American manufacturer arrives in Ostrava

The arrival of this major new investor was announced by Ostrava's Mayor Tomáš Macura, who explained the importance of the investment for the local job market: "The Chassix plant will create jobs with high added value. Managers from the company have confirmed that they are not looking for the cheapest possible labour – the key criteria for them are good infrastructure and local support structures, plus the opportunity to employ staff with expertise. It is also a very positive signal that the company is keen to cooperate with the VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava in its product development programme and internships scheme."

Sergi Barbero, the company's Managing Director for Europe, gave more details: "We considered locating our new plant in several different countries, and then we chose among several locations in the Czech Republic. We eventually decided on Ostrava because our priority is to produce the best products for our customers – and Ostrava has an excellent, highly capable workforce. We needed a location that would enable us to make products of the highest quality. It became clear that Ostrava was the best-prepared location, with the best infrastructure."

Chassix is a leading manufacturer of components for the automotive industry, and its new Ostrava plant will produce and fit aluminium castings for car wheels. The company's customers include Ford, Opel, Renault, Volvo and Audi. Recruitment for key positions will begin in May. The company will then focus on recruiting technicians, and finally on manual professions. Barbero concludes: "Our Ostrava plant will be run by local managers, who have a thorough knowledge of local conditions. They will also help us to set up an employee motivation and reward system."