The Chinese firm, which plans to start production in two years, is to invest EUR 1m in the plot, EUR 2.5m in the factory building and spend some EUR 5m on equipment. They plan to use Slovenia as a gateway to European and global markets, according to the Maribor-based daily Večer.

While production of batteries will stay in China, the Slovenian factory which will create some 200 new jobs will be used for packaging and installing batteries.

Marko Kovačič, adviser to the Maribor mayor, told Večer that not only car batteries but also batteries for household use would be processed in Maribor.

Moreover, he hinted at the possibility of more Chinese investment, among others in Marifarm, a maker of medicines, and in the utility Snaga.