IIAs 2026 | Harro Höfliger’s Expansion in Debrecen, Hungary

Why It Matters

The expansion strengthens Europe’s pharmaceutical equipment supply chain while showcasing how targeted FDI can accelerate re‑industrialisation and skill development in Central Europe.

Key Takeaways

• €15 mn expansion creates 100 new jobs in Debrecen.
• Acquired Manz Hungary facility accelerates production of medical devices.
• Project ranks second most impactful small‑scale FDI in 2026 awards.
• Dual‑education partnership addresses skilled‑labour shortage locally.
• Boosts Hungary’s re‑industrialisation and pharmaceutical equipment capacity.

Pulse Analysis

Harro Höfliger’s Debrecen investment illustrates how strategic foreign direct investment (FDI) can catalyze growth in niche industrial sectors. By acquiring Manz’s existing Hungarian operations, the German firm bypassed the time‑intensive build‑out phase, enabling a rapid transition from concept to production within a year. The €15 million capital outlay not only expands capacity for high‑precision medical and pharmaceutical machinery but also aligns with Europe’s broader push for sustainable, locally sourced equipment that reduces reliance on distant suppliers.

The upgraded plant focuses on custom machines that manufacture inhalers, auto‑injectors and contact lenses—products critical to public health and increasingly demanded by a growing global market. This capacity boost enhances supply‑chain resilience for pharmaceutical firms, allowing faster time‑to‑market for life‑saving devices. Moreover, the emphasis on sustainable technologies reflects industry trends toward greener manufacturing processes, positioning Harro Höfliger as a forward‑looking player in the medical equipment arena.

Beyond the economic metrics, the project addresses Hungary’s labour challenges through a dual‑education framework with the University of Debrecen and local vocational centres. By retraining existing staff and creating clear pathways for new talent, the initiative supports the country’s strategic priority of re‑industrialisation. This collaborative model not only fills skill gaps but also fosters a pipeline of engineers versed in advanced pharmaceutical machinery, ensuring long‑term competitiveness for both the company and the region’s manufacturing ecosystem.

IIAs 2026 | Harro Höfliger’s expansion in Debrecen, Hungary

Alex Irwin‑Hunt · February 12 2026

Machinery manufacturer Harro Höfliger’s expanded factory in Debrecen, Hungary, was recognised as the second most impactful small‑scale FDI project in the announced category. The German company’s plans follow its acquisition of the Hungarian operations of Manz in 2024.

The acquisition of an existing production facility and trusted management team was key to the project’s success. “This has enabled us to start operating efficiently and with the flexibility to grow, meeting the increasing demand for sustainable technologies which contribute to the health of millions of people,” says Thomas Heckner, chief operating officer of Harro Höfliger.

The €15 mn expansion of the factory will enable Harro Höfliger to increase its production of custom machines used in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Its high‑tech machines are used in the manufacture of products such as inhalers, auto‑injectors and contact lenses.

Project by the numbers

• Investor, HQ country: Harro Höfliger, Germany

• Location: Debrecen, Hungary

• Sector: Industrial equipment (pharmaceutical machinery)

• Capital expenditure: €15 mn

• Expected jobs creation: 100

The judging panel were particularly impressed by the project’s expected contributions to productivity, innovation and Hungary’s strategic priorities, which includes the re‑industrialisation of the country through FDI.

To address labour concerns, Harro Höfliger has co‑operated with the University of Debrecen and local vocational training centres to develop dual‑education tracks and retrain existing staff at the operations.

“Within one year, our investment journey progressed from concept to operational success, supported by an intense recruitment campaign in Hungary and subsequent training programs,” says Csaba Juhász, general manager of Harro Höfliger Hungary.

This article is part of the Special Report: Investment Impact Awards 2026.