HEINEKEN Hrvatska marks completion of one of the largest projects in its new investment cycle

HEINEKEN Hrvatska has officially marked the completion of one of the largest projects within its current investment cycle by commissioning a new can filling line at its brewery in Karlovac.

The can filling line represents the single largest investment within the €25 million cycle, carried out with the support of the Government of the Republic of Croatia under the Investment Promotion Act. This investment will enable greater production flexibility and a faster response to growing consumer demand for canned products. The line has a capacity of 25,000 cans per hour, allowing up to 1,500 hectolitres of beer to be filled per shift. In addition to expanding production capacity, the project has also created new jobs – 15 new employees have joined the HEINEKEN Hrvatska team.

“This investment is a significant contribution to strengthening the domestic industrial base, advancing technological modernization, increasing energy efficiency, and creating new employment opportunities,” stated Goran Romek, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy and representative of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia. “We are pleased that the project was realized within the framework of Croatia’s legislative support for investment. This confirms Croatia’s position as a reliable destination for modern and sustainable business.”

Maud Meijboom-van Wel, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Hrvatska, emphasized the importance of the investment for both the company and the local community.

“This line is an important step forward in continuing our long-term growth strategy in Croatia. We are proud to further strengthen local production and respond to the needs of a rapidly evolving market, including demand for convenient packaging like cans. This investment also brings added value to the local community through new jobs and sustainable development. Karlovac is the heart of our production, and this investment further reinforces its importance,” said Maud Meijboom-van Wel.

In addition to the can filling line, the investment cycle includes the installation of new horizontal and vertical tanks, increasing local production capacity by 36%, the construction of a 2,600-square-metre logistics platform, and the installation of new air compressors to optimize production processes. All activities were carried out to enhance capacity, efficiency, and operational reliability.

“We are extremely proud that Karlovac is a city of industrial development, economic strength, and the preservation of our tradition. Our tradition is certainly this brewery and Karlovačko beer, and investments like this are a promise of more jobs and a higher standard of living,” emphasized Ivana Fočić, Deputy Mayor of Karlovac.

Alongside these projects, the brewery's internal infrastructure has also been improved – outdated structures have been removed, logistics areas expanded, new green zones created, and additional parking spaces provided.

The event was attended by Her Excellency Charlotte van Baak, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Croatia, Vesna Hajsan Dolinar, Deputy Prefect of Karlovac County, and various business partners.

Following the official part of the programme, guests were invited to tour the can filling line under expert guidance.