Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has started residential air-to-water heat pump production at Panasonic AVC Networks Czech, s.r.o. (PAVCCZ) in Pilsen, Czech Republic in October 2018, as part of its efforts to enhance the air-conditioning business in the European market.

Europe has seen exponential demand for more renewable energy solutions. Providing heating, cooling and hot water, the Aquarea heat pump utilises energy from the air, providing a cheaper, cleaner and sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel or electric systems.

Panasonic had exported air-to-water heat pumps to Europe from its Malaysian air-conditioning 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.

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 Aquarea.

“We are very proud of this new facility and the capabilities it gives us in Europe. We’ve seen year-on-year growth in demand for our Aquarea air-to-water products and I’m looking forward to satisfying that demand in Europe” commented Enrique Vilamitjana, Managing Director at Panasonic Appliances Air-Conditioning Europe.

With over 60 years of heating and cooling experience on its side, Panasonic continues to develop products with energy-efficiency and sustainability in mind. Its new manufacturing line will increase Aquarea production to meet the needs of the European market, ensuring a more energy-efficient future for Panasonic customers.