Another significant investment in the municipality of Svilajnac will be signed tomorrow, this time with the German company ‘Bril,’ which is acquiring a three-hectare plot of land in the territory of Svilajnac. By the end of the year, the construction of a 1,500-square-meter factory, worth one and a half million euros, is expected to be completed. In the first phase, 50 workers will be employed. This company is engaged in the production of security doors and fences for automated production lines,” explained Predrag Milanović, the mayor of Svilajnac, to “Politika,” adding that this is the sixth investment with German companies in the last 12 years.
“At the moment, we have 52 exporters, with around twenty factories operating on our territory, including both domestic and foreign companies from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Turkey. Last year, we achieved a record surplus in the history of Svilajnac, amounting to 23.4 million dollars. In terms of surplus, we have surpassed much larger cities like Jagodina, Ćuprija, and Paraćin. I can say that in this region, Svilajnac is a leader in the industry,” emphasized Milanović.
The external trade turnover of this municipality now amounts to 165 million dollars, which is three times more than in 2012, our interlocutor points out.
“There are several factors that have influenced this result. In the last 15 years, we have built two industrial zones and fully equipped them with infrastructure. We have established a free customs zone and enabled investors to engage in import and export without significant administration. At the end of 2022, we obtained a customs office by the government’s decision… However, all of this would not have been possible if we did not successfully implement dual education, as we prepare the workforce for these industries,” says Milanović.
Dual education is enrolled by students from Svilajnac and the surrounding area who have the advantage in employment opportunities.
“Starting this year, we provide free accommodation in student dormitories for all children who enroll in vocational occupations to motivate them to apply. In addition to having free education and accommodation, as well as the opportunity for immediate employment after graduation, these students also receive compensation from the employer for learning the trade,” emphasizes the mayor, adding that today in this town, the government’s concept of dual education will be presented, promoting Svilajnac as an example of best practices.
“For the needs of investors, we organize a regional job fair every year, where more than a thousand potential workers apply, and between 300 and 400 new jobs are created. In April, we will have a new fair, so I invite neighboring municipalities to apply because only through mutual cooperation can we develop,” explains Milanović.
Svilajnac has 25,000 inhabitants, and our interlocutor points out that it covers a market of 150,000 people.
“The workforce comes from Svilajnac and neighboring municipalities, but also from Kragujevac, Jagodina, Požarevac… It is significant that we have the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Kragujevac, that a highway has been built, and we expect the construction of the largest infrastructure project to start this year – the bridge over the Morava River and the bypass around Svilajnac – which would relieve the city of heavy traffic and speed up the flow of goods, while also increasing safety,” notes Milanović.
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