Pharma Technology Investment Project in Debrecen

German industrial equipment manufacturer heavyweight Harro Höfliger is set to produce custom machines used in medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry at its new plant in Debrecen, E Hungary, built in an investment project of EUR 14 million, the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA) reports.

Founded 50 years ago, Harro Höfliger acquired the Hungarian operations of the high-tech machinery group Manz in 2024, along with its development plans.

By early 2025, the new Debrecen facility had reached structural completion, in a process that involved moving approximately 14,000 cubic meters of soil and using 50 tons of reinforced concrete. The two-story plant spans more than 9,000 square meters and will soon become operational.

The significance of the investment, made with the cooperation of HIPA, lies in its addition of a new sector — the production of custom machines used in medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry — to Debrecen’s industrial ecosystem. This further increases the number of high-value-added jobs in the eastern Hungarian region.

The company can build on strong foundations, as the previous owner had already collaborated with the Debrecen Vocational Training Center in dual training programs and established a strategic partnership with the University of Debrecen.

The company, named after its founder, started as a small business in 1975. Fifty years later, it operates in 60 countries, with a significant portion of its revenue coming from markets outside Europe. Employing over 2,000 people, Harro Höfliger primarily serves clients in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. While its core business is machine manufacturing, it also develops digital solutions for its partners.