Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning announced the opening of a new Global Development Centre in Kadi, Gujarat State, India. The new centre was inaugurated by Vijaybhai Rupani, Chief Minister of Gujarat and Nitinbhai Patel, Deputy Chief Minister of
Gujarat. The result of a USD 22.5 million (approximately Rs 157 crore) investment, the state-of-the-art facility will drive the company’s world-class innovation capabilities with a strong focus on developing residential air conditioners and commercially packaged air conditioners for India as well as the Southeast Asia, Middle East, and European markets.
Staffed at launch with over 150 engineers and with the capacity to accommodate upto 300 in total, the new centre is equipped with state-of-the-art research and testing laboratories, including reliability labs, annual performance factor labs, electromagnetic compatibility labs, electronics labs, and semi-anechoic labs to maximise the potential of the local engineering talent. The centre also offers a wide range of capabilities, including user experience design, industrial design, simulation, controls, design quality, project management, and engineering information systems. It also features an experience zone that will give customers a hands-on experience of the latest air conditioning innovations and technologies.
“This is a crucial step for Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning to further strengthen our global position. Now, this new Global Development Centre will play a critical role in developing new and exciting products, particularly, for Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe to enhance our ability to meet diverse market needs in these regions,” said Franz Cerwinka, Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning.
Gurmeet Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India said, “The launch of the new Global Development Centre is yet another milestone for
investment in Gujarat State, India. This engineering and innovation hub will put Gujarat on the world map for industrial research, product development, and skill enhancement. With the launch of the new Global Development Centre, we have created additional opportunities for the local talent to demonstrate their skills and capabilities to respond to the dynamic
global market needs.”
