Hunan Yuneng is making significant progress on its industrial project in Mérida, focusing on generating local employment and involving workers and businesses from the surrounding area. Since the commencement of construction in April 2026, the workforce has expanded from 15 to nearly 90, with more than 60 workers hailing from Mérida and its vicinity, accounting for over 70% of the current workforce.
As of September 2026, the project had accumulated approximately 37,000 hours of work, primarily relying on local and European labour. It is anticipated that the peak of civil works during this initial phase will see around 250 workers engaged. Following this, the assembly of production equipment and the factory's operational launch will further increase job opportunities.
Commitment to local talent
Hunan Yuneng has reaffirmed its dedication to positively impacting the local economy and employment. The company plans to enhance collaboration with the Extremadura Public Employment Service (SEXPE) and local businesses to ensure that qualification requirements and project needs are met, prioritising the hiring of residents from Mérida and Extremadura.
The construction efforts are creating job opportunities for various roles, including ironworkers, formworkers, bricklayers, welders, electricians, machinery operators, carpenters, assemblers, and auxiliary construction staff. In later phases, additional technical and operational profiles related to mechanical assembly, electrical installation, equipment commissioning, production, maintenance, quality control, storage, and logistics will be introduced, aiming to generate stable and lasting employment for the local population.
Impact on local businesses and services
The project's impact extends beyond direct employment. The construction is also expected to stimulate activities such as machinery rental, supply of construction materials, transportation and logistics, hospitality, catering, and other associated services, thereby broadening its effect on the regional economy.
Minister Guillermo Santamaría expressed gratitude to Hunan for its commitment to local employment and its intention to increase investment and staffing needs in Mérida as construction progresses and future production activities commence. He also emphasised the company's aspiration to transform the project into a significant industrial initiative for development, job creation, and economic growth in the region.
