A New Era for Zadar's Hinterland: Giant Manufacturing Plant on the Way
The arrival of a renowned group in Obrovac, with projected annual turnover of €70-80 million and over 300 new jobs, heralds a structural shift in the region's economy.
The arrival of a renowned group in Obrovac, with projected annual turnover of €70-80 million and over 300 new jobs, heralds a structural shift in the region's economy.
Zadar County is about to gain a new industrial giant, a move that could fundamentally reshape the economic future of its hinterland. County Prefect Josip Bilaver has confirmed that the international company Beretta Holding S.A., specializing in the production of weapons and ammunition, will establish a facility in Obrovac, with the Croatian government joining as a co-owner.
Bilaver shared this information during a visit to the Minister of the Interior and Deputy Prime Minister Davor Božinović in Preko on the island of Ugljan, where the renovated police station for the islands of Ugljan and Pašman was officially opened on Saturday, August 8, 2026. In addition to security matters, the need for economic diversification was also a key focus of their discussions.
The Prefect made it clear that the county's development should not rely solely on tourism. "We cannot depend exclusively on tourism because it is a highly sensitive economic sector, and this investment represents a large and significant undertaking for our county," Bilaver emphasized.
The plant is planned to begin operations by mid-2029. Once full production capacity is reached, it is expected to employ around 300 workers and generate annual revenues of €70 to €80 million. For Zadar's hinterland, where any major manufacturing investment can radically transform the local economy, the creation of over 300 jobs is of immense importance.
The project is led by Beretta Holding S.A., a group headquartered in Luxembourg with a tradition spanning nearly 500 years. The company, run by the Gussalli Beretta family, currently employs more than 6,000 people and operates in over 20 countries, with a portfolio that includes renowned brands such as Beretta, Benelli, Sako, Tikka, Steiner, and Burris.
"Zadar County has clearly been recognized as an area worth investing in. The announced investment in an ammunition factory speaks volumes. This is a company with a tradition of over 500 years and international renown, entering this project together with the government. The state will, in fact, be a co-owner of the factory, which we consider particularly important," said Bilaver.
Although Zadar County is often associated exclusively with tourism, data from the Croatian Chamber of Commerce reveals a different reality. The manufacturing industry accounts for 19.3 percent of the county's total economic revenues and employs 17 percent of the workforce.
Among the leading exporters are Aluflexpack, specializing in flexible aluminum packaging; Cromaris, a prominent producer of Mediterranean fish; and LTH Metalni lijev from Benkovac, which manufactures aluminum parts for automobiles. Zadar is also home to CHIRON Croatia, a high-tech company, and the food and fisheries sector is significant, with Kali Tuna, Jadran Tuna, and Mardešić from Dugi Otok. There is also Tvornica kruha Zadar, Maraska, and the agricultural production of Vrana in Ravni kotari.
The new factory in Obrovac fits into this industrial mosaic, bringing key elements for the local economy: year-round employment, exports, and production that does not depend on the summer months.
