Heidelberg Postpress is exploring the possibility of opening a plant in North Macedonia, with Skopje and Shtip as potential locations

German industrial manufacturer Heidelberg Postpress, globally recognized for its postal systems and digital printing equipment, is considering opening a new plant in North Macedonia—a decision that could become one of the most significant manufacturing expansions in the region in the coming years. The potential locations being analyzed by the company are in the areas around Skopje and Shtip, BalkanEngineer.com learned from an official announcement by the Free Economic Zones Administration (TIRZ) in North Macedonia.

The visit of the Heidelberg Postpress delegation to North Macedonia is part of a broader strategic assessment of the investment climate in Southeast Europe. Company representatives inspected specific industrial sites, infrastructure connectivity, access to logistics corridors, and the availability of skilled labor. TIRZ specifies that the interest in the country is part of the global trend of "nearshoring" – moving production processes closer to European markets, where Heidelberg Postpress is seeing growing demand.

Director Matthias Laubenstein emphasizes in a statement that the stable business environment, predictable policies, and institutional support in North Macedonia are among the leading elements in the company's analysis. He describes contacts with state structures as transparent and efficient – a factor that, in his opinion, is often lacking in other countries with larger markets. The competitive training of engineering personnel and the country's willingness to develop specialized industrial zones focused on high-tech manufacturing also made an impression.

The company is considering this project in the context of its strategy to expand beyond the traditional printing equipment sector. In recent years, Heidelberg Postpress has been actively entering areas such as high-precision engineering manufacturing, automation and robotic manufacturing systems, as well as the development of green, energy-efficient technologies.

TIRZ specifies that in early 2026, the company will finalize its analysis and decide on the specific location and volume of the investment. If developments are positive, construction could begin by the end of the same year, with the first production lines potentially coming online in 2027.

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