Daikin Applied Breaks Ground on $30M Training Institute to Address HVAC Workforce Gap

Daikin Applied broke ground on a $30 million Solutions & Technical Institute in Plymouth, Minnesota, on June 18, 2026. The facility, expected to open in 2027, is designed to close a projected shortage of thousands of HVAC technicians by 2030 by providing hands-on training with live commercial equipment for the next generation of technical, engineering, sales, and service professionals.

Facility scope

The institute will serve as a centralized hub for technical, engineering, sales, leadership, and customer training. Key elements include:

• Hands-on equipment: More than 50 fully functional Daikin HVAC units for real-world troubleshooting and system-level learning.
• Curriculum: Up to 120 training pathways covering advanced controls, diagnostics, system optimization, and sustainable technologies.
• Digital studio: A state-of-the-art studio extending training access to teams, customers, and partners worldwide.
• Classroom space: Nine classrooms and six breakout spaces across 64,000 sq ft, with the ability to expand by an additional 40,000 sq ft.

Industry context

Daikin Applied noted that HVAC systems are becoming more advanced, spanning high-efficiency cooling to data center applications, and that workforce capability is emerging as a critical differentiator. Recent industry reports point to a shortage of thousands of HVAC technicians by 2030, underscoring the need for expanded training and hands-on experience across commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, manufacturing operations, data centers, and other mission-critical indoor environments.

Yu Nishiwaki, Chief Operating Officer for Daikin Applied, stated that the demands placed on the industry are evolving rapidly and that workforce capability has become a true differentiator. He described the institute as reflecting the company's commitment to developing the next generation of technical, engineering, service, and sales talent while helping customers succeed in an increasingly complex environment.

James Moe, Executive Vice President of Sales, Service and Solutions at Daikin Applied, added that customers expect systems expertise and strong execution, and that the investment will help ensure the company continues to deliver on both.

Complementary R&D investment

The training institute complements Daikin Applied's $163 million research and development test lab, also located in Plymouth, Minnesota and slated to open in 2027. The lab will serve as a testing ground for advanced cooling solutions, including technologies for hyperscale data centers, as well as for the engineers and technicians needed to develop them.

Daikin Applied described the Solutions & Technical Institute as a cornerstone of its long-term strategy to build talent, strengthen capabilities, and support customers in a rapidly evolving environment.

About Daikin Applied Americas

Daikin Applied, a member of Daikin Industries, Ltd., designs and manufactures advanced commercial and industrial HVAC systems for customers around the world. Its solutions are sold through a global network of dedicated sales, service, and parts offices. More information is available at www.daikinapplied.com or by calling 800-432-1342.