Grand opening of “Behr-Hella Thermocontrol” GmbH’s factory
The official opening of the German investor “Behr-Hella Thermocontrol” GmbH’s factory took place on May 20th, 2015 in Sofia – Bozhurishte Economic Zone. The company is a world leader in the automotive industry in the field of R&D and production of control panels for automotive air-conditioning systems. Among its clients are leading international car producers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Skania, Volvo, Skoda, Seat. BHTC’s investment project on the territory of Sofia – Bozhurishte Economic Zone was a Greenfield investment in a high-tech production line and a R&D centre. The construction works began in mid-2013 simultaneously with the infrastructure construction on NCIZ’s part. The total investment so far amounts to 43,5 million BGN and the newly-created jobs by the project are expected to reach 330 by the end of 2016.
The official guests to the grand opening included the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Mr. Rossen Plevneliev, the Minister of Economy Mr. Bojidar Loukarsky, the Mayor of Bozhurishte Municipality Mr. Asparuh Asparuhov, as well as representatives of the local authorities and of NCIZ’s management. Minister Loukarsky pointed out that Bulgaria has succeeded in being chosen among seven countries competing for BHTC’s investment location, which proves the potential of our country. BHTC’s CEO Mr. Thomas Schulte emphasized that the decisive factors in making the choice to invest in Bulgaria were the superior support offered by the Bulgarian government and the local authorities as well as the availability of skilled labour force.