“The constant modernization and increase in the capacity of Vazovski Mashinostroitelni Zavodi (VMZ) Sopot is our top priority. We are working toward reorienting it to the high-tech European market.” This was announced by Minister of Economy and Industry Peter Dilov during his working visit to the state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Economy and Industry.
According to Dilov, the Bulgarian defense industry is of strategic importance not only for the country’s national security and defense but also as a significant economic sector that occupies a considerable share of GDP and provides jobs for over 70,000 people.
Minister Dilov: “Ongoing modernization and capacity expansion at VMZ is our top priority.” The Minister, together with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Deputy Minister of Economy Nevena Lazarova, and Deputy Minister of Defense Adelina Nikolova, visited the plant and toured some of the production workshops. Their visit underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing and strengthening Bulgaria’s defense sector.
Dilov met with VMZ’s management and spoke with workers at the enterprise. “VMZ is a key enterprise for the region and for the Bulgarian economy. We will make every effort to ensure it continues to modernize and grow by expanding and upgrading existing production capacities, and by providing sustainable jobs,” the Minister stressed.
According to data presented by Executive Director Ivan Getsov, in the first two months of this year, the enterprise has already recorded growth compared to the same period last year.
In 2024, 500 new workers were hired, bringing the total number employed at VMZ to nearly 5,000.
A Research and Development Center has been set up, and between 2025 and 2026, at least ten new products targeting the international market are expected to be developed and launched.