Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC (METUS), a leading supplier of Ductless and Ducted Mini-split and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pump and air-conditioning systems, celebrated the opening of its Distribution and Training Center in Florence, New Jersey, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held April 26. Strategically positioned near the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Turnpikes, this new 400,000-square-foot facility is intended to strengthen the company's supply chain and provide efficient heat pump distribution to the Northeastern U.S.

Government officials in attendance included representatives from the Florence Township Council, the New Jersey State Assembly, U.S. Representative Andy Kim's office (N.J.), and U.S. Senator Cory Booker's office (N.J). When asked about the significance of the new facility, Florence Township Mayor Craig Wilkie said, "We welcome Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC, which manufactures and distributes energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and equipment with 'green' technology, to Florence Township. Located on an environmentally remediated site that once provided the world with cast iron pipe during the 19th and 20th centuries, the company will bring new jobs to the Township and region. Florence Townships looks forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC."

"The Florence Distribution and Training Center is a significant investment in our country's sustainable future. The facility will supply all-climate heat pumps and VRF systems to distributors, contractors and end customers quickly and efficiently in our Mid-Atlantic and Northeast business regions," said Mark Kuntz, CEO, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC. "With the passing of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the demand for electric products and services is high. As Americans take advantage of the tax credits, rebates, and incentives available through the IRA, the Florence facility will help transform America into a Heat Pump Nation."

METUS plans to use the facility to generate 60 distribution center jobs and empower HVAC businesses with the training and support needed to sell, install, and service all-climate heat pumps. METUS anticipates that its distributors and their customers will create many jobs.

"Locating our Distribution and Training Center in Florence provides several key benefits, including strengthening our supply chain," said Robert Smith, vice president, of supply chain, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC. "It will provide efficient and strategic distribution access to our Mid-Atlantic and Northeast distributors by having the right products in the right place ready to ship. In fact, we anticipate that the Florence Distribution Center will ship thousands of hyper-efficient heat pump systems every month and would result in a reduction in miles driven to deliver products, subsequently also reducing the carbon emissions of those deliveries." Smith noted that Florence offers easy access to the interstate and Port Elizabeth, making the facility accessible for both shipments and students attending training classes.

Training small business professionals
Beginning in May 2023, the Training Center plans to host 40 to 45 classes each year, training 500 to 600 students annually. Classes are anticipated to cover residential and commercial product lines and subject areas, including heat pump installation, start-up and service essentials, advanced service, and controls.

Students will have the opportunity to practice what they learn on actual working Mitsubishi Electric equipment. Products installed in the Training Center for training purposes include four commercial VRF systems with seven styles of indoor units and seven residential heat pump systems with six styles of indoor units.

Building environmental features
With a corporate environmental mission of reducing carbon emissions in all Mitsubishi Electric US facilities by 2030, METUS plans that the building will meet LEED certification requirements. Currently, the facility features 100 percent LED lighting, energy-efficient Mitsubishi Electric heating and cooling equipment and occupancy sensor controls on all lighting. Further demonstrating the company's drive toward electrification, the Distribution Center uses all-electric forklifts instead of the typical propane-powered forklifts found in many warehouses.