Residents outraged over new Asian factory planned for Pest County, Hungary

Residents in the town of Maglód, Pest County, are upset about a South Korean company’s plan to build an aluminium parts factory nearby, as initial construction has already started with the clearing of a local wooded area. Locals fear that the new facility will worsen traffic congestion on the already crowded Route 31, while town officials and the government look for ways to manage the impact.

A South Korean company is moving forward with the construction of a factory for aluminium parts near Maglód, along Route 31, where initial work began in mid-October with the clearing of a 1.8-hectare forested area, RTL reported. Many residents only became aware of the project when they noticed the sudden removal of trees near their homes, sparking concerns over potential traffic issues on the already busy route.

Local council member Ildikó Papp stated that there has been limited information provided about the scope of the project, although a large section of forest has already been cut down. The new town leader, who took office in October, declined to comment, adding only that the land sale was approved in 2004 by a previous mayor who led Maglód for 22 years.

According to the town council, the factory will span two industrial areas of 6,000 square meters each, and a housing facility for up to 300 employees is also planned. To mitigate the expected traffic increase, the Ministry of Construction and Transport has proposed a 0.5-kilometre tunnel beneath the town. A community forum in mid-November will address residents’ concerns and outline further development plans.

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