The new Nokia factory in Jucu, Cluj county, is now part of a global network of ten manufacturing centres, after the first mobile phone assembly line was inaugurated yesterday.
"We are starting with a limited number of models, the first of which is the Nokia 1200. To begin with, we will assemble very simple models," stated Juha Putkiranta, Senior Vice President, Demand Supply Network Management Nokia, who was present at the factory in Jucu. The phones made in Romania will go to markets in Europe, Africa and the Middle East starting this quarter.
The model assembled in Jucu sells for around 40 euros on the domestic market. Nokia's representatives would not comment on the number of units that will be produced in Romania, for confidentiality reasons.
"The factory in Cluj will become an important part of our global manufacturing network and will operate using the same processes and under the same standards and quality requirements as every Nokia factory," Putkiranta added.
During the event that marked the start of production, Juha Putkiranta addressed the Finnish ambassador to Romania, Tapio Saarela, and informed him that he was holding in his hand the first phone made in Cluj.
Although Nokia officials inaugurated the first assembly line, the official opening of the facility will take place in the third quarter of this year. Only one assembly line will be operational for now, on which the Nokia 1200 will be assembled.
"We chose Cluj because of its very good position close to developing markets, because of its industrial and technological tradition that helped us recruit staff and because we felt it was important to create this industrial park that allows our partners to join us," Putkiranta said. "The area will become extremely high-tech," Nokia's vice-president concluded.
The new Nokia factory officially launched operations with 350 direct employees who are involved in management, administration and manufacturing. The mix of staff includes Romanians, Indians, Americans and Finns, although the majority are locals from towns in the surrounding area, such as Jucu, Dej, Gherla and Cluj-Napoca. "We are hiring every week," stated John Guerry, manager of the Jucu factory.
The first assembly line was launched with Romanian personnel, working as 'key operators' after being trained abroad. In turn, they will train the new employees.
The first assembly line takes up very little space inside the factory, which is still being prepared for optimum use. Employees have their own lockers and amenities, such as showers and a cafeteria. The assembly line operators' task is to assemble the phones, put them in boxes and weigh the final product.
Officials of the Finnish group would not reveal the wages of Romanian staff, but stated that employees received a salary that is competitive on the Romanian market, as well as benefit packages that include luncheon vouchers and a hot meal on the factory premises.
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