Slovakia’s industrial sector is facing a confluence of challenges – soaring energy costs, weakening demand, and inexpensive imports – placing significant strain on key industries. Steel producers, including Železiarne Podbrezová, OFZ, and Slovalco, are among those experiencing prolonged difficulties, according to reports.
The textile industry has also been severely impacted, with companies like Makyta Púchov and Eterna in Bánovce facing collapse. Even sectors previously considered stable, such as electronics, are now confronting declining competitiveness, leading to layoffs and factory closures. Foxconn in Nitra and Samsung have recently announced reductions in their Slovak operations.
Despite these widespread struggles, certain sectors are demonstrating resilience. The automotive industry, railway-focused engineering firms, and the paper industry are proving to be more robust. The paper industry, in particular, has recently achieved a record-breaking production level.
According to preliminary data, Slovak paper production has surpassed a historical high, though the exact figure was not immediately available. Paper mills are cautioning, however, that continued profitability is threatened by rising input costs and the broader economic climate. The sector currently generates a substantial turnover for the Slovak economy, though specific revenue figures were not disclosed.
Železiarne Podbrezová, a steel producer with a history spanning over 185 years, currently employs over 3200 people, with an additional 1113 working in its subsidiary and associated companies. The company, headquartered in Podbrezová, is majority-owned by CPA s.r.o. (79.34%) with the remainder held by physical persons and other legal entities. Železiarne Podbrezová also holds a 94.66% stake in ŠK Železiarne Podbrezová a.s. And full ownership of FK Železiarne Podbrezová, demonstrating its involvement in both professional and amateur sports.
In February 2026, trade unionists from Železiarne Podbrezová participated in a meeting in Ostrava, uniting to discuss the future of European industry amidst ongoing challenges. The company’s website highlights its commitment to sustainable practices, including the use of renewable energy sources and steel waste recycling.
FK Železiarne Podbrezová, the football club owned by the steel company, played a Slovensky Pohar match against MŠK Púchov on October 16, 2024.
