Panasonic Customers Visit Heat Pump Factory in Czech Republic

A group of Panasonic Air to Water installers from around the UK and Ireland recently visited the new Panasonic factory in Pilsen, Czech Republic. The factory started production in October 2018 of Panasonic’s Air to Water Heat Pumps to help meet the growing demand and ensure shorter lead times within Europe.

Europe has seen exponential demand for more renewable energy solutions. Providing heating, cooling and hot water, the Panasonic heat pump utilises energy from the air, providing a cheaper, cleaner and sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel or electric systems.
Since 2010, Panasonic Aquarea has set the standard for Air to Water heat pumps in Europe, with its reliability, simplicity and innovation. The new factory, starting with one production line, will progressively increase manufacture to reach 40,000 Aquarea units yearly, according to Panasonic’s mid-term plan, becoming one of the main factories for the Panasonic Aquarea range of heat pumps.

“The visit to both the factory and to meet counterpart installers was very useful.” commented one attendee on the trip, Stewart Gray of Heat Orkney. “In particular, it gave a real insight in to the manufacturing testing methods, giving reassurance of Panasonic's quality control systems during the build processes.”

Stewart Gray further added, “the hospitality and organisation of the trip hit the right tone to allow all the participants to meet, mingle and discuss their businesses, installation processes and procedures, and their ideas for future trends and expansion throughout UK and Ireland.”

The factory in Pilsen has been producing Panasonic TV’s since 1996 - Radek Vach General Manager, Business Planning Department of the Panasonic Pilsen Factory explained to the group how “the quality assurance and product safety procedures that the factory has developed overtime has been implemented to further develop the quality and production of the Panasonic Aquarea Air to Water units.”

Panasonic is renowned for producing sustainable quality products throughout the world with environmental factors being at its core – Radek Vach advised that the Panasonic factory in Pilsen has been awarded the “Eco Ideas Factory Award” that recognises its contributions to the environment.”

“We are very proud of this new facility and the capabilities it gives us, with delivery of units being one day to most destinations in Europe.” Commented Tony Lathey – UK Pre-Sales Manager for Panasonic UK.

Tony reminded the group about the recent report from the Committee on Climate Change (the CCC) *1 that says:

“Energy use in homes accounts for about 14% of UK greenhouse gas emissions.
These emissions need to fall by at least 24% by 2030 from 1990 levels but are currently off track. In 2017, annual temperature-adjusted emissions from buildings rose by around 1% relative to the previous year. “

Tony further went on to explain how legislation is helping to drive the option of green technologies such as ASHP. “Gas cookers and boilers could be banned from new homes within six years to meet carbon emissions targets. Property developers would not be allowed to connect new-builds to the gas grid after 2025, according to official guidance. The proposals, unveiled on 21st February 2019, would put an end to new gas boilers and cookers”

Increasing insulation to create a lower energy use will be key to future designs. Furthermore, cooling requirements will need to be considered, as insulation requirements rise and passive overheating increases. Panasonic A2W Aquarea Heat Pumps can provide both Heating & Cooling.

Panasonic had previously exported air-to-water heat pumps to Europe from its Malaysian factory. The new production facility provides Panasonic with a better capability to meet growing demand for energy-efficient heating and cooling, in properties across the region. It will also create a more localised and agile approach to product design in line with European regulations. For Panasonic customers in Europe, Aquarea lead times will be reduced thanks to short-haul transportation links, which also contributes to a reduction in the environmental impact of long-haul product shipping from Malaysia.