A major private investment by Bulmarket Group is revitalising Ruse’s historic Locomotive and Wagon Works, transforming the site into a modern industrial complex with active manufacturing operations, upgraded infrastructure and potential for further development.

On 1 October 2026, an important milestone in the redevelopment of LVZ Industrial Park was officially celebrated in Ruse. The event coincided with the 30th anniversary of Bulmarket Group, the company behind the investment project that is bringing one of the city's most significant industrial sites back into productive use.

The ceremony was attended by Bulmarket Group founder Stanko Stankov, CEO Momchil Boyadzhiev, Deputy Minister of Economy, Investment and Industry Krasimir Yakimov, Ruse Mayor Pencho Milkov, and representatives of public institutions, businesses and academia.

Over EUR 60 Million in Private Investment and Revitalised Industrial Infrastructure

Following the acquisition of the site in late 2020, Bulmarket Group launched an extensive programme to restore the production facilities, technical infrastructure and industrial potential of the complex.

Private investments have exceeded EUR 60 million, covering the redevelopment of a 176,000 sq. m industrial site and buildings with a total gross floor area of more than 53,000 sq. m.

Of this, over 31,000 sq. m of building space has undergone extensive renovation and modernisation.

Currently, seven companies employing more than 210 people operate within LVZ Industrial Park, demonstrating the potential of revitalising existing industrial areas and bringing them back into productive use.

Railway Manufacturing and Specialised Industrial Activities

One of the main enterprises operating within the complex is LVZ 1866, which specialises in the manufacture, repair and modernisation of freight wagons, as well as the maintenance and repair of diesel and electric locomotives.

The facility has the capacity to service and refurbish more than 1,000 wagons and 200 locomotives annually. The company has also begun manufacturing its own freight wagons designed for transporting fuel.

These activities build on Ruse's long-standing railway engineering traditions and create opportunities for specialised industrial manufacturing, engineering services and cooperation with companies in the transport and logistics sectors.

Public–Private Partnership Supporting Industrial Development

The development of LVZ Industrial Park demonstrates how private investment can be combined with public support to improve industrial infrastructure.

Ruse Municipality is a partner in an infrastructure development project supported by Bulgaria's National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aimed at upgrading technical infrastructure and improving transport accessibility.

During the official ceremony, Mayor Pencho Milkov highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation between the local authorities and Bulmarket Group in bringing the project to fruition.

Improved infrastructure connections and better conditions for manufacturing operations are important factors in attracting new companies and supporting the expansion of existing businesses.

Additional Investment in Industrial Infrastructure

Alongside the private investment, a major infrastructure project worth EUR 16,963,302.46 has been implemented, supported by grant funding under Bulgaria's National Recovery and Resilience Plan and co-financing from LVZ Industrial Park.

The project includes 12 infrastructure facilities, covering improvements to road access, the development of a new internal road network, parking facilities, the rehabilitation of a road overpass and a direct outbound connection towards the Danube Bridge.

These improvements enhance accessibility and logistics efficiency, strengthening the industrial park's potential to accommodate manufacturing and business activities.

Industrial Heritage with Renewed Economic Potential

The history of the Locomotive and Wagon Works dates back to 1866, when a workshop was established in Ruse to maintain rolling stock on Bulgaria's first railway line, connecting Ruse and Varna.

More than a century and a half later, the site is once again developing as a manufacturing and technology centre.

Future initiatives also include the restoration of the historic building dating from 1866, which is planned to be transformed into a research and museum centre.

LVZ Industrial Park demonstrates how investment in existing industrial sites can preserve industrial heritage, create opportunities for new manufacturing activities and strengthen Ruse's competitiveness as an investment destination.

Source: Municipality of Ruse – LVZ Industrial Park Demonstrates How Cooperation Between Local Government and Business Delivers Tangible Results

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