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JCI-Hitachi opens development centre in India

INDIA: Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning has announced the opening of a new a US$22.5m global development centre in Kadi, Gujarat State, India. 

Described as a state-of-the-art facility, the new centre will have a strong focus on developing residential air conditioners and commercial packaged air conditioners for India as well as the European, Southeast Asia and Middle East markets.

With an initial staff of over 150 engineers, the new 21,000m² centre is equipped with state-of-the-art research and testing laboratories for reliability, performance, EMC, electronics and sound. It will also offer a wide range of capabilities, including user experience design, industrial design, simulation, controls, design quality, project management and engineering information systems. It also features an experience zone that will give customers hands-on experience of the latest air conditioning innovations and technologies.

Describing the new centre as a crucial step in strengthening the global position of the company, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning CEO Franz Cerwinka said: “This new Global Development Centre will play a critical role in developing new and exciting products, particularly for Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe to enhance our ability to meet diverse market needs in these regions.”

The new facility, located adjacent to the Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India factory is the company’s fourth such development centre, alongside two centres in Japan and one in China. 

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