BITZER and MEHITS form R&D joint venture in Germany

BITZER and Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems (MEHITS) have signed an agreement to establish a new joint venture focused on research and development in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump technology.

The new entity, BITZER MEHITS Advanced Solutions GmbH, will serve as a dedicated R&D hub to strengthen the longstanding partnership of over 25 years between the two companies. MEHITS, part of the Mitsubishi Electric Group, specializes in applied air conditioning solutions for comfort, process, and IT cooling. BITZER will hold the majority stake in the venture, which will be based in Germany.

The collaboration aims to integrate compressor and component development more closely with system design, enhancing efficiency and accelerating innovation for MEHITS-specific applications. The venture will concentrate on new compressor developments tailored to MEHITS products. BITZER contributes its expertise in compressors and components, while MEHITS brings in-depth knowledge of system integration.

"We are delighted to deepen our more than 25-year partnership with MEHITS through this joint venture," said Christian Wehrle, CEO of BITZER. "This step allows us to work even more closely together and jointly advance the efficiency of integrated system technology."

Wataru Tsuruta, CEO of MEHITS, stated: "Having proprietary compressor technologies is essential to meet our evolving needs. BITZER has been the ideal partner for over two decades – and will continue to be so as we move forward together."

The launch of the joint venture is subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities.