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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Japan-Based Daikin Applied Eyes Faribault, Minnesota, Manufacturing Hub

05/18/2018
Daikin Applied, an Japan-based HVAC manufacturer, plans to expand production capabilities with a new state-of-the-art, built-to-order manufacturing facility in the southern part of The North Star State, north of Faribault, Minnesota.

A division of Daikin Industries, Daikin Applied has more than 90 production hubs around the world, including two successful US plants in Faribault and Owatonna, Minnesota. Daikin Applied currently employs approximately 900 people in its factories in Southern Minnesota.

Daikin Industries' officials said they recognized Southern Minnesota as the best opportunity for the planned state-of the-art manufacturing facility, given the region's skilled talent base and past achievements in designing and producing complex, highly specified equipment.

Vice President & General Manager Will Fort, who leads operations at both Minnesota plants and will spearhead the development the Faribault factory, said; "We have grown our operation within the city of Faribault over fifty years. In 2000, we opened the Owatonna factory, and completed a major expansion there in 2014 to triple its size.”

"Our strong growth in recent years is the result of having highly skilled people in the plants, expert product design and marketing teams in our Plymouth headquarters, and the commitment from Daikin Industries to manufacturing excellence,” he added.

"We're fully invested in this community," said Matt Alexejun, Senior Director of Human Resources for manufacturing. "We know that our company only grows when our people grow. So we invest not just in the best training for our employees; we extend that commitment into the community by offering programs and training opportunities at local high schools and colleges."

"We certify master regional braze trainers through excellent Dojo training in Japan," said Fort. A Dojo is an immersive learning space. "The regional trainers then pass that international knowledge, skill and certification onto all our production braze operators, ensuring the quality of our product. No one else in the industry can do that."

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