entire economy; it also serves as confirmation that, as a nation, we possess a skilled workforce and industrial capacity capable of meeting the highest European standards,” stated Mickoski.
According to Mickoski, the company has previously carried out three investment projects in Zabeni and currently employs over 5,000 people in Bitola, in addition to more than 1,700 in Skopje. To date, Kromberg & Schubert has implemented three investment projects in Žabeni. “If I am not mistaken—please correct me if I am wrong—there are currently around 5,300 (or 5,280) employees in Bitola, and just over 1,700 in Skopje; with this project, the total number of employees will reach 10,000. This demonstrates the immense confidence that Kromberg & Schubert has in the country. For Bitola and the entire Pelagonija region, this represents a new development impetus; for the local economy, it offers additional opportunities; and for the citizens, it provides the prospect of stable employment and economic security,” the Prime Minister noted.
He also stated that the company expects exports from its production facilities in the country to exceed 400 million euros next year. “Our goal is to be recognized as a reliable and competitive investment destination, with a strong industrial sector and increased exports. As we discussed before this press conference, Kromberg & Schubert expects that, next year, exports from their production facilities here will exceed 400 million euros.” “And better-paid jobs—in fact, average salaries, especially for highly skilled personnel, are more than 80 percent above the average in Macedonia,” said Mickoski.
