Arsenal in Kazanlak yesterday opened a new, fully automated nitrocellulose installation, the economy ministry's press office said. Deputy prime minister and economy, investment and industry minister Alexander Pulev attended the opening.
President Iliana Yotova, Dr Kaloyan Damyanov, governor of Stara Zagora region, and local officials from the area were also there.
The installation is part of Arsenal's investment programme to raise output and widen its range of products. The programme totals more than €300m. The new installation adds capacity, improves working conditions, makes the work safer and reduces the impact on the environment.
"This is one more important step in the development of Bulgaria's defence industry," Pulev said. He said firms and regions need new equipment and more capacity to stay competitive, and that this leads to a modern Bulgarian industry, high-tech production and well-paid jobs.
"We are working side by side with one main goal: to modernise the defence industry and create more opportunities for people and regions," the deputy prime minister added.
Late last week, Pulev said he had held a series of meetings with Rheinmetall representatives on the main terms of a deal, which he called strategic for the Bulgarian state. He said the meetings were very constructive.
Pulev said Bulgaria's interest must come first. He said that means a full transfer of technology, to be used to upgrade defence firms and their skills, and that Rheinmetall fully understands this. The aim is to have the company's plant in Bulgaria up and running within 30 months.