Daikin to establish European Development Centre in Ostend
Daikin Europe is creating a European Development Centre (EDC) at its headquarters in Ostend, Belgium, chosen by the Japanese parent company for its available and extensive expertise. The centre will play an important role in the development of innovative and energy-efficient alternatives to traditional and conventional heating solutions.
A high degree of autonomy is being given to the centre to develop its own design concepts and solutions specifically for the European market. Frans Hoorelbeke, chairman of Daikin Europe, says, ‘Over the years we have become increasingly responsive to the diverse needs of the European market, and this has given us significant competitive advantage. We see the EDC as an extension of this since it will enable us to develop products in the same environment in which we sell, particularly in the heating sector.’
The first phase of the development of the EDC is associated with an investment of around Eu13 million. Work has started on the construction of seven high-tech testing rooms to simulate the climatic conditions of the 27 European countries. The company expects to engage a team of 200 specialists by 2015, ranging from university graduates to experienced researchers and engineers.
