The words ''employment in Vukovar'' aren't commonly said or heard. Vukovar, as well as the entire eastern region of Croatia is known more for its workers abandoning it in favour of Germany and Ireland than its workers generating their income there. Vukovar, once ravaged by war, isn't a place that draws much attention from would-be investors or business owners. Is all of that about to finally alter?
As Darko Bicak/Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 1st of March, 2020, interest in Vukovar has been expressed by a Zagreb-based company which employs 650 people in Croatia, Germany and across the Atlantic in the United States. Just when the factory in Vukovar is due to begin work is unknown so far, but the plans for employment in Vukovar look promising.
Although speculation about the arrival of a company from the aviation industry sector to Vukovar has been rife for some time now, official confirmation of what will likely be a much needed spring in Vukovar's step arrived this week. Namely, Vukovar Mayor Ivan Penava visited the headquarters of Enikon Aerospace in Zagreb, which manufactures plastic parts for aircraft interiors.
Penava announced on the occasion that the employment of fifty people in Vukovar is expected in April, and that, ultimately, 200 workers will be employed by Boeing and Airbus in Croatia's beloved Hero City on the Danube.
It is not yet known exactly when production could begin in Vukovar, as fifty of the first workers will be sent to training after signing their contracts, which will last, as Penava points out, between six and twelve months.
''The arrival of Enikon Aerospace in Vukovar, in addition to the fact that it brings with it the creation of 200 new jobs, also sends us a clear message that new opportunities are being created in terms of acquiring and improving knowledge and skills in the field of this technologically advanced industry, which did not exist here until now. Considering the fact that the needs of Enikon regarding the profile of workers and their qualifications are really diverse, I believe that in this area, we'll find the necessary workforce, which will be trained and improved for all further needs of the company,'' Penava said.
Enikon points out that at first they plan to produce 100 parts per day here, and as many as 1500 later on in the year, meaning increased employment in Vukovar.
''We came to Vukovar exclusively for business reasons. The airline industry is specific and relatively small, and quality and precision are the primary things to take into consideration. Certainly, a commitment is necessary, and there are all these virtues in Croatia,'' said Enikon's Vice President Jakov Baricic.
It's worth recalling that last year, the Austrian FACC bought land in Jakovlje near Zagreb, where it plans to invest thirty million euros in its aircraft parts factory. In the first phase, they plan to hire 600 people, and ultimately it could result in the creation of several thousand new jobs.
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