Following Panasonic’s nine-figure investment, the new production complex will be capable of producing up to 1.4 million indoor and outdoor heat pump units per year from 2030 onwards, for supply throughout Europe.

Panasonic has invested € 20 million into the expansion and refurbishment of the facility in Pilsen, increasing the factory’s production capacity by 250% to a total of 140,000 m². This large expansion project transfers production and R&D from South-East Asia to Europe as Panasonic increases capacity of heat pumps being produced locally.

Aligning with the Panasonic GREEN IMPACT long-term environmental vision, this also ensures a reduction in carbon footprint through local production for local customers and their specific local requirements and their move towards non- fossil heating & cooling technology. As a ‚Net Zero factory‘, the facility is run using a combination of green energy purchases and its own 1 MW photovoltaic power production on the roof of the factory.

Demonstrating the national significance of the opening of this new facility, the opening ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala.

'The opening of this state-of-the-art heat pump production facility strengthens the competitiveness of Czech industry, brings new skilled jobs, and confirms that the Czech Republic offers attractive conditions for technologically demanding and innovative projects. In the Czech Republic, we want companies that produce complete products with high added value, companies closely connected to science and research. Our government will continue to actively support these investments,' the Prime Minister said.

'At Panasonic, we see Europe as particularly advanced when it comes to sustainability, and therefore the acceptance of sustainable energy solutions. We’re seeing a marked uptick in interest in heat pumps in the European market, and we are anticipating this to be reflected in demand in the next few years. Our investment into the Pilsen factory demonstrates both our confidence in the growth of the market and our ability to anticipate and meet future demand,' said Toshikatsu Fukunaga, CEO, Panasonic HVAC Europe.