Hisense Hitachi JV builds third plant

CHINA: The joint venture company Qingdao Hisense Hitachi Air-Conditioning Systems has broken ground on its third factory in the Chinese city of Qingdao.

The new factory is expected to significantly increase output for the joint venture business formed between Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning and Chinese manufacturer Hisense.

The new factory will cover 150,000m² of land within the same complex as the company’s existing two plants. It will include state-of-the-art production lines for Hitachi, York and Hisense-brand commercial air conditioning systems for use in buildings in the Chinese market and around the world. It will have a potential capacity of 2 million units per year.

The new building will also house a research and development centre complete with “customer experience” lab capable of recreating diverse temperature, humidity, sunshine, rain, snow and wind conditions for product testing.

Construction of the new factory is now underway. After commencing operations in November 2019, it is scheduled to be fully operational by January 1, 2020.

“Qingdao Hisense Hitachi Air-Conditioning Systems is a crucial part of Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning’s global strategy for growth,” said Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning CEO Franz Cerwinka. “With the establishment of this new factory, we and our partners Hisense are demonstrating our deep commitment to the company and our strong belief in its potential to continue to excel.”