Another Auto Industry Supplier Shuts Slovak Plant, 120 Jobs Lost

Turkish manufacturer Mata Automotive is closing its production facility in Veľký Krtíš, Slovakia, laying off all 120 employees. The company, which produces luxury wooden and carbon interior components for automobiles, said the plant's performance had been declining for several years before the decision to exit the Slovak market entirely. The closure is the latest blow to Slovakia's automotive supply chain, which has been under increasing pressure as Slovak car production has fallen for four consecutive months. Slovakia is one of the most car-dependent economies in Europe on a per-capita basis, with several major international automakers — including Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Kia — operating large assembly plants in the country. When vehicle output drops, the network of smaller suppliers that feed those plants is typically hit hard. Verý Krtíš is a town in south-central Slovakia that has historically struggled with higher-than-average unemployment. The loss of 120 jobs at a single employer is a significant setback for the local economy. The closure reflects a broader trend of supplier consolidation and retreat from Slovak operations as the automotive sector faces structural challenges, including the transition to electric vehicles and weakening demand across European markets.