"The construction of the Yaskawa plant in Kočevje is progressing as scheduled," Hubert Kosler said at an event on Thursday hosted by the Postojna unit of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS).

Kosler said that the equipment for the plant was currently being delivered and installed, adding that a test launch could be made as early as in November or December.

The first Yaskawa robots are expected to come off the assembly lines next March. At first, the plant is to produce around 150 robots a month, with the output planned to be gradually increased to 6,000-7,000 robots a year by 2021.

Kosler noted that more than 30 people had already been employed for the new project, adding that the plant would need between 60 and 70 workers at the launch of the production.

If the plant reaches the maximum possible output, it will employ between 200 and 250 people, according to him.

Kosler also noted that a letter of intent for the construction of a Yaskawa plant which would produce motors, servo regulators and inverters had also been signed in May. It will stand next to the plant that is already under construction.

"It will serve as supplier to the robot plant, with between 50% and 60% of its production capacity intended for the plant. The remaining part of mechatronic components will be sold," he added.