German Firm With 175-Year History Sticks With Cobb County 

Heidelberg USA Inc. knows a thing or two about growing where you’re planted. 

The German investor is named after a city that traces its heritage to the 12th century, and the company itself has operated for 175 years. 

Perhaps that fidelity to history gives its leadership the perspective to think long-term, looking at immutable fundamentals rather than trends of the moment. 

Heidelberg USA set up shop in metro Atlanta in 1994, relocating from New York to put its headquarters in a purpose-built facility on what would become Gutenberg Drive in Kennesaw, aptly named for a company manufacturing printing presses and other machinery.   

“At the time, it was a very difficult decision, but my German colleagues liked the warm weather, and they really appreciated the business friendly climate, so that also made it an easy decision for us,” said President Clarence Penge during SelectCobb’s annual International Company Reception at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Tuesday. 

In the 32 years that Mr. Penge has climbed the corporate ladder from instructor to executive, however, things have shifted. 

“We’re a lot smaller than we used to be because, of course, the business of print and everything continues to evolve,” he said. 

Still, Heidelberg USA has 440 employees with about 215 in Georgia, not counting the 29 apprentices learning how to maintain and repair machines that “turn pixels into print,” helping give shape and inspiration to the tactile world. 

Mr. Pegge noted that standing in a Publix or Kroger, it’s likely that the consumer will never be outside a 10-foot radius from a product that has come off a Heidelberg machine. In a company video, the narrator noted that within its two minutes of run time, a Heidelberg machined can print 14,000 french fry cartons, 700 premium shopping bags or 31,500 perfume boxes. 

Sticking With Cobb 

When the company was looking for a new U.S. “home of print,” it could have gone anywhere, including closer to the Atlanta airport, from which technicians fan out to work on machines all across the country. Heidelberg also sells in 170 countries, with 87 percent of its 2.4 billion euros of turnover happening outside Germany. 

But by early 2026, when the move was planned, it was clear that the best move was the shortest distance, and Heidelberg USA ended up in Marietta, five minutes from its old place.

“We were intentional about staying in Cobb County and staying where we were, because, as I said, people make the difference,” Mr. Penge told a crowd of about 80 at the chamber. “And when you’re here for 33 years and you have great success, you want to continue that success. You have to take the employees that you currently have and transfer their knowledge to the next generation of Heidelbergers.” 

Apprenticeships as On-ramps

In addition to demonstrations and technical trainings for current and prospective customers, the new facility is also home to a three-year apprenticeship program that is based on the German model but adapted to U.S. market conditions.

Heidelberg acknowledges that “life on the road is not what this generation really wants,” Mr. Penge said, but the proragm appeals to some who are seeking a long-term career rather than just another job. 

Nearby resources and institutions, including Kennesaw State University, have been key to building a solid talent pipeline. Given that there’s nothing keeping trainees after the company has invested three years into their development, Heidelberg has to focus keenly on retention, continually finding ways to help employees grow. Mentors manage the process, overseeing a training regimen that includes three months in the office learning machines, followed by a similar amount of time out in the field gaining practical experience. 

Half the space in the new “Print Media Center — Americas,” which brings in customers and technicians from Canada and Mexico as well as the U.S., is devoted to demonstration and training. 

“This move affirms our focus on driving innovation, supporting education, and encouraging collaboration,” Mr. Penge said in a news release. “We’re excited for this facility to support the next generation of print professionals. It aligns perfectly with our company goals of helping our customers succeed and inspiring people to be their best.”

Back at the Cobb Chamber, he noted that with a local team joining 9,500 employees globally, Heidelberg continues to be devoted to “helping customers succeed,” much as it has done for nearly 200 years.

“When you do that, they tend to be happy customers.” 

• Cobb County is home to more than 200 international companies from 30 countries, employing 17,000 people. The chamber’s international programming is supported by The Manely Firm, also a Global Atlanta partner. Read more: Cobb Focuses on German Firms as More Investment in Georgia Predicted