Skopje, 12 November 2024 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Brainchild founder and manager Ralf Grösel signed on Tuesday contracts for state aid for two separate investment projects. Brainchild is a company formed by German and Dutch investors, setting new standards within the industry of wind-sport related products and accessories based on high-tech materials and production techniques.  

The Brainchild brand in the country consists of Brainchild Production in 2020 and Brainchild Manufactory in 2022.

"We have a new investment, which I announced a few weeks ago. It is a German-Dutch investment that upholds our efforts to develop the economy and market innovations," Mickoski told Tuesday's press conference after the signing of the contracts. 

He said Brainchild Production is a company engaged in activities for research and development of new manufacturing techniques and products, through the use of advanced materials, with the aim of obtaining specific material needed for the production of wind and water sports equipment. The investment is located in Bitola, in a facility of 1500 square meters.

According to him, the investment plan includes investments in the adaptation of a laboratory for research and development and the purchase of new modern equipment and machines. In line with the business plan and the state aid, the company is expected to invest a total amount of at least EUR 2,500,000 in a period of five years, including about 40 highly qualified new jobs. 

Brainchild Manufactory deals with series production of equipment and components.

Mickoski noted that the owners plan to build a completely new facility of 3000 square meters in the industrial zone Zhabeni near Bitola and employ about 200 people. According to the investment plan, the beginning of the construction is expected in 2025, and complete an investment cycle of about EUR 8,500,000 during the next five years.

"In addition to the construction of a new facility, the company's goal is to preserve and upgrade the existing laboratory for the development of new products and production processes, as well as for the examination and creation of sustainable materials," Mickoski said.

He added that the Brainchild brand is strongly committed to a sustainable and environmentally friendly process by using recycled materials as raw materials and processes that eliminate some standard manufacturing practices harmful to the environment. 

"We continue to fight for every job and every investment that will support the economy," said Mickoski. 

Speaking at Tuesday's press conference, Brainchild founder and manager Ralf Grösel thanked the Government for the support, pointing out that the company is starting a new chapter today. 

"Thanks to the Government for the support. This enables us to realize our vision of sustainable sports products and components. Today we start a new chapter, and we hope that we will be able to fulfil our goals," said Grösel. 

Photo: Government of the Republic of North Macedonia