The new investment by the world-renowned company "Johnson Controls" in a factory for production of car seat covers and upholstery is the first industrial facility in the Stip-based technological and industrial development zone.

The new factory was inaugurated Monday at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Peter Heift - general director of TRIM Group 'Johnson Controls', US Ambassador Paul Wohlers and the director of the Directorate for Technological and Industrial Development Zones, Viktor Mizo.

Speaking at the event, PM Gruevski said Johnson Controls was the first foreign company that had decided to launch its second investment in Macedonia in the industrial zone in Stip after its initial investment in Skopje's development zone.

"The benefits of this factory are numerous and multiple. The investment is estimated at nearly 20 million euros and is projected to open jobs for approximately 1,400 people. So far, more than 900 citizens from Stip, Probistip, Kocani, Veles, Sveti Nikole and other nearby cities are already working in the new factory. 'Johnson Controls' has already breathed new life in Stip and its surroundings, namely in its economy generating in general positive results," Gruevski stated.

He noted that foreign direct investments were of paramount importance for the country's development.

The past few years have been difficult, the Prime Minister said, not only for Macedonia, but also for the global economy in general.

"In this regard, the Government's efforts toward economic growth would have been futile without the foreign investments in Macedonia. These efforts and results have been thus far recognized by all international institutions, agencies, newspapers and foundations that follow the economies and economic parameters of the countries worldwide. Recently, Macedonia was ranked 43rd by the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal according to the economic freedom index. According to the report, Macedonia is the 20th economically free country in Europe above many Balkan and EU countries," PM Gruevski stressed.

It is a confirmation of the government's efforts and an excellent signal for foreign investors to come and invest in Macedonia, according to him.

The General Director of Johnson Control's TRIM Group Peter Heift said the global company had been recognized in the automotive industry and construction.

"It is our great pleasure to officially open the company's new facility in Stip. We would like to become a member of the local community. This factory is an integral part of our European manufacturing network providing quality products for our clients, car manufacturers," he stated.

The new factory in the industrial zone located in Stip manufactures car seat covers for the markets across Europe and Russia, the company official said.

The plant, which has created jobs for nearly 1,000 people, covers an area of 12,500 square meters.