Shenzhen Uniconn Technology, a key supplier to the electric vehicle industry, is building its first European production facility in Kosice. The company will produce contact systems for battery cells, supplying mainly the upcoming Volvo plant in Valaliky, which is scheduled to start operations in late 2026 or early 2027.
The government of Robert Fico approved EUR 3.5 million in tax relief to secure the EUR 23.5-million investment, significantly less than the EUR 12 million initially requested.
“Investors expected support covering almost half of the project, but finally received only a fraction,” the government material stated.
Despite the lower subsidy, Shenzhen Uniconn has already started preparations. The factory is located in the CT Park Kosice II industrial park and has been hiring staff since last year. By the end of 2026, the company plans to employ around 130 people. Wages should be notably higher than the regional average: the government highlighted that the average salary at the plant will reach EUR 2,325 per month, compared to EUR 1,669 in Kosice in 2023.
The company expects to produce more than one million contact systems annually. While the Volvo plant will be a major client, over 60% of output is intended for export to other EU countries. These systems connect battery cells, monitor temperature, and provide insulation to prevent short circuits.
Although the Fico government presented the investment as proof of its ability to attract new projects, industry insiders note that Shenzhen Uniconn’s decision is closely tied to its long-standing cooperation with Chinese automaker Geely, Volvo’s parent company. Similar dynamics were seen in the case of Gotion’s planned battery plant in Surany, which was negotiated before the current cabinet took office.
Two other companies also received smaller investment stimuli last week: sheet-metal processor 1. Deliace centrum in Strazske and Canadian automotive supplier Magna in Kechnec. Together, they will create 30 jobs.
Founded in 1991, Shenzhen Uniconn employs over 5,000 people and operates seven plants in China. Its components are used in EV batteries, industrial equipment, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems. Since 2014, it has been a supplier for the world’s largest battery producer CATL and, since 2017, for Geely. (The Slovak Spectator)