County A T R U S T E D L O C AT I O N F O R L O N G - T E RM I N V E S TME N T HUNGARY where thrives business
A growth-oriented region built on operational stability, with an innovation-friendly economic environment and direct connections to Western Europe. Companies do not just come to Vas County – they stay. –where ideas turn intoplans, andplans turn intobusiness. County Who isVasCounty recommended for? • Investors who value predictability, transparency, and sustainable returns over short-term incentives • Companies building for the long term, treating stability, reliability, and efficient operations as a competitive advantage • Businesses focused on innovation and development – whether in industrial technologies, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, knowledge-intensive services, or futureoriented solutions responding to social and economic challenges Whyhere? • A stable industrial ecosystem with established supplier networks and export-oriented production • A cross-border economic area with direct access to Austria and Slovenia • A strategic location providing fast access to Western Europeanmarkets • An experienced, reliable workforce with lower turnover than the regional average • Several hundred hectares of investment-ready industrial land, offering flexible solutions for large enterprises and SMEs • A predictable location – an alternative to volatile, highrisk regions • Extensive industrial and organisational expertise that can be leveraged immediately for new investments • Unique cooperation in developing innovative ecosystems at European level • An international environment shaped by cross-border mobility • High quality of life – healthcare, wellness, and recreational opportunities that support workforce retention This publication does not sell promises. It presents a place where business already works today. A place worth considering, andworth investing in.
Vas County is Hungary’s western gateway and one of its most industrialised andmost liveable regions. Its economy is defined by strong industrial performance, a stable labour market, advanced infrastructure, and excellent international connectivity, supported by its proximity to national borders. Vas County is an exceptional investment location because: 1. Its strategic position provides rapid access toWestern Europeanmarkets. 2. It has a strong, export-oriented industrial base. 3. It offers a highly skilled, reliable workforce. 4. It supports investors with developed industrial infrastructure and available capacity. 5. It ensures a high quality of life and an international living environment. Together, these strengths create an investment environment that combines operational stability with longtermgrowth potential. Vas County is one of Hungary’s most efficient economic regions. Its performance far exceeds what its size and population would suggest, driven by export-oriented industry, stable employment, and high value-added production. Plant-level data show that industrial output in recent years has followed a favourable growth trajectory – strong even by national standards – while the share of industrial exports remains considerably above the national average. This reflects deep integration into international markets and the competitiveness of local companies. The quality of Vas County’s economic performance is also reflected in its GDP per capita, which ranks among the top counties nationwide – supported by efficient production structures, a skilledworkforce, and a stable corporate presence. The county’s above-average tourismactivity complements the county’s economic performance, offering standalone investment opportunities while also enhancing the region’s liveability and overall appeal for both workforce and investors. Vas Why County? n Vas County’s long-termeconomic development vision is to build a fundamentally industrial, high value-added economy that is also consciously diversified. The region aims to preserve and further strengthen its export-oriented industrial base while remaining open to service, commercial, and tourism investments. Industry will continue to be a stable core of the county’s economy, particularly in automotive andmachinery supply, precision engineering andmechatronics, and automated production solutions. These strengths are complemented by development directions that expand business services, logistics, commercial functions, and innovation services closely linked to industrial activity. A key element of economic diversification is the further development of tourismand the health economy, with a particular focus onmedical andwellness tourism, as well as services based on active and cultural tourism. These sectors not only provide independent investment opportunities but also contribute to the region’s high quality of life – a critical factor in workforce retention and long-term business presence. Strengthening research and development, innovation, digitalisation, and the practical business application of artificial intelligence is also a high priority, supported by close cooperation between higher education institutions and economic stakeholders. Vas County’s goal is a balanced economic structure that combines industrial stability with long-termgrowth potential, while enabling flexible expansion in services, commerce, and tourism. – A DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY &DEVELOPMENT DIRECTIONS visio
MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLIER NETWORKS The Stable Core of the Economy The backbone of Vas County’s economy is export-oriented manufacturing and its associated supplier ecosystem. The region’s strength lies in high technical standards and flexible production structures. • Automotive andmachinery supply • Metal processing and CNC technologies • Automation-readymanufacturing and robotisation-capable production • Strong links with Austrian and German industrial partners ELECTRONICS AND MECHATRONICS COMPETENCIES High value-added industrial activities One of the county’smost dynamically developing fields is electronics and mechatronics manufacturing, well alignedwith precision engineering and automated production environments. • Manufacturing of electronic components and systems • Precision engineering and development competencies • Automated assembly and testing processes • Innovation-oriented, specialised SMEs WOOD AND FURNITURE INDUSTRY A Combination of Tradition and Quality Vas County has strong traditions in the wood industry and high-quality furnituremanufacturing, which remain competitive in export markets today. • Production based on sustainable rawmaterials • Design- and quality-oriented furnituremanufacturing • Mid-sized companies with stable export markets & strengths VAS COUNTY’S structure economic INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES The Economic Background of Manufacturing Industrial production is supported by an extensive service and supplier base covering the full value chain. • Plastics processing and toolmaking • Surface treatment and specialised packaging technologies • Maintenance, engineering, and technology services • Logistics andwarehousing solutions TRADE AND LOGISTICS The advantages of a Border Location The county’s geographical position supports trade and logistics activities, particularly with a focus onWestern Europeanmarkets. • Regional and international goods flows • Industrial and commercial logistics services • Cross-border business relations TOURISM AND THE HEALTH ECONOMY AMajor Service Pillar Tourismand the health economy are a key complementary pillar of Vas County’s economic structure, enhancing industrial performance with high value-added services andmaking a strong contribution to employment, local services, and quality of life. • Medical andwellness tourism • Health economy services • Active and cultural tourism • Services for an international clientele
• The region has served as a logistics hub for 2,000 years • Three capital cities within 90–100minutes; onemillion people within 60minutes • Direct proximity to three national borders. • Ameeting point of three national economic axes: Austria, Slovenia, and Hungary • Direct links to the Vienna/Schwechat and Graz regions • Key transit routes: M86 expressway, with nearby M1 and M8 connections • Rail links toward Vienna, Graz, Ljubljana, and Budapest • Nearby international airports: Vienna (approx.1.5 hours), Graz (approx.1 hour), Bratislava (approx.2 hours), Budapest (approx. 2–2.5 hours) The expressway network—particularly theM86—will remain one of the county’s key long-termcompetitive advantages. Publicly available development concepts also highlight urban bypasses, access roads to industrial parks, and junction upgrades, all aimed at improving accessibility and traffic efficiency. Rail development plans support more efficient infrastructure for international freight, building on the region’s border location and logistics strengths. MARIBOR BRATISLAVA VI ENNA GRAZ GYŐR WIENER NEUSTADT SOPRON Advantagesarising fromtheregion’s geographical location Transport and logistics development priorities focus on strengtheningWestern European connections and improving internal accessibility. Government-level plans include the development of theM87 expressway toward Vienna as well as southern routes that improveWestern Hungary–Croatia connections. KŐSZEG RÉPCELAK CELLDÖMÖLK S ZENT GOT THÁRD KÖRMEND BÜK SÁRVÁR VASVÁR SZOMBATHELY CSEPRE G JÁNOSHÁZA • Several hundred hectares of industrial parks land are available— unique in Central Europe • Unique innovation assets include leading electricmotor manufacturing, the region’s most innovative particleboard plant, a data science-based observatory, a humanoid robot testing centre, among others. • Europe-level cooperation in innovative ecosystemdevelopment • A science-focused hospital treating 1 million patients annually • 90% of industrial production is exported County seat: Szombathely County’s area: 3336km² County’s population: 252000 County’s GDP: EUR4.41bn Unemployment rate: 2.6% FACTS & NUMBERS
Vas County has one of the strongest employment indicators inWestern Hungary, supported by: • Strong technical and vocational training • High-levels of cooperation • A stable work culture (punctual, reliable, and technologically adaptable workforce) • Wage levels more favourable than in nearby Austrian and Slovenian regions, providing a significant competitive edge Education and Training Infrastructure Education and training in Vas County are closely aligned with the region’s economic structure and labour market needs. Higher education, vocational training, and corporate training operate as amutually reinforcing systemensuring a continuous supply of technical, business, and digital skills. Key strengths include practice-oriented higher education, dual vocational trainingmodels, and targeted continuing education alignedwith corporate demand. Training covers industry, services, and the health economy, with a particular focus on technical, mechatronics, electronics, and digital fields. Corporate training centres and in-house academies play a key role in developing skills related to automation, robotics, and industrial digitalisation. At the same time, cooperation between higher education institutions and businesses supports applied R&D and innovation projects. To strengthen the knowledge-based economy, increasing emphasis is placed on Industry 4.0, digital skills, data management, and artificial intelligence competencies. The objective of this integrated training ecosystem is to enable flexible adaptation to technological change and provide a competitive workforce base for investors in the long term. Labourmarket &EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND Industrial and Economic Sites – Immediate and Planned Solutions Investment-ready industrial and economic areas are available in several municipalities – especially Szombathely, Körmend, Sárvár, Kőszeg, and Celldömölk. The offer serves both large enterprises and SMEs, and is suitable for industrial, logistics, service, or mixed-use developments. The county’s goal is to ensure short implementation timelines and predictable conditions. For this reason, site development and preparation are coordinated closely with regional stakeholders. Structured, up-to-date information on industrial and economic sites is available for investors via the vasigazdasag.hu investor information platform. Infrastructure and industrial areas
BUSINESS STABILITY AND OPERATIONAL SECURITY One of the key strengths of Vas County’s investment environment is its predictable, long-termoperating environment. The presence of long-established foreign-owned companies, low industrial turnover, andwell-developed supplier relationships all reinforce business reliability. • A stable corporate base and longtermoperations • Lowworkforce turnover across industrial and service sectors • Active cooperation between the chamber, professional bodies and companies • Strong international economic integration, supported by border proximity INCENTIVES AND SUPPORT – A TARGETED, PROJECTBASED APPROACH In Hungary, investment incentives are not granted automatically, they are typically available on a project basis. In Vas County, relevant opportunities may include: • Individual investment grants for large-scale or strategic projects • R&D and innovation funding, particularly for technological development • Energy efficiency and digitalisation programmes • Workforce training and reskilling support under specific conditions • Support inmapping realistic opportunities and connecting to key decision-makers INNOVATION, R&D, AND DIGITALISATION Local companies pursue a practical, results-driven approach to innovation, focusing on technologies that improve productivity and competitiveness. • Industrial automation and robotics • Company-level development and innovation projects • Applied R&D based on cooperation between higher education and the business sector • The gradual adoption of digitalisation and Industry 4.0 solutions One of the factors strengthening the region’s investment environment is its openness to digitalisation and data-driven operations, including the gradual adoption of artificial intelligence. In the region, digitalisation and the use of new technologies are not goals in themselves, but business decisions driven by clear economic rationale. &businessecosystem INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT Vas County is one of Hungary’smost liveable regions, combining strong economic performance with a safe, green, and human-scale environment. Key features include: • Safe, clean communities with low environmental footprint • Extensive green areas and nature-oriented living in the Alpokalja region • Short travel times, liveable urban scale, low congestion Health tourismand recreation are integral to the county’s quality of life. quality livingenvironment Internationally recognised spa towns – Sárvár and Bük – offer high-quality healthcare, wellness, and leisure services that support workforce retention and enhance regional attractiveness. Vas county also offers a vibrant cultural, sports, and community life, including theatres, festivals, sports facilities, and nature-based recreation (cycling, hiking, running). Due to its border location, Vas County offers an internationally integrated living environment. This liveable, internationally open setting provides Vas County with a significant competitive advantage in terms of the longtermsustainability of investments and the retention of key employees. and an international setting
Many international companies have chosen Vas County not because it was the cheapest option, but because it offers predictability, skilled labour, and cross-border accessibility. Industrial investments, capacity expansions, logistics developments, and technology upgrades have continued to strengthen the region. Owing to the county’s border location, several companies have established regional production or service centres here. IN THE COUNTY Companiesalreadypresent Chamber serviceoffer for investors andpartner seekers The chamber’s role in supporting investments The Chamber is the county’s primary business connectivity hub, linking foreign investors with local companies, municipalities, professional organisations, and institutions. Our goal is to ensure smooth, fast, and commercially successful investments. FACILITATION OF R&D AND INNOVATION COOPERATION • Establishing contacts with universities and research institutes • Access to technology centres and laboratories • Information on Industry 4.0 and digitalisation projects • Guidance on innovation funding ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL INFORMATION CONNECTION The Chamber does not provide legal advice but it: • Provides information on company establishment procedures • Connects investors with law firms • Offers guidance on local regulatory frameworks POST-INVESTMENT SUPPORT (AFTERCARE) • Information on expansion and site development opportunities • Support with workforce and education-relatedmatters • Supplier network development • Liaisingwith local service providers and public authorities INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS RELATIONS AND NETWORKING • Access to foreign trade and international chamber networks • Links to foreign economic representations • Participation in international conferences, exhibitions, and business delegations • Access to chamber-led export development programmes INVESTMENT INFORMATION SERVICES The Chamber provides comprehensive, reliable, and up-to-date information, including: • County-level economic overview and sector data • Labor market characteristics andwage information • Logistics and infrastructure data • Industrial parks and greenfield sites • Local supplier opportunities • An overviewof permitting processes • A summary of incentives and support schemes BUSINESS PARTNER MATCHMAKING AND B2B FACILITATION • Assessment of corporate needs • Compilation of partner shortlists (suppliers, service providers, subcontractors) • Organisation of tailored business meetings • Coordination of professional delegations and business forums LABOR MARKET AND HR SUPPORT • Labor market data analysis • Introduction to recruitment partners • Networkingwith vocational training institutions • Presentation of dual training opportunities • Recommendation of HR consultants and staffing agencies
Chamber ofCommerce and Industry ofVasCounty H-9700 Szombathely, Honvéd tér 2. Phone: +36 94 501-850 E-mail: vmkik@vmkik.hu Website: www.vmkik.hu WE’RE HERE TO HELP – CONTACT US A kiadvány a Vállalkozásfejlesztési Projekt keretében, a Nemzetgazdasági Minisztérium támogatásával jelent meg. Támogatói okirat: NGM_SZERZ/173/3/2024_VMKIK/1.
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