- Sector volume production increased almost 3.5 times in 2009, compared to 2000
- 2010 revenues were over €1.5 bn, the highest level since 1990
- Currently there are about 45 000 people employed in about 2 300 companies in the electrical engineering and electronics sector
The majority of the production (75%) is exported
Exports of Sector by category
- More than 75% of the production of the Electronics manufactured in Bulgaria is exported
- Key markets for the Bulgarian electronics manufacturing are the EU countries, Russia and CIS, USA
- Conductors and cables represent 25% of the total sector exports, followed by industrial batteries with 11% of the exported production and electrical apparatuses with 8% of the export
- The export mix has been changing in the recent years towards products with higher added value requiring more engineering skills
Bulgaria hosts many of the large international companies in the sector
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A number of Bulgarian firms have managed to establish themselves as regional and global leaders
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Electronics and electrical engineering in Bulgaria have rich history and established traditions
1890 - Siemens participated in building the telegraph network in Bulgaria
1928 - First telegraphic and telephone factory opens in Sofia
1947 - The state electronic manufacturing enterprises “Radioprom” and “Elprom” are established
1965 - The first European electronic calculator ELKA 6521 was invented in Bulgaria
1971 - Beginning of manufacturing of computing electronics. Transition to mass production of memory, processors etc
1972 - The first Bulgarian -made space equipment was launched into space
1985 - The peak of the industry – manufacturing of modern computers. Electronics comprises 25% of Bulgarian manufacturing. 130 000 people are engaged in the industry
1988 - Bulgaria manufactures more than 40% of the mainframes and personal computers in Eastern Europe
1990 - Beginning of privatization of state owned electronics and electrical engineering enterprises
After 1990s international companies established operations in Bulgaria, leading to a significant growth of the industry after 2000
1991 - Schneider Electric and Siemens open offices in Bulgaria
1993 - Festo AG & Co.KG establishes sensor manufacturing facility on Sofia
1993 - EPIQ starts manufacturing operations in Bulgaria
1997 - Hyundai heavy Industries Privatized the largest Bulgarian manufacturer of power transformers and tap changers
2000 - Liebherr opens its refrigerator manufacturing facility in the Marica industrial zone near Plovdiv
2000 - Melexis establishes their Bulgarian operations for microelectronic components
2002 - Sensor Nite opens manufacturing facility for the production of sensors and high value added electronic and electro- mechanical products
2007 - Yazaki builds its plant for wire harnesses in Yambol
2011 - IMI purchases the facility of EPIQ Bulgaria in Botevgrad
There a number of established cluster zones in the electronics and electrical engineering sector in Bulgaria
Botevgrad
- The electronic manufacturing center of Bulgaria
- Strong historic traditions in the industry
- Located only 60 km from Sofia
- Home of manufacturing facilities of IMI, Incotex
Sofia
- The capital of Bulgaria, center of executive, legislative and judiciary power
- Financial hub of the country
- Home of Siemens Bulgaria, Schneider Electric, Hyundai Heavy Industries , Festo Bulgaria, Sensornite
Yambol
- One of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria
- Strategically located in the heart of the country, regional administrative center
- Home of Yazaki Bulgaria
Plovdiv
- The second largest city in Bulgaria
- Major administrative, industrial, transport and tourist destination
- Home of manufacturing facilities of Liebherr, Schneider Electric, BTL industriel