site.btaEconomy Minister Meets Turkish Auto Parts Maker Management in Kardzhali

The caretaker Minister of Economy and Industry Nikola Stoyanov spoke in Kardzhali on Wednesday with the management of Teklas Bulgaria about the development plans and the problems they face here. Teklas Bulgaria's turnover has increased more than 25 times since they started operations in Kardzhali in 2006, according to the Economy Ministry's press release.

Stoyanov said that the state is exploring possibilities to participate in the establishing an industrial zone in the Kardzhali region. "We believe that the state can participate much more actively in directing investment interest to this region," he added.

Teklas has plants in China, Mexico, the US, Serbia and Turkiye. More than half of its volumes are generated in its three Bulgarian plants. The largest one, in Kardzhali, employs more than 2,500 workers. Staff shortages have forced the company to hire and transport people within a 50-km radius of the region.

The entire company's production is export-oriented. Its clients include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, and Volvo. The company produces components for both hybrid and electric cars, including Tesla. The constant expansion of the business is the reason why Teklas Bulgaria registers a steady turnover increase every year, regardless of economic cycles. Teklas has opened its own R&D centre in Kardzhali for testing materials and finished products, which employs 70 qualified specialists.