Cooper Standard begins factory construction in Sremska Mitrovica - Production starts Q1 2014

Cooper Standard yesterday laid the foundation stone for a factory for producing automotive sealing systems in Sremska Mitrovica in which USD 35 million will be invested and 500 people will get a job, it was announced on the website of the Serbian government.

The ceremony marking the commencement of works was attended by Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic, who said that the primary task of the government was to bring as many foreign investors to Serbia as possible. Half of the citizens of Serbia believe that the low employment rate represents the biggest problem of our country, Dacic added.

Cooper Standard Europe Vice President for Operations Robert Keunning said that it had taken two years for that project to reach the current point as a result of the hard work and assistance provided by many people.

- Once the project is fully completed, the factory will comprise a production space of 18,000 square meters and employ a total of 500 workers - said Kuenning.

He said that the official opening ceremony, that is, the beginning of the production of parts, was planned to take place in the first quarter of 2014.

US Ambassador to Belgrade Michael Kirby voiced his satisfaction with the fact that US companies were investing in Serbia.

Sremska Mitrovica Mayor Branislav Nedimovic noted that it had taken Cooper Standard only 12 days to get building permits. He added that another two building sites would be opened in the months to come.

Cooper Standard will be producing rubber and plastic parts for all types of vehicles in Sremska Mitrovica.