Hisense has invested 45 million euros in a new factory for the production of cutting-edge refrigeration appliances in Valjevo. In the new Valjevo 3 factory they will manufacture side-by-side refrigerators under the Hisense, Gorenje, and Asko brands, primarily for export to demanding European markets. The opening ceremony that marked the completion of the construction and the official opening of the factory was attended by the Serbian Prime Minister Ms Ana Brnabić.
Gorenje has been successfully operating in Valjevo for 17 years, providing over 1,750 jobs to the residents of Valjevo and the Kolubara District. The opening of our new factory signifies the employment of an additional 1,000 workers over the next three years. The factory is situated next to the existing one on a 45,000 m² site, housing a modern production hall covering 30,000 m², warehouses, and a state-of-the-art cafeteria for employees.
The planned production in the new factory will reach 750,000 side-by-side appliances annually, contributing to a total production of 1.7 million appliances per year across all three Gorenje Valjevo facilities by 2025. These state-of-the-art refrigerators appliances from Valjevo will find their place in homes throughout Europe, serving all European markets that Hisense is currently present on.
Prioritizing the well-being of its employees and upholding high business standards, we opened a new cafeteria for all employees at our Valjevo site at the end of August. This project, with an investment exceeding 700,000 euros, aims to improve working conditions and create a better working environment. The cafeteria is located within the new Valjevo 3 factory hall and is equipped with the latest kitchen appliances and devices that meet the highest technological standards and norms for preparing quality, delicious, and healthy meals. The cafeteria's capacity allows for the preparation of over 3,000 meals daily, and a dedicated team of professionals, including chefs, pastry chefs, and support staff, will ensure employees are satisfied with a diverse and high-quality menu.
During the opening ceremony, Hanson Han, CEO of Hisense Europe group, expressed his appreciation: "This factory represents a significant investment and is a testament to our unwavering commitment to this community, this country, and the European market. Beyond our business endeavors, we believe in giving back to the community that has embraced us and made us feel at home. Recognizing our social responsibility, we have made substantial donations to improve the quality of life for the people of this region. On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Serbia. Their support and understanding of the importance of this project were crucial in making today's event a reality. Thank you all for being part of this remarkable journey, and I look forward to a future filled with shared success and prosperity."
"It gives me great pleasure to be here in Valjevo today and to have the opportunity to attend the celebration of another extremely important day for Valjevo, but also for Serbia," said the Prime Minister of Serbia, Ms Ana Brnabić. "Hisense Group will employ almost 3 thousand workers in Serbia in the coming period, and that is really significant. I am endlessly grateful to the Hisense Group for showing great respect and trust in the Republic of Serbia in this way, but above in all our people - their quality, their knowledge, their value and discipline, their potential to create common added value that we will export from here in Valjevo throughout Europe and throughout the world," emphasized the Prime Minister during the opening ceremony.
Since the opening of the first factory in Valjevo, over 10 million appliances have been produced, with the number of units produced in 2022 alone exceeding 953,000. An impressive 92% of the total production is earmarked for export, solidifying this factory's position as one of Serbia's top exporters.
The Hisense Europe Group, ahead of the opening of the new Gorenje Valjevo 3 factory, donated a modern ultrasound machine, the HD60 color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic system, to the Valjevo Health Center, aiming to enhance healthcare in Valjevo and the Kolubara District. Plans also include donations of Hisense interactive boards to vocational schools and universities across Serbia. Caring for the communities where it operates and the environment are top priorities in the Hisense development strategy.
Gorenje is a part of the multinational Hisense corporation, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and household appliances, with over 100,000 employees worldwide and 10,000 in Europe. Hisense is committed to staying at the forefront of technological trends to develop customer-centric innovative solutions that significantly improve the quality of life. Its activities are based on a strong global distribution network, especially in Europe.
Hisense Europe, as the European arm of the Hisense group, encompasses production facilities in Serbia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic, along with development centers in Sweden, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia, and 27 sales companies.
Hisense continues to invest in strengthening its European production and development capabilities. In addition to the investment in the new Valjevo factory, significant investments have been made in establishing the Hisense Europe Electronics factory in Velenje, which produces Hisense brand televisions for European markets. This year also saw the opening of the Hisense Europe R&D center in Slovenia, where appliances under the Hisense, Gorenje, and Asko brands are being developed for the global market.