US company Delphi Automotive has decided to invest EUR 15million in the technical industrial development zone (TIDZ) Bunardzik near Macedonia's capital Skopje.

Viktor Mizo, CEO of the Directorate for Technological Industrial Development Zones (Free Zones Authority), and Lucie Toscani, Vice-President of Delphi Electronics & Safety operations, signed late Monday an agreement on the investment, which is to be realized in several phases and bring about 500 new jobs. In a few years, Delphi's manufacturing facility in Macedonia is expected to export over EUR 150million.

"Delphi is focused on delivering high-quality; industry-leading technologies that help automakers manage increasingly complex electronics and safety systems. The facility in Macedonia will help further this goal," Toscani said.

Delphi says its decisions on investing are based on certain criteria, namely following of the group's vehicle-maker customers, accessing skilled workforce, using of existing infrastructure and partnership potential with local government. The favorable business environment, advance skillset and excellent infrastructure in TIDZs were key factors for Delphi to decide to invest in Macedonia.

Delphi Automotive is expected to start the manufacturing activities in Macedonia in the second half of 2016. The plant will produce electronic controls technologies for vehicle manufacturers across Europe and work closely with other facilities in the region to ensure efficiency and flexibility for its customers.

Delphi Automotive PLC (NYSE:DLPH) is a leading global supplier of technologies for the automotive and commercial vehicle markets, with an annual turnover of EUR 17 billion. Headquartered in Gillingham, UK, Delphi operates major technical centers, manufacturing sites and customer support services in 33 countries. The company delivers innovation for the real world and technologies that make cars and trucks smarter and safer as well as mote powerful and efficient. It is one of the largest vehicle component manufacturers, supplying 18 of the 20 top vehicle makers in Europe.

Currently Delphi operates 14 plants in Central & Eastern Europe, employing close to 20,000 people at facilities that manufacture safe, green and connected technologies for global vehicle platforms.

Earlier today, Delphi's representatives held talks with Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.