As an economically viable industry, Slovenia’s machining and metalworking sector holds hope for the future as manufacturers commit to more efficient technology practice and green engineering widely regarded as being near the top of recession-resistant industries. The health and safety requirements, which apply to the machinery. The machinery must be designed and constructed taking into account the results of the risk assessment. As labour productivity has come into sharper focus than ever before, all major manufacturers are working to upgrade facilities and invest in new projects. At this point, experience and knowledge of employees give companies an edge through innovative solutions that translate to continuing improvements of manufacturing processes. The CE conformity marking affixed to the »Made in Slovenia« products speak of a high level of metalworking technology, machine tools and precision engineering found in Slovenia. Car component manufacture and assembly is another sector's facet outlined in the Automotive Industry.

There are nearly 50 thousand employees in over 2,500 companies in the sector. The bulk of workforce is employed in metalworking, but in terms of value-added per employee, the most successful are the companies specialising in car component manufacture and assembly. Manufacturers compete by leveraging their expertise and training is an essential component in this effort and Slovenian manufacturers have been an important links in international supply chains for quite a while.

Estimated gross annual labour costs in metals industry for 2012

(Total cost per employee in €)

When forming strategic partnerships, innovating and accessing new customers, the country’s position on the doorstep of the fast-growing markets in central and south-eastern Europe is of key importance. With its cutting-edge technologies, a skilled workforce and high quality products, Slovenia is a hotbed of business opportunity for investors seeking to create a new paradigm in modern metalworking industry.  The manufacture of all kinds of fabricated metal products and machined parts accounts for 59% of revenue earned in foreign markets and with 3.3 billion euros in exports in 2010, the sector generated over 18% of total Slovenian exports of the manufacturing sector. The EU Member States remain Slovenia’s biggest market and thanks to the decades of fostering economic links with its neighbours, Slovenia keeps expanding trade with the markets in the region. The leading Slovenian metalworking and machining companies are among the most important foreign investors in the markets of south-eastern Europe (SEE) and it is a clear benefit for their international business partners.

The number of international companies setting up their regional hubs in Slovenia is rising attracted by the expertise of local managers, sales force and field engineers, and their in-depth knowledge of the regional markets. They speak the language, they are familiar with legislation, they know their way around, and what’s most important there are no cross-cultural barriers for them.

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Productivity in Industry (PPP), 2010

Related GDP (PPP) per person employed (in €)  

The provision of efficient, reliable and affordable infrastructure services, such as water and sanitation, power, transport and telecommunications is a building block of economic growth and sustainable development. The availability of efficient infrastructure services is high in Slovenia as the pace of market development and output growth clearly show.  Both “hard” infrastructure such as highways and railroads, and political, institutional, and legal environment (“soft” infrastructure) attract investors and Slovenia’s record of accomplishment is equally impressive in both fields. The fact that two Pan-European Transport Corridors (V and X) intersect in Slovenia makes it a location of choice for investors that want to offshore some or all operations to a safe country with well-developed transport and IT infrastructure. The Adriatic Port of Koper is the shortest maritime connection for cargo arriving from Asia to landlocked countries of Central Europe through the Suez Canal.

The companies working in the manufacture of metal products co-operate closely in clusters, professional associations, universities, research institutes, supporting fundamental and applied research that address technological barriers facing the industry. Designers and manufacturers of tools have been at the forefront of the industry providing a platform for toolmaking companies with CAD/CAM/CAE designed and manufactured tooling. Other companies benefit from comprehensive hi-tech solutions to increase productivity and speed delivery. These are large, as well as medium and small enterprises, well-known in the EU working to specifications of leading manufacturers in the automotive and aviation industry (Audi, Benteler, BMW, Chrysler, Alfa, Magna, Mercedes, PSA Group, VW), and non-metal industry sectors such as household appliances and IT.

The list of Slovenia’s biggest and most successful companies in the machining and metalworking sector without automotive industry suppliers includes Unior, Trimo, Acroni, Talum and Metal Ravne. These companies are owned by domestic owners and they achieve good business results under their own brand names in the most discerning markets. Metals industry has always been interesting for foreign investment. Alongside Renault and a number of other foreign investors in the automotive industry, sound performance and fast growth have been achieved by a number of foreign-owned companies: Palfinger, GKN Driveline, Akers, Farmtech and others.

Productivity/value added per employee, 2010