Brussels, 7 February 2023 – For the third time running, Daikin Ostend wins the Factory of the Future Award. It can therefore hold on to this title for another three years. Every year, the most future-oriented production companies in Belgium are awarded with the title by technology federation Agoria, technological knowledge centre Sirris and various sector federations.
Recognition for all our employees
As a market leader, Daikin has been offering heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification and refrigeration (HVAC-R) technology for almost 100 years. With more than 12,000 employees, Daikin Europe N.V. develops and produces a wide range of sustainable and comprehensive HVAC-R solutions. Daikin Europe's climate management systems are used for residential, commercial and industrial applications in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). People-oriented business is at the heart of Daikin: everyone is given opportunities to develop and is being valued.
“This award is a well-deserved recognition for all our employees at the Ostend plant. With our continuous improvement process and the trust we give to our teams, we are able to respond flexibly to change. That’s a key element of being a Factory of the Future, empowering employees. This made it possible for us to impress with how we dealt with the covid measures for example. In just 1,5 day all necessary safety measures were put in place, and people could come to work safely throughout the whole pandemic,” says Stefaan Simpelaere, General Manager DENV Manufacturing at Daikin Europe.
Energy transition drives major growth at Daikin
Due to the energy transition, the demand for heat pumps is rising. Daikin Europe has been making appliances with heat pump technology for 50 years. This enables energy-efficient cooling and heating. The company, headquartered in Ostend, also guarantees sustainable growth. Since 2016, sales and employee numbers in the EMEA region have doubled. Moreover, the company plans to hire more than 5,000 new employees by 2025.
Over the past three years, Daikin has been preparing the Ostend plant to meet the high demand for heat pump heating. Recently, Daikin invested 23 million euros in this site with new production lines for residential heat pumps. Thanks to these and many other investments, the plant in Ostend is as good as new. The experiences and lessons from the past were combined with new insights and future-proof technology.
This enormous expansion brings new opportunities and challenges. One of these is filling the many vacancies. For this, Daikin can count on its strong HR policy that is ready to welcome new employees from different backgrounds.
“Joining Daikin means helping to build a climate-neutral future,” says Hiromitsu Iwasaki, Vice President at Daikin Europe. “The Factory of the Future award is important. It shows that we not only invest to grow, but that we are doing so in a sustainable and future-oriented way with respect for our employees.”
Sustainable world-class production
The Factory of the Future award goes to companies that invest in digitalization, in people, in smart processes and products and in world-class production. These companies use energy and materials in a smart way; and encourage employee involvement, creativity and autonomy. The award was handed over by Jo Brouns, Flemish Minister for Economy, Innovation, Work, Social Economy and Agriculture:
“The manufacturing industry in Flanders and Belgium is very important. Not only for employment and thus prosperity ... it is also the ideal partner to make the step towards a more sustainable and circular industry. That is why I am glad that these companies are being honoured to draw attention to this sustainable or digital transformation.”
After an audit, the winners hold the title for a period of three years. A new audit thereafter determines whether the title will be renewed. After the first award in 2017 and renewal in 2020, Daikin is the first factory ever to receive this award a third time in a row.
About Daikin
Daikin Europe N.V.
Daikin Europe is a subsidiary of Daikin Industries Ltd. and the leading provider of heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification and refrigeration solutions in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company designs, manufactures and brings to market a broad portfolio of equipment, as well as tailor-made solutions for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. To date Daikin Europe has over 12,000 employees working at more than 59 consolidated subsidiaries. It has 12 major manufacturing facilities based in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Austria and the UK. The headquarters of the Daikin Europe group are in Belgium, Ostend. The company was established in 1972, production in Europe started in 1973.
About Daikin Industries Ltd.
Based in Osaka, Japan, Daikin Industries employs over 89,000 people worldwide. The global company is market leader for heat pump and air conditioning systems, as well as air filtration. It is the only air conditioning manufacturer in the world that researches, develops and produces all important system components, such as refrigerants, compressors and electronics, in-house. The company achieved € 23.7 billion sales turnover in financial year 2021 (1 April 21 – 31 March 22).
Media Contacts Daikin Europe N.V.
Sofie Sap – T.: +32 472 580 482 Mail: sap.s@daikineurope.com
Daisuke Kakinaga – T.: +32 465 462 321 Mail: kakinaga.d@bxl.daikineurope.com
