Macedonia's TIRZ zones consider €15 million INEA investment as three factories exit

The Directorate for Technological Industrial Development Zones (TIRZ) in North Macedonia is discussing a possible €15 million investment from Slovenian engineering and technology firm INEA. A meeting between TIRZ director Goče Dimovski and INEA representatives highlighted the company's expertise in industrial automation, robotics, digitalisation and energy management, and the potential creation of at least 100 new jobs if the investment proceeds. INEA, with more than 35 years of experience and over 3,000 projects worldwide, has not yet signed any agreement, and the discussions remain at the interest stage.

At the same time, three foreign manufacturers have announced the termination or relocation of their production in Macedonia. The German carmaker BMW confirmed it will close its Ilinden plant and shift production to its factory in Gliwice, Poland by the end of 2026, affecting 89 workers. Other firms, Dura and Aptiv, have also halted operations or plan to leave by 2026. These exits contrast with the hoped‑for diversification that the INEA investment could bring to the country's industrial base.