site.btaBehr-Hella Thermocontrol Invests EUR 25 Mln in Second Production Expansion at Bozhurishte Industrial Park

Automotive parts manufacturer Behr-Hella Thermocontrol (BHTC) is investing EUR 25 million to expand its factory at the Bozhurishte Industrial Park near Sofia, the Ministry of Economy and Industry said on Wednesday. The investment, which was announced during an official ceremony marking BHTC’s second production expansion at the site, will create over 100 new jobs.

During the ceremony, Deputy Economy Minister Nevena Lazarova emphasized that the investment further strengthens BHTC's position as a key partner in Bulgaria’s industrial development and as an example of sustainable, high-tech growth. "This new production capacity is yet another confirmation that our country has the potential to become a leader in the industries of the future," she added.

"We value investors who are committed for the long term and who expand their production capabilities. Since the beginning of the year, we have observed a growing interest from investors in Bulgaria, supported by the decision for our accession to the euro area as of January 1, 2026. Foreign direct investment has already reached EUR 1.4 billion in the first five months of 2025, marking an increase of nearly 47% on an annual basis," Lazarova said.

Lazarova said the automotive sector will be a key pillar of the new National Industrial Strategy currently being developed by the Ministry. The strategy will focus on new technologies, the green transition, and high value-added production. She assured that it will align with European goals for sustainable industrialization and innovation.

BHTC Bulgaria General Manager Martin Nyland said that the company is proud of what it has built in Bulgaria. “Today’s inauguration is not only a significant step forward for our facility, but also a clear commitment to the future, to innovation, sustainability, and to our dedicated team,” he added.

BHTC Bulgaria is part of the globally operating AUO Group, a leader in display technology innovation and integrated solutions. Through its cutting-edge HMI (human-machine interface) systems and pioneering use of next-generation Micro LED technology in automotive displays, AUO is actively shaping the future of mobility by enhancing safety and comfort in vehicle interiors.

BHTC began operations in Bulgaria in 2013 with the establishment of a manufacturing facility and R&D centre for the production of control panels for automotive climate systems. The company currently employs over 650 people in Bulgaria. Globally, BHTC is among the leading manufacturers of automotive climate control and management systems, supplying many of the world’s top car brands.

In late June, Lazarova said in an interview with BTA that the National Company Industrial Zones (NCIZ) is working on investment projects worth more than BGN 80 million. The projects at various stages have seen interest from German, Italian, Spanish, and Turkish companies. The state-owned company reports a profit of BGN 646,000 for 2024, which is expected to be exceeded in 2025. She noted that the greatest investor interest is currently focused on the Bozhurishte Industrial Zone. The projects under negotiation include the establishment of production facilities for medical consumables, equipment for wastewater and drinking water treatment plants, as well as high-tech manufacturing facilities in the food industry.