# Industrial investment and factory exits in North Macedonia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/industrial-investment-and-factory-exits-in-north-macedonia
> Updated: 2026-08-26T08:02:21.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In North Macedonia, the Directorate for Technological Industrial Development Zones (TIRZ) is exploring a potential €15 million investment from the Slovenian firm INEA. The proposed project focuses on industrial automation, robotics, and energy management, with the possibility of creating at least 100 new jobs. 

However, this potential investment occurs as several foreign manufacturers prepare to exit the country. BMW has confirmed it will close its Ilinden plant by the end of 2026 to move production to Poland, impacting 89 workers. Additionally, the firms Dura and Aptiv have either halted operations or announced plans to leave North Macedonia by 2026.

## Claims

- 282 investments have been integrated into Macedonia and Thrace through the Development Law. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The total budget for these investments is approximately 1 billion euros. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Ministry of Development is providing 510 million euros in support for these investments. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The investments are expected to create more than 5,000 new jobs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 80% of the 282 investments concern manufacturing and industry. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 15,000 industrial jobs have been created in Northern Greece over the last seven years. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 14 industrial parks in Macedonia have been strengthened for new productive investments. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Macedonia and Thrace receive 282 new industrial investments

Greek Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos announced 282 investments in Macedonia and Thrace totaling 1 billion euros, aimed at creating 5,000 jobs and boosting the manufacturing sector.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-and-thrace-receive-282-new-industrial-investments

### 2026-07-29: Macedonia's TIRZ zones consider €15 million INEA investment as three factories exit

Macedonia's TIRZ zones are exploring a €15 million INEA investment that could create 100 jobs, while BMW and two other foreign factories announce closures or relocations, affecting dozens of workers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonias-tirz-zones-consider-15-million-inea-investment-as-three-factories-exit

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Cite as: Industrial investment and factory exits in North Macedonia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/industrial-investment-and-factory-exits-in-north-macedonia