Daikin Applied Breaks Ground on $30 Million HVAC Training Center
Key Highlights
- The $30 million facility will be a centralized training hub for HVAC technicians, engineers, and industry partners, opening in 2027.
- It will feature over 50 operational HVAC units for real-world troubleshooting and system-level training.
- The institute will offer up to 120 training pathways focused on advanced controls, diagnostics, and sustainable technologies.
MINNEAPOLIS — Daikin Applied has broken ground on a $30 million Solutions & Technical Institute in Plymouth, Minnesota, a project designed to expand workforce training and address growing demand for skilled HVAC professionals.
The 64,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2027 and will serve as a centralized training hub for technicians, engineers, sales professionals, leaders, customers, and industry partners.
According to Daikin Applied, the investment comes as HVAC systems become increasingly sophisticated and the industry continues to face labor shortages. The company noted that industry reports project a shortage of thousands of HVAC technicians by 2030, increasing the need for expanded technical training and hands-on experience.
"The demands placed on our industry are evolving rapidly and workforce capability has become a true differentiator," said Yu Nishiwaki, chief operating officer of Daikin Applied. "The Daikin Applied Solutions & Technical Institute reflects our commitment to developing the next generation of technical, engineering, service and sales talent."
The facility will feature more than 50 operational Daikin HVAC units to support real-world troubleshooting and system-level training. Daikin Applied said the institute will offer up to 120 training pathways focused on advanced controls, diagnostics, system optimization, and sustainable technologies.
Additional features will include a digital studio designed to extend training access to employees, customers, and partners globally, as well as nine classrooms and six breakout spaces dedicated to technical, engineering, sales, and leadership development.
"Our customers expect systems expertise and strong execution," said James Moe, executive vice president of sales, service and solutions at Daikin Applied. "This investment will help ensure we continue to deliver on both."
The institute will complement Daikin Applied's previously announced $163 million research and development test laboratory in Plymouth, Minnesota, which is also scheduled to open in 2027. The laboratory will support testing of advanced cooling technologies, including solutions for hyperscale data centers.
For HVAC contractors, the investment highlights the industry's growing focus on workforce development, technical training, advanced controls, diagnostics, sustainable technologies, and data center cooling expertise. As commercial HVAC systems continue to evolve, manufacturers and contractors alike are increasing investments in training to help close skills gaps and improve long-term workforce readiness.