BUDAPEST, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese heavy machinery manufacturer Zoomlion on Wednesday inaugurated the first phase of its first localized intelligent manufacturing plant project in Europe in Tatabanya, western Hungary.

The project, with a total investment of 43 billion forints (125 million U.S. dollars), is expected to create 800 jobs, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said at the opening ceremony.

The Hungarian government is supporting the investment with 7 billion forints (20.3 million dollars), Szijjarto said, adding that local companies account for 70 percent of the plant's suppliers.

Szijjarto said Hungary has benefited from the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era signed with China in 2024, noting that 30 percent of Chinese foreign direct investment in Europe went to Hungary in 2025.

Over the past 10 years, the Hungarian government has signed agreements with Chinese companies on 80 major investments, creating 50,000 local jobs, he added.

The new plant marks a key milestone in the company's European strategy, Ren Huili, vice president of Zoomlion and general manager of Zoomlion Access Machinery, said at the opening ceremony.

The project will strengthen the company's localized manufacturing, research and development, and service capabilities in Europe, enabling the company to better respond to market demand, Ren added. ■