Daikin Europe Chairman discusses Belgian-Japanese corporate investments with King and fellow Japanese business leaders

Brussels, 8th May 2024 – Daikin Europe N.V., a leading Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC&R) manufacturer in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), announces its Chairman of the Board of Daikin Europe, Masatsugu Minaka, joined fellow Japanese business leaders to bolster Belgian-Japanese cooperation at a special event with King Philippe of Belgium, in partnership with the Belgium-Japan Association and Chamber of Commerce.

For nearly 160 years, Belgium and Japan have shared a fruitful partnership with countless Japanese companies, including Daikin Europe. In a testament to that longstanding solidarity, Daikin Europe recently celebrated 50 years of production in Ostend. Now, the Japan-based HVAC manufacturer now goes one step further by investing €140 million in the development of a new R&D centre, which will further shape Belgium’s sustainable energy transition.

"We are delighted to strengthen the existing ties between Belgium and Japan through this significant investment. Our new R&D centre will not only drive innovation but also contribute to Belgium's sustainable energy transition. The urgency of the energy transition cannot be overstated. As we already face the impacts of climate change, it is imperative to shift towards more sustainable energy sources. Our investments in Belgium and the broader region clearly demonstrate Daikin Europe's commitment to playing an active role in this crucial transition, while fostering a future that is both economically and environmentally sustainable,” said Masatsugu Minaka.

With the goal of furthering already significant ties, Minaka and other Japanese officials attended a high level meeting focused on how the two nations could unlock new areas of collaboration, while strengthening existing efforts. 

“Joining King Philippe and my fellow Japanese officials to ensure our Belgian and Europe presence continues to thrive, while remaining local, was an important opportunity to expand on our already significant collaboration and consider the future of European manufacturing. It was a great honor to share ideas that are ultimately intended to create benefit for all,” Minaka highlighted.

The Global Daikin Group, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, currently operates in more than 170 countries while uniquely pushing to develop local roots. Daikin Europe is no exception, with a proximity strategy of producing products close to the market, and in particular, 100% of heat pump heating systems for the European market are produced within Europe.

As Daikin inaugurates its new R&D center in Belgium alongside other vital carbon reduction manufacturing projects, the company aims to clearly demonstrate its commitment to leading the charge towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.