Mallorca: Balearic industry loses firms, gains jobs
Palma, Mallorca: Balearic industry has fewer firms than it did in 2018, but more people work in the sector. On Thursday, 12 November 2026, regional minister for business, self-employment and energy Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro told the Balearic Parliament’s Economy Committee that a draft plan to tackle the sector’s problems would be ready before the end of the year. He wants the plan approved in early 2027.
Fewer firms, more workers
The number of industrial firms across the Balearics fell from 4,877 in 2018 to 4,491 in 2025, according to figures Sáenz de San Pedro presented. Over the same period, the number of workers registered for social security in the sector rose from 28,410 to more than 31,000. He said the figures showed a need to improve productivity and competitiveness.
A study presented by the University of the Balearic Islands in September 2025 identified other obstacles: a shortage of skilled workers, difficulty finding people to take over businesses, bureaucracy, costs linked to being on islands and problems accessing housing.
What the plan will tackle
The proposed plan for 2027 to 2031 will cover nine areas, including industrial space, transport costs, energy, skills and housing. It will also address technology, finance and cooperation between firms. Those issues matter on Mallorca as part of the Balearics, though the figures describe the islands as a whole.
Sáenz de San Pedro rejected criticism that industry representatives had not been consulted. He said surveys, interviews and sector meetings had helped produce 116 project proposals. His department is now choosing which are viable and working out their budgets, deadlines and aims. Political groups will then receive the draft and be able to suggest changes.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com