Debrecen4U January 14, 2026

The ZF Plant in Debrecen Has Opened, Creating More Than Two Hundred Jobs

Series production of chassis components has begun at ZF’s Debrecen plant. 

The German-owned automotive company, a supplier to BMW, has created 230 new jobs in the city through its HUF 10‑billion investment. At the ceremonial launch of production, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó emphasized that, thanks to the government’s economic policy, the level of economic development in Eastern Hungary has now reached that of the western part of the country—one of the greatest beneficiaries of which is Debrecen.

Last spring, ZF inaugurated its more than 15,000‑square‑meter, high‑tech facility in the Northwestern Economic Zone. After preparations for series production, manufacturing began on Tuesday. ZF produces chassis components for the neighboring BMW plant and employs 230 people. The government contributed HUF 1 billion in support to the HUF 10‑billion investment.

In his speech, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó highlighted that Eastern Hungary’s economic development has reached the level of the western regions thanks to the government’s economic policy—something that would not have been possible without Debrecen. Over the past decade, the government has supported 101 major corporate investments implemented here. “One of the biggest winners of the past decade and a half of sovereign national economic policy is Debrecen, as in recent years two of the three largest investments in the history of the Hungarian economy have taken place here simultaneously,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa noted that over the past ten years, investments worth EUR 12.5 billion have arrived in Debrecen, creating more than 21,000 new jobs in the city. German companies—including ZF—now employ more than 8,000 people. Thanks to economic development, Debrecen has become a regional center. “As a city leader, I believe that this stable path of development must be further strengthened, because Debrecen’s future depends on predictability, partnership, and consistent work. Today, Debrecen not only follows but shapes the future of Hungary—as a true second capital,” he said.

Csaba Varjassy, Head of the ZF plant in Debrecen, explained that the first chassis prototypes were produced in Debrecen in autumn 2024, and preparations for series production have been underway since then. “In September 2025, we entered the phase in which we carry out scheduled daily deliveries and series production for BMW,” he said. Production began with one shift, but recruitment for a second shift has already started, which will be introduced at the ZF plant in February.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu