FAP to start producing trucks in September

PRIBOJ - The Serbian government and the Finnish SISU company on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding under which Priboj-based heavy commercial vehicles maker FAP should start producing trucks in September, with a contract to be signed by late August.

The signing of the memorandum - inked on behalf of the Serbian government by Minister of Economy Dusan Vujovic and SISU owner-director Timo Korhonen - was also attended by Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, who said that it is a great day for FAP employees, Priboj and Serbia.

Vucic explained that the factory will hire at least 600 workers, adding that he expects it to do well.

The plant will produce parts and trucks for SISU Auto, one of the most renowned truck brands in Europe, he said.

"Better days are ahead for FAP, Priboj and Serbia," said Vucic, who added that finding a strategic partner for FAP took 12 years, and that he is proud of everyone who made that happen.

Vucic particularly thanked Finnish Ambassador Pekka Orpana for his involvement in the effort.

Korhonen said that he has visited Priboj three times over the past few months and that making the business plan involved much work.

Our objective is to sign the contract by the end of August, Korhonen said, adding that diligent and competent workers are the most important thing he has seen in Priboj, and that, with Finnish know-how, the factory could become a profitable business.

Visiting Priboj on October 31 last year after FAP workers had gone on a strike, Vucic announced that the factory will not be shut down, but truly restructured.

He also said that FAP is expected to become profitable by 2015.

FAP (Fabrika automobila Priboj), established six...