The new plant for manufacturing of industrial and safety clothing “VPTEX Macedonia” of Dutch company Van Puijenbroek Textiel opened in Ilinden industrial zone on Wednesday.
 
The Dutch company has invested EUR 2 million in the facility. Fifty employees have already been engaged, 50 more will be added after next month’s opening of the second production line, whereas the third line will follow in the first quarter of 2014.
 
Minister of Transport and Communications Mile Janakieski said the job openings were of exceptional significance for the Government.
 
“It is also important that the company is export-oriented”, he added.
 
According to him, the investment represents another confirmation of the Dutch investors’ belief in Macedonia’s favorable business environment.
 
Van Puijenbroek Textiel managing director Rob Kwaspen said the new plant represented a continuation of their traditional partnership at the Macedonian market, where they have been present for 45 years.
 
“The purpose of this VPTEX plant is to meet the expectations of our consumers. We are also planning to open sales offices, renting and cleaning professional clothing. The goal is not only swift and efficient manufacturing of our clothing in Macedonia, but also its distribution in the country, making it a well-known brand here”, said Kwaspen.
 
Dutch ambassador to Macedonia Marriet Schuurman said the new facilities illustrated the Netherlands’ entrepreneurial spirit and innovations, hoping it would attract many other investments.
 
Ilinden Mayor Zika Stojanovski stressed the foreign direct investments and the domestic companies were the best recommendation for the favorable business environment in Ilinden, enhancing the municipality’s economic growth and significantly reducing unemployment.
 
Van Puijenbroek Textiel was founded in 1865 as a family business. Since, the company has grown and is now a leading player on the international market for professional industrial and safety clothing made from high-quality textile fibres.