Paraćin, Serbia – April 23, 2026 – Vaider Group has officially inaugurated its modernised glass production facility, Vaider Srpska Fabrika Stakla (SFS), in Paraćin, Serbia, marking a major milestone in the Group’s long-term industrial strategy. The project represents a total investment of approximately EUR 100 million and significantly enhances Vaider’s manufacturing capabilities in Europe.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, who expressed strong institutional support for the project and confirmed that the company can count on continued government assistance. He emphasised the government’s commitment to creating favourable operating conditions, particularly in terms of competitive energy supply, to support the plant’s ambition to become one of the leading glass producers in the region.
“This facility once played a central role in the industrial development of the region, and today we are laying the foundations to rebuild it into a strong and competitive industrial asset,” President Vučić noted.
Strategic expansion and complementary production network
The Paraćin plant represents a key addition to Vaider Group’s European production network, complementing its existing operations, including Steklarna Hrastnik in Slovenia. Together, these facilities enable the Group to serve a broader range of market segments—from premium glass solutions to high-volume production.
Igor Lah, Chairman of the Board of Vaider Group, commented: “This investment provides a strategically important and highly complementary production site within our Group. By integrating Paraćin into our industrial network, we are strengthening our ability to serve both regional and international markets. Our ambition is to become one of Europe’s leading producers of high-quality glass packaging.”
Advanced technology and increased capacity
A central element of the investment is a state-of-the-art furnace, valued at approximately EUR 50 million, featuring three production lines and a daily capacity of up to 270 tonnes of glass packaging. The facility is already supplying customers in more than 20 international markets.
Christian Fröba, CEO of Vaider Group, emphasised the operational impact: “We have invested in one of the most advanced furnaces in the region, significantly improving our production efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness. In the glass industry, access to stable and competitively priced energy is critical, and we welcome the strong support from the Serbian government in this regard.”
International cooperation and industrial ecosystem
The project reflects a strong international partnership, bringing together Swiss headquarters, Slovenian industrial expertise, and Serbian production capabilities.
The Slovenian Ambassador to Serbia, Dr. Slobodan Šešum, highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer and regional cooperation: “This investment demonstrates how Slovenian expertise and industrial know-how contribute to strengthening economic ties and delivering successful cross-border industrial projects.”
The Swiss Ambassador to Serbia, Anne Lugon-Moulin, underlined the broader economic significance: “Vaider Group is a strong international company with operations in Switzerland, Slovenia, Serbia, and France. Investments exceeding EUR 80 million in Serbia over the past three and a half years demonstrate a clear commitment to the market and confidence in its economic environment.”
She further added: “Swiss companies bring not only capital, but also high standards of quality, innovation, education, and sustainability. The opening of this facility is a clear example of how international cooperation translates into tangible results—through technology transfer and the creation of more than 250 jobs.”
Positioning for future growth
With nearly 120 years of industrial tradition in Paraćin, the modernised facility is now positioned to become a key production hub for Southeast Europe, supporting both regional demand and exports across the continent.
***
About Vaider Group
Vaider Group, which includes Steklarna Hrastnik (HRASTNIK1860) and Vaider Srpska Fabrika Stakla, is a premium European manufacturer of glass packaging. By combining advanced technology, design, and sustainable approaches, the Group develops solutions for the most demanding brands in the wine and spirits industry and actively shapes the future of glass packaging.