Clivet has started production at a new 14,000-square-metre (approx. 151,000-square-foot) plant in Italy dedicated to large-scale heat pump manufacturing. The €24 million (approx. $28 million) investment targets growing international demand for heat pumps and high-efficiency air-conditioning solutions, particularly for commercial applications and systems using natural refrigerants.
The newly built production lines assemble the SHEEN series in 30, 60 and 90 kW capacities (approx. 102,000, 205,000 and 307,000 BTU/h), THUNDER using R290, STORM, SHEEN 130 kW (approx. 444,000 BTU/h), and Modular HP ranges for the American market. At full capacity, the plant is expected to produce 8,800 units annually, doubling Clivet’s current capacity for these product lines.
Clivet expects 70% of the plant’s production to be exported, particularly to central and northern European markets. The workforce currently includes 30 office and 50 production employees, with further recruitment planned in line with market growth. Production lines have been developed according to Lean Manufacturing principles and designed to integrate robots, cobots and automated guided vehicles.
The facility is powered by a photovoltaic system comprising 1,008 panels with a total capacity of 805 kWp, covering 67% of energy consumption with an estimated self-consumption rate of 87%. Surplus electricity will be fed into the grid. Four electric-vehicle charging wall boxes have also been installed, and Clivet has applied for LEED Silver certification.
“The opening of the new plant in Feltre marks a strategic milestone in Clivet’s growth journey. We have chosen to invest in our territory to ensure the timely development of the solutions demanded by the European market, to increase production capacity in both heating and cooling technologies, and to provide customers and partners with systems that combine comfort, energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Stefano Bellò, Chairman and CEO of Clivet.
