Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air Conditioning Europe (MHIAE), a wholly owned company of MHI, and Beijer Ref signed a framework agreement on March 12 in London for the establishment and operation of a joint venture company for the sales and servicing of products.

The collaboration is intended to strengthen the close relationship between the two groups in order to significantly expand market share in the targeted markets.

MHIAE is responsible for the sales and servicing of air conditioning and heat pumps throughout the European market, and will expand its business with Beijer Ref's group companies in UK and Ireland by means of this transaction.

The joint venture, with operations scheduled to commence at the end of May, is to be named 3D Plus Limited and will have both engineering and consulting functions to reinforce the sales and servicing of air conditioning and heat pump systems.

The technical experience of MHI and the distribution expertise of Beijer Ref will be combined to deliver a broader and more focused offering to customers.

Beijer Ref, headquartered in Malmo, Sweden, operates through group companies in 34 countries worldwide. It has operating bases throughout the UK and Ireland, providing products to the refrigeration industry.

MHI Thermal Systems will utilize the Beijer Ref network within the UK and Ireland, providing highly efficient and natural refrigerant CO2 products to aid in the prevention of global warming.