Melexis opened on September 21 a factory for the production of vehicle microelectronic elements.

Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev attended the opening of the factory in Sofia's district of Goroubliane.

The company is a part of the Belgian holding Elex, one of the world leaders in the production of microelectronics for the automobile industry, a Council of Ministers press release said.

Melexis' investment in Bulgaria exceeded 10 million euro, the press release said.

Stanishev said that Bulgaria was becoming an attractive destination for foreign investors. Such developments could further economic growth and boost the competitiveness of the local economy, he said.

Bulgaria needed qualified work force to develop successfully and modernisation of the production process was one of the Cabinet's main priorities, Stanishev said.

Melexis would employ 200 experts in Bulgaria. The Goroubliane factory would produce temperature sensors and electronics for the cooling systems of vehicles.