The Yazaki factory in Krepost, Haskovo Region, is a project by IPA - Architecture and more, completed in 2017 as the Japanese company's third manufacturing facility in Bulgaria. Located near Dimitrovgrad, the complex has a gross floor area of 30,305 sq m and was designed to accommodate more than 2,000 jobs. Yazaki manufactures automotive components, including products for Renault, Ford, and Daimler. As part of the architectural design, the facility brings together manufacturing, warehouse, administrative, and support functions.
Before the main design phase, the IPA - Architecture and more team addressed the specific conditions of the site. Large marble deposits were identified in one part of the property, while another area was affected by marshy ground conditions. More than 60 boreholes were carried out before the site level was adjusted through the construction of concrete slabs.
The facility consists of a manufacturing and warehouse block and an administrative and staff block. The manufacturing area is organized into several volumes of varying heights according to their functions and technological requirements. The spaces are designed to provide sufficient room for equipment, support the production process, and ensure staff safety. The project forms part of the IPA - Architecture and more portfolio of manufacturing facilities.
The two-story administrative and staff block includes offices, conference rooms, a training area, a medical room, and a cafeteria. The interior uses light tones and materials selected for ease of cleaning and maintenance. The manufacturing and warehouse zone uses a steel structural system, while the administrative section is constructed in monolithic reinforced concrete.
The facades are clad in light-colored thermal panels with polyurethane insulation. Black window frames contrast with the main facade tone and relate to Yazaki's corporate logo. The company's red color is used as an accent along the roof edge, the canopy above the main entrance, the guardhouse roof, and within the administrative interior.
The exterior includes a wide pedestrian area, 173 parking spaces, and 17,800 sq m of landscaped area. Flagpoles displaying the flags of Bulgaria, Japan, the European Union, and the company are positioned in front of the main entrance. With a total site area of 64,500 sq m and a building height of 14 m, the project also forms part of the IPA - Architecture and more portfolio of industrial buildings.
