Parvomay, Bulgaria — Intuitive, a leading U.S.-based pioneer in robotic and minimally invasive surgery, has launched a new €42 million production facility in the Bulgarian town of Parvomay, significantly boosting its footprint in Europe.
The site, located in the Plovdiv region, is set to play a critical role in manufacturing 3D endoscopes and micro-optical components for the company’s flagship da Vinci Surgical System. This marks Intuitive’s first facility in Bulgaria and its third in Europe, following its operations in Germany.
The newly inaugurated plant will serve as a key manufacturing hub, contributing to the company’s global operations and supporting a network of around 90,000 surgeons worldwide who use the da Vinci platform.
Harald Haigis, General Manager for Europe at Intuitive, highlighted Bulgaria’s advantages as a manufacturing destination. “We selected Bulgaria because of its strong tradition in optical manufacturing, excellent strategic location, and access to a highly qualified pool of engineers and technical professionals,” Haigis said during the opening ceremony.
The site covers more than 17,000 square meters and includes both office and production spaces across two buildings. Currently employing over 110 people, the company has plans to increase the workforce to 300 as operations ramp up.
According to Stoyan Stoyanov, Intuitive’s Senior Director of Operations for Bulgaria, the facility was designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and workforce wellbeing.
“Creating an environment where highly skilled professionals want to stay and grow has been a core priority for us,” he said. “We are offering a modern, energy-efficient workspace that reflects our long-term commitment to Bulgaria.”
The new Bulgarian site will specialize in the assembly of high-precision optical components, a critical part of the da Vinci Surgical System, which has enabled nearly 17 million procedures globally since its introduction in the late 1990s. The company also plans to base local support teams in HR, IT, and finance in Parvomay.
Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Krasimir Yakimov praised the investment as a national milestone. “This project is not just important for Parvomay or the Plovdiv region, but for the entire country. It demonstrates Bulgaria’s potential as a hub for high-tech and medical innovation,” he stated.
The launch event drew a wide range of dignitaries, including Parvomay Mayor Nikolay Mitkov and Plovdiv Regional Governor Prof. Dr. Hristina Yancheva. Representatives from hospitals, universities, government agencies, and industry associations also attended, signaling strong institutional support for the venture.
Founded in 1995 in California, Intuitive has been at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery for three decades. The Parvomay facility’s opening coincides with the company’s 30th anniversary—a symbolic step that reaffirms its commitment to international growth and innovation in healthcare.