Johnson Controls has expanded its heat pump and chiller plant in Nantes, France, to support increased customer demand in the European region.
The state-of-the-art facility, the company’s primary manufacturing hub for the design, engineering and production of York-branded chillers and heat pumps in Europe, has been doubled in size and recently started operations.
“The electrification of heating and cooling is an imperative in the energy transition and in helping to achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement,” explains Benthe Klokkerholm, vice president, Manufacturing Operations HVAC/R, EMEA. “This expansion in Nantes is a significant milestone for Johnson Controls, enabling us to meet the growing demand for our market-leading technologies while paving the way toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
The expansion includes two buildings, each serving a specific purpose.
The first building spans over 500 square meters and houses a cutting-edge paint booth and a new electrical trolley with 70T capacity and autorotation.
This advanced equipment will enhance production efficiency and ensure high-quality finishes for the manufactured products.
The second building, 20m height and 1000 square meters, is fully dedicated to the assembly of “extra extra large” heat pumps such as Turbo M-Heat Pumps units (from 6 to 20 MW) – typically used in district heating.
It is designed to accommodate new cranes weighing 100T and spanning 24 meters and is fully insulated to optimize working conditions for employees.
In line with the company's commitment to environmental responsibility, part of the plant is equipped with a white roof and large roof lights to harness clean energy and reduce the plant's carbon footprint.
The lectrification of heating and cooling is an imperative in the energy transition and in helping to achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement
It also offers best practice thermal and acoustic performance with openings designed to allow maximum natural light.
“We are thrilled to expand our operations in Nantes, an area renowned for its sustainable manufacturing expertise and skilled workforce.
This investment reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering innovative solutions for a greener and more energy-secure future,” says Klokkerholm.
Johnson Controls’ industrial heat pump and chiller technologies are typically utilized in district heating and cooling, industrial processes, data centers, commercial as well as marine and navy applications.
Its facility in Nantes was set up in 1964 and now has more than 20 years’ experience in large-scale heat pumps.
The plant is fully integrated covering activities including design, purchasing, process, production, logistics, project management, and more.
It is now the company’s third largest industrial heat pump plant worldwide after Wuxi, China and San Antonio, Texas, USA.
