Ambassador Drexler Visited Lidl’s New Logistics Center in Kumanovo – A Prime Example of Modern German Investment and Sustainable Development

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to North Macedonia, H.E. Petra Drexler, visited Lidl’s new logistics center in Kumanovo. Representing a total investment of €115 million, the facility stands as one of the largest and most advanced investments of its kind in the country and the region. During the visit, the Ambassador toured the facility to hear about its storage capacities, the sustainable building standards and practices integrated into its construction, as well as the sophisticated logistics processes and modern technologies set to ensure the efficient storage and supply of Lidl's future retail network across the country.

The visit served as an opportunity to showcase the progress of all of Lidl's ongoing investments in the country and to reaffirm the company's long-term commitment to developing the Macedonian market. During the meeting, officials emphasized the logistics center's significance as a crucial infrastructure project that will foster further economic growth, generate new jobs, and elevate modern standards within the retail and logistics sectors.

The facility was constructed to meet the highest standards of energy efficiency, safety, and environmental protection by utilizing advanced green technologies and solutions aimed at lowering energy consumption and carbon emissions. Crucially, more than 75 local Macedonian companies participated in the construction, which is a substantial contribution to the domestic economy and the local business community.

Throughout her tour of the logistics center's various departments, the Ambassador observed the storage and quality control zones for fresh products, alongside the waste management and recycling systems. Lidl also presented its innovative approach to sustainable operations, energy efficiency, and its commitment to fostering a modern, pleasant working environment for its staff.

“This logistics center is far more than just a storage facility; it is the cornerstone of our long-term commitment to the Macedonian market. With a strong focus on optimized processes, this hub truly showcases our discount model - where every effectiveness gain is transformed into direct value for our customers. It guarantees a secure supply chain, ensuring every day fresh delivery of qualitative products at affordable prices.

Furthermore, this facility demonstrates the scale of our cooperation with domestic producers. It marks a new chapter for their success, opening the door for international markets and creating export chances for Macedonian products. We are incredibly proud that numerous local companies were involved in building this modern, energy-efficient project. By creating over 200 new jobs, we are investing not just in advanced infrastructure, but in people, the local economy, and sustainable development”, said Milena Dragijska, Executive Representative of Lidl.

Ambassador Drexler stated that “Lidl’s Logistics Center is a visible result of a major German investment in North Macedonia”.

“I’m impressed to see how much Lidl’s engagement has already contributed to increase the capacities of local producers to export their agricultural products, benefiting from support to achieve EU standards and certifications. This is gradual integration into the EU Single Market at its best!”, Ambassador Petra Drexler says. 

With this investment, Lidl reaffirms its long-term strategy to investment and development of a modern, efficient, and sustainable retail system in the Macedonian market, bringing lasting benefits to consumers, business partners, and the national economy as a whole. The execution of this project is a great example of constructive partnership between the private sector, local authorities, and central institutions. 

Lidl is part of the Schwarz Group, headquartered in Neckarsulm, Germany, and is one of Europe's leading food retailers. The company operates around 12,900 stores across 31 countries. This international brand is dedicated to offering a curated selection of products with the best quality-to-price ratio, employing more than 395,000 people worldwide.