Yaskawa, which has two subsidiaries in Ribnica, intends to invest EUR 35m in Europe to build a production centre which would bring 200 new jobs.

In considering its location, it is deciding between Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The final decision will be known in the beginning of 2016.

Bruno Schnekenburger, the president of Yaskawa Robotics Europe, said at a celebration marking the company's 100th anniversary that Slovenia was a good candidate for the project.

Manfred Stern, the president and executive director of Yaskawa Europe, said that Slovenia was a dynamic country which offers good growth prospects.

Last year, the Slovenian subsidiaries Yaskawa Slovenija and Yaskawa Ristro earned revenue of EUR 25m. This year the figure is projected to increase towards EUR 35m.

Prime Minister Miro Cerar said that the two Ribnica-based subsidiaries were a good example of a successful foreign investment in Slovenia. He said that Slovenia's incentives to foreign investors proved to be effective.

"Japanese investments in Slovenia in 2013 amounted to EUR 44.4m. I believe that there is still room for improvement. In the following months, the government will strive to create favourable business conditions for new investors as well as existing investors," said Cerar when asked about government plans.

He hopes that good cooperation will continue with the construction of a new production centre in Ribnica. It would also prove the excellence of the Slovenian subsidiaries' work so far, ensure the company's further development, and bring new jobs.

Yaskawa Electric Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer of industrial robots.