Industrial Utility Efficiency

Daikin Applied Breaks Ground on $30M Solutions & Technical Institute to Build Future HVAC Workforce

07/13/2026

Daikin Applied has broken ground on a $30 million Solutions & Technical Institute in Plymouth, MN. The company is investing in the people, expertise and learning environments needed to support the next generation of HVAC solutions across commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, manufacturing operations, data centers and other mission-critical indoor environments.

“The demands placed on our industry are evolving rapidly, and workforce capability has become a true differentiator,” said Yu Nishiwaki, President and CEO, Daikin Applied. “The Daikin Applied Solutions & Technical Institute reflects our commitment to developing the next generation of technical, engineering, service and sales talent while helping our customers succeed in an increasingly complex environment. We are investing in the people, knowledge and capabilities that will power the future of our industry.”

“Our customers expect systems expertise and strong execution,” said James Moe, Chief Operating Officer, Daikin Applied. “This investment will help ensure we continue to deliver on both.”

With the goal of providing an immersive learning environment going beyond traditional classroom instruction, the Daikin Applied Solutions & Technical Institute is expected to open in 2027. Designed as a centralized hub for technical, engineering, sales, leadership and customer training, the facility will help employees, partners and customers develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly advancing HVAC industry.

The institute will feature more than 50 fully functional Daikin HVAC units that enable real-world troubleshooting and system-level learning. There will be up to 120 training pathways focused on advanced controls, diagnostics, system optimization and sustainable technologies. A state-of-the-art digital studio will extend training access to teams, customers and partners around the world. The institute will have nine classrooms and six breakout spaces supporting development across 64,000 square feet, with the ability to expand by an additional 40,000 square feet.

By equipping technicians, engineers, sales professionals and customer-facing teams with deeper practical knowledge, the company is strengthening customer outcomes, accelerating workforce development and helping close critical skills gaps across the HVAC industry.

The Solutions & Technical Institute will serve as a cornerstone of the company’s long-term strategy to build talent, strengthen capabilities and support customers in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving environment.

 

About Daikin Applied

Daikin Applied, a member of Daikin Industries, designs and manufactures advanced commercial and industrial HVAC systems for customers around the world. The company’s technology and services play a vital role in creating comfortable, efficient and sustainable spaces to work and live – and in delivering quality air to workers, tenants and building owners. The company’s solutions are sold through a global network of dedicated sales, service and parts offices. For more information, visit https://www.daikinapplied.com