GERMANY/POLAND: Viessmann is to invest €200m in expanding and partially rebuilding its existing factory in Poland to create a new heat pump logistics centre.

The announcement follows recent news that the German manufacturer was to invest €1bn over the next three years to extend its heat pump and green climate solutions portfolio.

According to Viessmann, the new building, covering approximately 50,000m2, will set new standards in automation and sustainability. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2023, with the factory supplying heat pumps to markets in Central and Eastern Europe.

Viessmann has been manufacturing system components and products, including heat pumps, in Legnica for over 20 years. Last month, Viessmann laid the foundation stone for a new site in Legnica for its Refrigeration Solutions business. 

The largest division of the company, Viessmann Climate Solutions, already employs 1,500 people in Poland. A further 150 jobs will be added in 2023 when the second largest business unit, Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions, opens its planned site. 

The ceremonial laying of the foundation stone was attended by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who highlighted the close and fruitful partnership between Viessmann, Poland and especially the Legnica region. 

Thomas Heim, CEO of Viessmann Climate Solutions said: “On the way to becoming the leading European supplier of 100% renewable climate solutions, the development of the site in Legnica plays a central role. Through our historic investment, we will achieve a significant expansion of our production capacities, accelerate research and development, and drive forward the expansion of green air conditioning solutions with a focus on heat pumps.”

The news comes just days after Daikin Europe announced an investment of €300m to establish a residential heat pump factory in Ksawerów, south of Łódź.