The Szigetvár-based metalworking company Iron-Tech Ltd has completed a new production facility within the framework of a partly state-funded investment project worth HUF 450 million. The site was opened by Minister of State for Employment Sándor Czomba.

As of February 2014, the enterprise expects to provide jobs for 81 people in the new, 1700sqm production hall, where components for Ford car engines will be produced for Denso Hungary Ltd. The enterprise has won funding of HUF 208 million from the National Employment Fund to build the production hall through a tender aimed at supporting employment-boosting investments by micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Prior to the ceremonial opening of the facility, Sándor Czomba emphasised that for a micro-region with poor employment prospects such as that of Szigetvár it is crucial to be assisted by the Government. In the opinion of the Minister of State, the investment has gained a lot by being situated in a free entrepreneurial zone. He stressed that wherever a free entrepreneurial zone is established, enterprises can receive extra subsidies. This means that they can claim incentives totalling HUF 400 thousand for each employee, the way Iron-Tech could, he added.

Fidesz MP Zsolt Tiffán, Government Commissioner responsible for the Old Drava Programme, called it an encouraging sign that some industrial investment projects are being also implemented outside cities, in the countryside. He added that although the employment indicators of Baranya County are not among the best in the country, the investment projects currently in the pipeline are promising for the future. He also welcomed the fact that the Szigetvár project will facilitate the success of the car industry.

(Ministry for National Economy)