Italian manufacturer Ariston has officially opened its new factory in Niš, employing 175 people ahead of the launch of serial production scheduled for April next year. The facility will produce cylinders, reservoirs and components for heat pumps, marking a significant addition to the industrial landscape of southern Serbia.
Attending the opening, President Aleksandar Vučić said Ariston’s arrival comes at an important moment for Niš, following the closure of the Benetton plant. A portion of its former workforce will be retrained for new positions, he added.
Once operating at full capacity, the factory is expected to employ around 300 people. The €75 million investment—supported by €22 million in state subsidies—will export products to markets including Germany, Italy, France, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.
Ariston Group president Paolo Merloni described the Niš facility as a major investment for Europe’s energy future, noting that production of heat pump components will begin in the second quarter of 2026. Italian Ambassador Luca Gori highlighted the expansion as a sign of strong economic cooperation between Serbia and Italy. The opening was also attended by the Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarović and Niš Mayor Dragoslav Pavlović, while Vučić continued his visit by touring the nearby Palfinger plant, another key industrial investment in the city.
