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 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.

The fact that some 50,000 people work in over 2,600 machining and tooling companies explains the progress in the development of modern technologies and their application to a lean-manufacturing environment. The bulk of workforce is employed in metal forming and metal fabrication working, but in terms of value-added per employee, the companies specialising in car component manufacture and assembly post the best results. Staff training is highly important as less expensive, faster and more efficient process become the stepping stones to improved competitiveness thanks to research and innovation.  Slovenian manufacturers are moving to the fore of the international supply chains as slow stamping-press speeds and frequent die crashes are regarded as not acceptable. 
 

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 machining and tooling industry. The manufacture of all kinds of fabricated metal products and machined parts accounts for 60.5% of revenue earned in foreign markets and with 3.9 billion euros in exports in 2011, the sector generated over 23% 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 machining and tooling 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. 

Slovenia is an excellent base for accessing key customers and many international companies use it for their regional hubs attracted by the expertise of local managers and engineers, and their in-depth knowledge of the regional markets. There is little need for compliance training and cultural integration, there are no language barriers and a culture of transparency and accountability is at home in Slovenia.

Productivity in Industry, 2011

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