At the initiative of Glavbolgarstroy (GBS), a delegation of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils (GFCC) visited leading manufacturing facilities in Plovdiv and the surrounding region. The visits provided participants with an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, quality control systems, and the adoption of digitalisation and automation across Bulgaria’s industrial sector.

The programme included visits to Glavbolgarstroy Prefab, a plant specialising in the production of prestressed reinforced concrete elements, and Schneider Electric’s manufacturing facility. Participants were also introduced to the manufacturing operations of some of the region’s most advanced industrial companies, showcasing the potential and growing capabilities of Bulgaria’s industrial sector.

The visit to Glavbolgarstroy Prefab offered participants an insight into the plant’s operations and its contribution to delivering efficient construction solutions. The presentation covered the main production methods for precast reinforced concrete elements, their applications in construction, and their key advantages in terms of quality, efficiency and the optimisation of construction processes.

The plant is the first in Bulgaria to offer its clients Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. These declarations certify that the entire product range has undergone a verified life cycle assessment, providing transparent information about the environmental impact of its production.

Particular emphasis was placed on quality control systems and the certifications related to quality management and production sustainability. Participants learned about the procedures used to inspect and verify the technical properties of precast elements before they are incorporated into building structures. They were also introduced to the testing of material samples, which ensures compliance with the relevant requirements before materials enter the production process.

As part of the visit to the Plovdiv region, the GFCC delegation also visited Trakia Economic Zone, one of Bulgaria’s fastest-growing industrial areas, where participants had the opportunity to tour the manufacturing facility of French company Schneider Electric. The visit focused on the company’s production operations, which manufacture products for more than 30 markets.

The facility incorporates automated machinery and digital process management systems designed to enhance productivity and ensure consistent quality control. During the tour, participants observed the organisation of manufacturing operations and gained first-hand insight into the various stages of product assembly.

The GFCC delegation was also introduced to the manufacturing processes of several leading industrial companies in Bulgaria, whose facilities in the Plovdiv region were constructed by the Bulgarian construction group.

The visits to these leading industrial facilities demonstrated how the integration of advanced technologies, automation and digital systems can enhance productivity and create opportunities for greater efficiency in the industrial construction sector.