Panasonic has marked a major milestone in its European operations with the reopening of its fully upgraded and expanded giga factory in Pilsen, Czech Republic. The facility, which has undergone a €320m (£277m) expansion and refurbishment, is set to become one of the continent’s largest production and distribution hubs for heat pump solutions.
The Pilsen complex now covers 140,000 m² and will increase production capacity by 250%. By 2030, it is expected to manufacture up to 1.4 million indoor and outdoor heat pump units annually for supply across Europe. The project also transfers production and R&D activities from South-East Asia to Europe, strengthening Panasonic’s commitment to producing locally for local markets.
In line with the company’s Green Impact philosophy, the Panasonic Pilsen factory has been developed as a ‘Net Zero’ facility, powered by a mix of purchased renewable energy and a 1 MW rooftop photovoltaic system. The move supports Europe’s wider transition away from fossil fuels by accelerating the adoption of low-carbon heating and cooling technology.
The reopening ceremony underlined the factory’s national and regional importance, with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in attendance. He said: “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.”
Panasonic said the expansion represents a long-term commitment to meeting growing demand for sustainable heating solutions across Europe, while reducing its own carbon footprint through localised, net-zero manufacturing.
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