Balearic industry falls to 4,491 firms as jobs grow
In Palma on Mallorca, the Balearic Islands’ industrial sector has 4,491 firms, down from 4,877 in 2018 — yet it employs more people. On Thursday, 12 November, enterprise, self-employment and energy minister Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro told parliament’s Economy Committee that a draft plan for the sector would be ready before the end of the year. The government aims to approve the plan, covering 2027 to 2031, in early 2027.
Fewer firms, more workers
The number of workers registered with Social Security in Balearic industry rose from 28,410 in 2018 to more than 31,000 in 2025. Sáenz de San Pedro said the figures showed why firms needed to improve productivity and competitiveness.
A report presented to the government by the University of the Balearic Islands in September 2025 identified shortages of skilled staff and people to take over businesses. It also pointed to bureaucracy, costs linked to island life and difficulty finding housing.
The proposed plan has nine areas of focus. They include industrial land, transport and energy costs, skills and housing, technology and finance. It also seeks more opportunities for industrial firms through tourism and construction.
Project ideas face a funding test
Officials have identified 116 project proposals: 88 came from technical contributions put up for discussion and 28 from talks with industry representatives. The ministry is now deciding which can go ahead and what budgets, deadlines and goals they would need.
Sáenz de San Pedro rejected criticism that the industry had been left out, saying firms had taken part through surveys, interviews and sector meetings. Political groups will also be able to comment on the draft.
Socialist parliamentarian Marco Antonio Guerrero said the plan was two years late and called for a budget of 280 million euros. Lluís Apesteguia of MÉS per Mallorca asked whether money had been set aside at all. He also wants a reasoned answer for proposals that do not make the final plan.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com