World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Panasonic to invest €145m in Czech heat pump plant

CZECH REPUBLIC: Panasonic has said it intends to invest around €145m to boost heat pump production at its factory in the Czech Republic to 500,000 units by the end of March 2026.

Panasonic started the production of air-to-water indoor units with one line at its TV factory in Plzen, in 2018. Extra capacity for heat pump production has been created by Panasonic’s decision last year to cease TV production at the plant due to falling demand.

It will, however, continue to produce video products, such as Blu-ray players, at the plant which it first established in 1996.

The new investment will enable Panasonic to start the production of outdoor units in addition to its indoor units. 

Related stories:

Panasonic begins European production – 10 October 2018
CZECH REPUBLIC: Panasonic has commenced residential air-to-water heat pump production at its TV factory in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Read more…

Panasonic to begin European production – 14 March 2018
CZECH REPUBLIC: Panasonic is to commence production of air-to-water indoor units from a factory in the Czech Republic. Read more…

Panasonic plans European AC plant – 12 September 2017
JAPAN: Committed to ambitious expansion plans, Panasonic is to start production of air conditioning units in Europe. Read more…

Latest News

14th October 2026

Space Engineering acquired by German group

UK: Bristol-based Space Engineering Services has been acquired by Bluu Unit, the German group of refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation firms.
14th October 2026

French cyber agency warns of further attacks

FRANCE: The French government's national cybersecurity agency ANSSI has warned that attack campaigns are likely still underway targeting refrigeration equipment.
14th October 2026

Daikin opens expanded US Modular Solutions site

USA: Daikin Applied has opened its newly expanded 17,750m2 Modular Solutions facility in Phoenix.
14th October 2026

Arkema launches new R134a replacement

FRANCE: Arkema has announced the release of R516A, a new, lower GWP refrigerant replacement for R134a in HVAC and cooling applications.
13th October 2026

Hitachi launches Air365 Max (Pro) R32 VRF

GERMANY: Launched at this week’s Chillventa show, Air365 Max (Pro) is Hitachi’s latest VRF system using R32 refrigerant for commercial projects.
13th October 2026

Panasonic adds compact R290 heat pumps

GERMANY: Panasonic has introduced new compact residential indoor and outdoor units to its Aquarea M Series of R290 air-to-water heat pumps.