Daikin Europe doubles the production capacity for air-to-water heat pumps in its factory in Belgium
Today Daikin Europe N.V. celebrated the opening of a new state-of-the-art production line for the manufacturing of top-grade air-to-water heat pumps. The investment creates 100 additional jobs in Daikin’s factory in Ostend, Belgium and will double the site’s capacity for air-to-water heat pumps compared to today. The investment is part of Daikin’s five-year strategic plan, which is – amongst others – intended to meet growing demand for sustainable heating solutions in Europe.
Daikin expands heat pump production in Europe
Daikin Europe N.V. has 12 manufacturing sites throughout its territory, with five of them producing various types of heat pumps. Demand for air-to-water heat pumps is expected to increase drastically in the next ten years. These type of units can provide both heating and domestic hot water, and run on electricity.
“We have been making great efforts to increase our overall production capacity in recent years,” says Steven Van Impe, Deputy General Manager Manufacturing. “Heat pumps are generally considered a key technology to reach the ambitious targets that the European Union has set to reach climate neutrality in 2050. They will also help to reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels,” stresses Steven Van Impe. “By investing in new and additional manufacturing capacity in Europe, Daikin is taking the lead in realising these ambitions.”
Long term R&D and production plan for sustainable heating solutions
“The new production line in Ostend is one of many investment projects we are undertaking to enhance our manufacturing capabilities within the framework of our Fusion 2025 plan,” says Hiromitsu Iwasaki, Vice President of Daikin Europe. “Daikin Europe N.V. is expanding its R&D and production capacity for advanced heat pumps for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This investment is an important step, and more will follow. We have the ambition to further strengthen our position as demand for sustainable, fossil-free heating solutions continues to grow.”