Pirelli: We constantly have expats

Pirelli, the high-end tyre manufacturer, is conducting staff exchange programmes in order to give further training to its staff at its production facilities in Romania.
There are permanently a few dozens foreigners working in the Slatina-based plants, says Enrico Malerba, CEO of Pirelli Romania.
“There are more than 20 permanently employed expats at Pirelli Tyre Romania and those coming through staff exchanges are expected to number 40 on average. They are here for periods varying from one to six weeks,” stated Enrico Malerba, CEO of Pirelli Romania.
Pirelli employs over 1,000 people in Romania, 700 of whom work in the production of high-end tyres and over 260 engaged in the metallic cord division, set up as part of a joint venture with the Continental producer. Both centres are located in Slatina.
“The entire workforce was recruited in Romania. We also have a few expats, who come from European plants in Italy, Germany, the UK and Turkey. We are currently developing a recruitment process for technicians and engineers and we are trying to strengthen our relationship with universities in order to sustain the programme,” states Malerba.
The intention behind the exchange programmes was the result of investments made into the company’s expansion, which will be completed this year. Out of the 170 million euros provided for in the investment programme, which started with the construction of the tyre plant in Slatina (opened in 2006), 65 million euros will be allocated for completing the facilities and increasing production capacities this year. The company started production activities on the local market in 2006.
“The complex at Slatina is strategically developed to serve both Western and Eastern markets. Long term plans involving the Slatina-based plant target both the development of industrial operations and the building of a logistical centre. The centre will be used for data processing and sales services, in order to sustain the development in Central and Eastern European countries,” added Malerba.