The last 5th phase of the expansion of production facility of Integrated Micro Electronics- Bulgaria EOOD (IMI), which started in 2012 was officially opened. The added 8 520 sq. m. production area including warehouse, plastics, instrumental production as well as 2000 sq. m. administrative part and are designed to make a safe and pleasant working environment. The investment is 7,63 million BGN an opens 430 new work places. Part of the needed personnel is already hired, was announced during the opening.

 

The official opening was done by Lachesar Borisov- Deputy Minister of Economics, Zhil Bernar- CEO of IMI Bulgaria, Eric De Candido- Managing Director of the company, Stamen Yanev- General Manager of Bulgarian Investment Agency and Ivan Gavalyugov - mayor of Botevgrad Municipality.

 

20 years is an impressive time span, showing how successful and steady our execution and management of IMI's activities here in Botevgrad is. During that period the company reached annual turnover of 400 000 000 BGN, 2300 people personnel, 100 000 000 EUR investments through the years and over one billion supplied components, said Eric De Candido. Furthermore he thanked Petar Petrov, who worked in the company for many years, for his contribution to the implementation of the project. 

 

On his behalf, Zhil Bernar pointed out that the investor chose Bulgaria not only for the cheap labor costs and the location but also for the qualified engineers. The talented Bulgarian managers look at the right direction and the company relies on them, and people are the main resource on which we based our decision to choose Bulgaria. Our successful tradition will continue with these buildings we open today, added the CEO of the company.

 

It is a great honor for me to be part of this team which created this successful investment here in Bulgaria, Botevgrad. That is why I want to thank you, said the Lachezar Borisov, Deputy Minister of Economics. He pointed out that this is the consecutive investment made by IMI which will bring another 400 working places. He also added that the biggest capital and advantage that Bulgaria posses are the people, qualified and able to work people area guarantee for the success of all investors. Opening new job positions will have benefits in the social- economic area not only on local but on national level as well. He also underlined that the ministry will continue supporting the investor by applying art. 22 from the Investment Stimulation Act by ensuring financial support for partially refunding the compulsory social securities to the newly hired personnel.

 

In the period until 2020 from the Ministry of Economics' budget the sum of 735 513 BGN will be provided. 

 

Stamen Yanev General Manager of Bulgarian Investment Agency pointed out the good results from the cooperation with the investor. "IMI Bulgaria are the visulaisation of my formula: Leadership= Inovation + Investments. I expect that this will be the basis for the automotive industry in the region", Mr. Yanev added.

 

Ivan Gavalyugov, mayor of Botevgrad stressed out that its citizens appreciate the investment and its huge meaning to the town. "IMI Bulgaria sets the trend in production and labor culture. I thank the personnel of the company that with their professionalism and  their correctness and devotion and their hard work convinced the owners and IMI management, that Botevgrad is the right place for them", said the mayor. On his account this good example will bring more investments and attraction of highly technological companies and environment friendly productions.

 

Ivan Gavalyugov shared his satisfaction from the good communication between the municipality and Eric De Candido. He thanked the managing director for always responding to the requests for support on different social activities.

 

After cutting the ribbon father Mihail from Chekotinski Monestery made sanctification of the new production facilities.

 

In 2016 IMI received a Class A certificate for the project "Expansion and optimization of technological and logistic premices in Botevgrad". The investment is for 7,63 million BGN and the projects foresees buying three new production lines for assembly of modules and auxiliary machine modules. After finalizing the project the production capacity will increase with up to 25%. Production consists of electronic modules, used in automotive industry, industrial and household electronics. 

 

During the ceremony it was announced that a production facility in Serbia will be build. According to Eric De Candido this does not mean transfer of the current production but realization of totally new business project. We are using Bulgarian expertise to help exeute the project.