Polish investors to launch cigarette factory in Bosnia

According to the agreement with the Municipality, the investors have committed to hiring at least 15 workers, though discussions include the possibility of expanding to 30 jobs. "We are discussing up to 30 workstations," Stevo Drapic, the Mayor of Ljubinje, told the Direkt portal.

Agreement following letter of intent

the project initiated in March 2025 after the local assembly received a letter of intent from the Polish investors, subsequently authorizing the Mayor to sign a contract. Shortly thereafter, the company S.A.D. d.o.o. was registered in Ljubinje. Andrzej Tadeusz Gorniak has served as director since its founding, with Andrzej Kazimierz Chmielowiec and Bartosz Sylwester Tomkowicz joining the ownership structure later.

Municipality secures infrastructure

The newly formed company has been granted a space of approximately 3,600 square meters for a two-year period, with an option to extend the contract if obligations are met. The Municipality of Ljubinje committed to providing essential infrastructure, including electricity, water, and sewage networks, work that the Mayor confirms is already complete.

Investors have begun delivering equipment, though Drapic notes that the project's realization is moving slowly due to complex regulatory requirements.

Potential growth amid citizen caution

As a traditional tobacco-growing region, Ljubinje views this project as a potential development opportunity. However, some residents remain reserved, as public information regarding the investors and the specific production concept remains limited.

It remains to be seen whether the facility will include the purchase of local tobacco or focus exclusively on the final production of cigarettes. The company has stated it will be ready to discuss detailed plans in the coming period. If successful, this new industrial plant would provide vital employment for one of Herzegovina's smallest municipalities.