MIRRI: German Investor Interested in Former Bukoza Plant Site

Hencovce, 10 August (TASR) - German investor BWC Consulting Management GmbH is interested in acquiring the site of a former company called Bukoza in Hencovce, Vranov nad Toplou district (Presov region), where it plans to revive the area and set up a modern hardwood processing centre, according to a memorandum of cooperation signed between Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Minister Samuel Migal (Independent) and the German company represented by former EU commissioner Jan Figel on Monday. Figel said that BWC Consulting Management GmbH was interested in acquiring the plant before it went bankrupt, but no agreement was reached at that time. According to him, the company is aware of Bukoza's situation and its environment, and it's participated in reconstructing or constructing seven similar wood-processing plants in Europe. According to an indicative site development concept, the budget is set at some €350 million. "Based on the wording of the memorandum and the draft overall concept, the aim is to create a unique European hardwood centre with a focus on processing, research, innovation and education and training," said Figel. A candidate for the post of Presov regional governor, Migal recalled that the wood-processing industry has a long and significant tradition in the district of Vranov nad Toplou. "At our ministry, we're also working towards preparing an investment fund that would make it possible to invest in precisely this type of centre. Today, the European and global trend is not to invest solely in production as such, but to combine science, research, education and a factory in one location," added Migal. Vranov nad Toplou mayor Jan Ragan also welcomed the plans, noting that more than 3,600 people once worked at the company, while nearly 700 employees lost their jobs when it closed. He expects the potential investor not only to create reasonably well-paid jobs but also to meet environmental requirements. jrg/df