Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca, who visited the Iveco truck factory in southern Petresti, Dambovita County on Wednesday, said that the company’s representatives offered assurances that the delays caused by the pandemic and some issues related to logistics insurance will be recovered by next year, according to Agerpres.

The premier recalled that two years ago the project was initiated through which the Iveco company will produce part of the trucks needed by the Romanian Army, and 18 months ago the inauguration of the production line took place.

„Today, with all the problems and difficulties encountered during the pandemic and all the aspects related to the logistical assurance, it was still possible, after delays of about nine months, to recover and reach less than six months delays. The management of the company gave us assurances that there is a prospect that by next year, when the first subsequent contract is to be concluded, the company will recover and even advance the assumed deadlines,” he said.

Nicolae Ciuca added that until now 514 trucks have been produced, and at a capacity of 400 trucks per year, there is a „very clear prospect that by next year, in November, all 900 trucks assumed by the first subsequent contract be completed. By the end of 2026, all deliveries would be done, in accordance with the general contract, which provides for 2,900 trucks.

„Up to this moment, we already have 16 derivatives that are produced here, in Petresti, we were able to see trucks with a normal structure, but also trucks with an armored structure. Of course, a whole series of other derivatives that the Army really needs. We were able to see the beginning of the integration of the production of 70-ton trailers, which is a reason for joy and pride,” he stated.

Ciuca emphasized the role of the National Investment and Foreign Trade Agency, established last week, in promoting investments. At the same time, he mentioned that the government aims to relaunch the defense industry and do things in such a way that through a strategy that is being worked on at the level of the Ministry of Economy, but which has inter-ministerial components, we’ll succeed in doing it in such a way that projects like Iveco can include the other equipment and endowment needs of the Romanian Army.

The prime minister highlighted that such investments ensure jobs and income for the local administration budget.

„Also, very important, I met people who worked in other countries of the European Union and here they are today returning home and being able to carry out their activities in Romanian companies,” mentioned the head of the Government.

The factory has a capacity of 440 vehicles per year, has five production lines and an area of 9,000 square meters. The investment from Petresti is 50 million euros and is made as part of the offset related to the contract to provide the Romanian Army with vehicles produced by Iveco Defence.

Agerpres