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The expansion, completed after a two-year investment program, has boosted finished goods production capacity by about 30% to meet surging demand.
The company also announced a major step in its sustainability efforts: it will install a geothermal heating system at the plant and phase out natural gas use entirely by the end of 2028.
Niels B. Christiansen, CEO of the Lego Group, said: “Today marks a very important milestone for us, as we proudly celebrate the successful completion of our factory expansion in Hungary. The site reflects our commitment to sustainability, and with the increased production capacity, we can deliver even more play experiences to children and Lego fans across Europe and the world.”
The expansion has created around 300 new jobs in the past two years. With seasonal staff included, more than 4,300 people now work at the Nyíregyháza plant, making Lego Manufacturing Kft. one of the largest employers in the region.
The factory now covers the full Lego production chain, including molding, decoration, assembly, packaging, and warehousing. More than 1,000 molding machines are in operation, and the number of packaging lines has risen by a third to 73. New warehouse and office facilities have also been added, contributing to the plant’s new status as the world’s second-largest Lego factory.
The facility has grown dramatically since its opening in 2014, when it covered 120,000 square meters. Today, it spans 262,000 square meters—more than double its original size.
Chresten Bruun, general manager of Lego Manufacturing Kft., said: “We are very proud of our sustainability programs, including being the first in this part of the country to use geothermal energy on this scale in an industrial setting. We are grateful for the support of many partners who are helping us further reduce our environmental impact. We remain committed to the region, both as a major employer and as an active member of the local community.”
The Lego Group aims to reduce its reliance on fossil gas and cut its absolute carbon emissions by 37% compared with 2019 levels by 2032.
As part of this strategy, the company examined how to use geothermal energy to heat its Nyíregyháza facility. By 2028, the plant’s heating systems will be disconnected from natural gas.
The geothermal project complements several ongoing sustainability initiatives at the Nyíregyháza site. The plant already operates three solar parks with more than 24,000 panels. By the end of 2025, an additional 8.61 MWp capacity will be installed, representing more than a 200% increase over the previous year. A further 11,000 panels will be added on-site and on the roofs of nine new buildings by the end of next year, bringing total capacity to more than 17 MWp.
Biodiversity is also a focus. The company has created drought-resistant green islands between buildings to serve as habitats for insects, birds, and other wildlife. As part of this effort, Lego has planted more than 700 trees, 45,000 shrubs and perennials across 47,000 square meters, and established 3,800 square meters of pollinator-friendly meadows.
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