President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić attended the ceremonial launch of serial production at the Chinese Linglong factory in Zrenjanin

ZRENJANIN - September 13, 2024 - President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, Ministers Irena Vujović and Adriana Mesarović, along with representatives from Linglong, symbolically marked by pressing a button the beginning of serial tire production in Zrenjanin.

Construction of the Chinese Shandong Linglong factory in Zrenjanin began on March 30, 2019. Trial production of truck tires commenced in 2023, followed by the production of passenger vehicle tires in early 2024.

The investment value exceeds one billion dollars, with Linglong's net profit in Serbia last year amounting to 195.1 million dollars and operational revenue reaching 2.8 billion dollars.

Photo: TANJUG / Sava Radovanović

Zrenjanin's Tires on European Vehicles

General Director of Linglong Tire, Feng Vang, highlighted in his address that despite challenges, the factory in Zrenjanin was never abandoned.

“We completed this enormous project in a short period and made a significant investment,” said Feng Vang.

He reminded attendees that the company began its investment in 2019, with the main construction phase starting in September 2020, and despite all the challenges, the project was successfully completed. The results have exceeded expectations, and next year is expected to see an increase in production of 2.7 million semi-steel tires and one million steel tires.

General Director Feng Vang noted that the factory features high automation, digitalization, and smart technologies. He emphasized that the factory adheres to RSCI standards and aims to meet all environmental and energy standards.

“This year, we have already achieved our set goals, and we have never paused. We are recording very good results and expect revenue that will significantly contribute to the development of the Serbian economy. This is one of the largest factories in Europe, and we have collaborated with over 100 companies throughout different stages of our project. Green manufacturing is essential for development. It is important to state that we have all the major RSCI certifications,” said the General Director of Linglong.

This year, the first European customers of the Chinese manufacturer’s tire factory include Nissan, Volkswagen, Audi, Ford, Stellantis Group, Hyundai, and Kia, as well as truck manufacturer MAN.

China Continues to Invest in Serbia

Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming stated that the opening of the Linglong factory in Zrenjanin symbolizes the further alignment of interests between Serbia and China. He added that, alongside the growth of bilateral trade, there is a constant increase in Chinese investments in Serbia.

“The China-Serbia bilateral trade cooperation has brought tangible and obvious benefits to the people of our countries, and I am confident that the Linglong factory project will become another successful example of economic cooperation between China and Serbia,” said Li.

The Largest Greenfield Investment in Serbia

President Aleksandar Vučić stated today that the Zrenjanin factory is the largest greenfield investment realized in Serbia and that 1,235 Serbian workers are already employed in the first phase.

“Over 1,800 employees will be hired, I don't need to tell you how much this means for Zrenjanin,” emphasized President Vučić.

He added that the Zrenjanin factory will have exports worth 200 million euros this year, and 500 million euros next year, which will position it as one of the largest exporters.

Photo: TANJUG / Sava Radovanović