The foundation stone was laid today for global automotive supplier Brose’s new production facility in Prievidza, Central Slovakia.
The ceremony was held before an audience including guests from politics and business on the 330,000 square meter property. Representatives of the management board, Minister President Jaroslav Baska and Prievidza Mayor Katarina Machackova filled the time capsule with blueprints, coins, the latest issue of the local newspaper, the company’s employee magazine “Brose intern” and a flyer on the “FIRST” company principles. The capsule was symbolically set into the foundation stone.
“The new location in Prievidza is an important step towards implementing our European production strategy. The decision to open a second production facility in Slovakia is not only an investment in the future of our company, but also a sign of our commitment to Slovakia,” says Thomas Spangler, Chief Technology Officer Brose Group. The automotive supplier has manufactured window regulators and door systems at its location around 20 kilometers from the Slovakian capital of Bratislava for 14 years now.
Minister President Jaroslav Baska underscores the key role Brose plays in the local economic region. “I am very pleased with the success of efforts to establish such a renowned global player here like Brose. This will have a positive impact on development throughout our region.”
600 employees in the first five years
“The first stage of expansion in Prievidza will be the production of electric motors and drives, liftgate systems and window regulators for companies like the Volkswagen Group, Daimler, BMW, Ford and General Motors,” comments Axel Mallener, General Manager Brose Bratislava and, in the future, Brose Prievidza. The mechatronics specialist is investing 50 million euros in plants and buildings here. The company plans to create 600 jobs in the first five years of operation. “Brose sees potential for even more growth in Prievidza, provided the cooperation between our company and the Slovakian government – especially the Ministry of Economy, the Trencín region and the city – continues to be so close and fruitful,” emphasizes Mallener.
Global growth of the Brose Group
The automotive supplier is continuing to expand its development and production capacities in 2015, and is planning on making a billion euros in investments worldwide over the next three years. In addition to increasing the already strong presence in Asia and North America, a significant share of the funds will also go to the expansion of European locations.
Around eight percent of Brose’s turnover is invested annually in research and development. The company has about 3,000 engineers and technicians at 19 locations in 10 countries, which means more than 10 percent of all employees work in this field.
