Maribor Municipality has already signed a letter of intent with the Chinese company Shihlien Apex Technology Huaian. The company would continue to build batteries in China, but would use the Maribor factory as a packaging facility and logistical center for Europe. The total investment is expected to reach ten million euros and create about 200 new jobs. The batteries are for use in automobiles and for home use as well. The facility would potentially cover 15 hectares of otherwise unused land.