Daikin’s manufacturing site in Belgium has received the ‘Factory of the Future’ award for the fourth consecutive time, with the title renewed on 10 February 2026. According to the company, this marks 12 consecutive years since 2017 of meeting all award criteria, following renewals in 2020 and 2023.
The title is awarded to manufacturing sites in Belgium by technology federation Agoria, technological knowledge centre Sirris and various sector federations. The organisers state that ‘Factories of the Future’ focus on digitalisation, talent development, smart processes, sustainable products and world-class production, and that winners must score at least 8 out of 10 in each area during the jury assessment.
The ‘Factory of the Future’ title is valid for three years, after which a new audit and jury evaluation are required for renewal. The jury noted that since the previous award in 2023, Daikin Ostend has continued implementing “high end digital solutions and innovative forward-looking technology” in its production processes, combined with continuous improvement initiatives on the factory floor.
Over the past three years, Daikin says it has invested in digitalisation and smart automation at the site. The newest heat pump production lines are equipped with advanced camera and running test systems for quality checks, and parts supply at these lines is handled by AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots). The company also highlighted a hybrid painting line introduced in 2023 with a furnace that can switch from 100% gas to 100% electricity, which it says supports its transition ambition to become a net-zero factory in the future and allows balancing energy sources based on price.
“The Factory of the Future award recognises that we’re continuously improving our factory operations in a sustainable and future-oriented way,” said Andy De Wilde, Department Manager Production. Stefaan Simpelaere, General Manager Manufacturing Ostend at Daikin Europe, added: “This award is a well-deserved recognition for all our employees at our Ostend site.”