Johnson Controls expands Denmark heat pump plant to meet global demand

Johnson Controls has begun construction on an expansion of its Holme heat pump and chiller facility in Aarhus, Denmark. The site, which produces high-capacity commercial and industrial heat pumps, will gain new production and testing capabilities to meet growing international demand.

The project includes 2,300 square meters of added production space and a new 1,800 square meter customer and test center, designed to comply with European Heat Pump Association testing standard EN 14511. Completion is expected by early 2026, with the creation of over 100 new jobs. The expansion also involves modernization of existing site infrastructure.

The Holme facility manufactures customized Sabroe-branded heat pumps and chillers, as well as remanufactured units, aftermarket parts, and marine components. The systems use natural refrigerants, including ammonia, CO2, and propane, in alignment with upcoming EU regulations from 2027 and 2030. The plant operates on 100% renewable electricity.

Customers will be able to test high-capacity heat pumps under simulated conditions in the new center, collaborating directly with Johnson Controls' technical teams. The technology targets applications in district heating and cooling, data centers, food and beverage production, and the life sciences sector.

“This expansion highlights our ongoing commitment to meeting the growing global demand for solutions that empower businesses to create smart, healthy, sustainable buildings,” said Richard Lek, President EMEA. “Our heat pumps are helping customers meet multiple priorities at once—from ensuring uptime and performance to dramatically lowering heating costs and emissions.”

Benthe Klokkerholm, vice president of Manufacturing Operations HVAC/R, EMEA, added: “Since Johnson Controls acquired [the Holme facility] in 2005, our team has worked tirelessly to continue this legacy of innovation by producing sustainable heating and cooling solutions.”