The Serbian battery manufacturer Black Horse has officially restarted production at its plant in Sombor, marking the company’s return to the market and the beginning of a new development phase for one of the country’s longest-standing industrial brands. The reopening of the production line for traction batteries represents an important step in reviving domestic battery manufacturing capacity after a turbulent period that temporarily halted operations.
During a ceremony held at the factory, company executives announced the relaunch of manufacturing activities and outlined plans to expand both production and employment. Aleksandar Čolić, director of Black Horse, stated that the company currently employs 45 workers, with the workforce expected to reach 60 employees within the next month as the initial phase of operations scales up. The management also indicated that additional hiring is planned during 2026, reflecting the company’s intention to gradually rebuild its industrial capacity and market presence.
The restart centers on the production of traction batteries, a segment primarily used in industrial vehicles and logistics equipment. According to the company, these batteries will be produced in capacities ranging from 60 to 155 ampere-hours, with the goal of achieving a competitive balance between cost and performance. The product line is aimed at both domestic customers and export markets where industrial battery solutions are required for forklifts, warehouse systems, and other heavy-duty applications.
Management emphasized that the relaunch is not limited to restarting operations but forms part of a broader investment cycle designed to modernize the plant. The company is continuing investments in technology upgrades and environmental standards within the manufacturing process. Čolić noted that the reopening of the production line demonstrates the company’s strategic commitment to long-term development and technological modernization, highlighting the importance of maintaining industrial know-how while introducing contemporary manufacturing practices.
A key component of the renewed production strategy is the implementation of strict quality control procedures. Genadi Isaev, director of research, development and quality control at Black Horse, explained that traction battery production requires a high level of technical precision and rigorous monitoring at every stage of manufacturing. The company has established systems intended to ensure consistent product quality, reliability and performance. These systems combine traditional industrial expertise with modern engineering solutions to support the company’s efforts to regain competitiveness in the regional battery market.
The new production line has been designed to meet high technical and operational standards, enabling the factory to produce durable battery systems suitable for demanding industrial applications. According to company representatives, the modernization of the facility aims to ensure reliability and longevity of the products while aligning manufacturing processes with contemporary industry standards.
The event marking the restart of production was attended by local government officials, including the mayor of Sombor, representatives of the West Bačka District, as well as members of the business community and company partners. Their presence underscored the broader regional importance of reviving a long-standing industrial employer that historically played a significant role in the local economy.
Black Horse has a long industrial tradition dating back decades, during which it served as the only domestic manufacturer of automotive batteries in Serbia. For many years the company was considered one of the major industrial producers in the former Yugoslavia, supplying batteries to both domestic and export markets. The restart of production therefore represents not only a corporate recovery but also an attempt to revive part of the country’s legacy manufacturing base.
The company’s revival has been supported by investments aimed at modernizing production equipment and improving operational efficiency. Earlier announcements indicated that approximately €3 million would be invested in upgrading machinery and production systems to enable more efficient and sustainable manufacturing. The investment is intended to support the introduction of modern technologies while preparing the factory for additional product lines in the future.
Looking ahead, Black Horse plans to expand its product portfolio beyond traction batteries. Management previously announced that the next development phase would include the introduction of starter batteries, with production potentially beginning around 2027 once modernization of the plant and technology installation are completed. The objective is to gradually restore the company’s position as a major regional battery supplier capable of serving both industrial and automotive markets.
The reopening of the Sombor facility therefore signals a broader industrial turnaround effort. By combining investment in technology, workforce expansion and new product development, Black Horse aims to rebuild its presence in the battery sector and reestablish itself as a competitive manufacturer in Southeast Europe. The company’s leadership views the restart of production as the foundation for further growth and as an opportunity to reconnect a long-standing industrial brand with modern technological capabilities and evolving market demand.
