Panasonic invests €320 million into European heat pump production with Czech factory opening
Panasonic has marked a major milestone in the European production and distribution of its heat pump solutions with the reopening of its fully upgraded and expanded giga factory in Pilsen, Czech Republic.
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 €320 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.
Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala, 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.
A shift from fossil-based energy towards electrification and renewable energy is rapidly taking place in Europe. Panasonic is committed to supporting Europe’s climate goals, and as part of these efforts, is working to meet growing demand across the region for renewable energy solutions. In 2024, the European heat pump market size was estimated at €12.2 billion, and is expected to reach over €71 billion by 2034 (Global Market Insights).
Toshikatsu Fukunaga, CEO, Panasonic HVAC Europe, 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.
The new production complex will be capable of producing up to 1.4 million external and internal heat pump units per year from 2030 onwards for residential and commercial applications, for supply throughout Europe, making the Pilsen factory one of the largest producers of heat pumps in Europe by capacity. In 2024-25, the facility has more than doubled its production output, and momentum is increasing.
In addition, in cooperation with a local university, a state-of-the-art R&D center focused on future heat pump developments has also been established in Pilsen at the factory. As a key partner in the establishment of the R&D facility, the Technical University of Ostrava has completely designed and is due to build one of the research laboratories. By 2028, the Pilsen R&D team will manage the full heat pump development lifecycle, in coordination with the product planning division in Japan – ensuring the complete development of air-to-water heat pumps in Pilsen, from scratch to the final product.
Radek Vach, Business Planning Director, Panasonic HVAC CZ, said:
The factory in Pilsen is set to become Panasonic’s central hub for heat pump production and supply in Europe. By placing further R&D capabilities and production together on the same site, we’ll be able to ensure that the factory is able to rapidly and nimbly anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of this key market. There will also be cost savings associated with reduced logistics, in addition to the speed and flexibility associated with bringing R&D and production together.
The Pilsen facility is also investing significantly in robotics, automation and AI technology, as well as synergising with other global Panasonic factories in these areas. This will enable it to reach peak production capacity, drive efficiency and support the workforce. The factory currently has 80 robots deployed on site, and the factory layout has been optimised for the future deployment of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for material supply and finished product transport. In future, the facility plans to achieve 100% automation in component manufacturing.
Paul Kenny, Director General of the European Heat Pump Association, commented:
“The heat pump sector is boosting Europe’s energy security, our economy and our path to decarbonisation by replacing fossil fuel imports with a clean, locally made and locally powered solution. Today’s factory reopening is both a big step forward on that journey and a clear message to decision-makers from one of the world’s leading companies, that the future is bright in European manufacturing and that heat pumps will inevitably be at the heart of our future global energy system.”
Panasonic is exhibiting at elementalLONDON, the UK’s leading event for advancing the efficiency of buildings, on 19-20 November at Excel, London. To register for your free ticket, click here
