The precise location will reportedly be known by the end of the month. Most likely, a spot near Slovenia’s freeway system will be chosen. The Japanese company isn’t yet planning an upgrade of the development, but this has not yet been ruled out over the next few years. Sumitomo plans to produce two and a half billion units of medical elastomers, mostly for European markets, in the currently planned facility. They will need some 200 manufacturing workers, mechanics, engineers, university-trained chemists, and middle managers. According to State Secretary Aleš Cantarutti of the Economy Ministry, these are high-value jobs: “In the submission presented to us by the investors, it’s apparent that the ‘value added’ per employee will be more than 100,000 euros. Based on this, we can conclude that the income levels will be motivating.”

The manufacture of medical elastomers is not expected to be a burden on the environment. The products are non-toxic because they are designed to be used on or in the human body. Therefore, the company does not expect delays in obtaining its environmental operating license.

“This sector does not allow the use of dirty technologies, so we don’t foresee any problems in the company’s effort to obtain its environmental operating license, but we’ll still help them to ensure that they get the license within the planned timeframe.”

The company will apply for the operating license next month, while construction work is scheduled to begin next spring. The first products from the Slovenian plant are expected to enter the market in 2019. A Slovenian, Peter Weber, will head the plant with the assistance of experts from the multinational corporation. Slovenian will be the plant’s official language. Cantarutti emphasizes the importance of the company’s good practices in the field of management as well as its attitude to employees and the local community.

Simeona Rogelj

Translated by J. B.