Thermo King recently opened a new research and development (R&D) center adjacent to its sustainable manufacturing operations in Galway, Ireland.
The new R&D center, with capacity for up to 70 engineers, expands the company’s electrification design and engineering capabilities in Europe, which include an R&D center in Essen, Germany, the company said. It is part of Thermo King’s more than $100 million investment to deliver fully electric products in every segment of the cold chain in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) by 2023, and in the Americas by 2025.
“Our new R&D center generates another space for innovation, creativity, and learning,” said Francesco Incalza, president of Thermo King EMEA at parent company Trane Technologies. “The technologies developed on-site will add to the more than 40,000-strong fleet of Thermo King electric and fuel-efficient transport refrigeration units delivering food, vaccines, medicines, and other critical goods across Europe and beyond.”
Added Hildegarde Naughton, the Irish Minister of State: “Yet again Galway is leading the way in technology research and development. The unveiling of this new dedicated electrification lab is symbolic of Thermo King’s confidence in Galway, and the West of Ireland, as a good place in which to expand and lead the charge in the development of zero emission technology solutions.
“I would like to congratulate the entire team behind (this) announcement, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of Galway’s newest specialized research and development center.”
The center also helps advance Trane’s 2030 sustainability commitments, including its “Gigaton Challenge,” which seeks to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion metric tons, while also aligning with the European Union’s latest nearly zero-emission building (nZEB) standards, the company said.
“Today’s announcement from Trane Technologies follows the opening of its automation and robotics center in Galway City last year, further aligning with IDA Ireland’s continued focus on sustainability and transformation,” said Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland.
“I wish Trane Technologies and Thermo King every success with this expansion.”
Leo Varadkar, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland, and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, also congratulated Trane on its new R&D center.
“With its rich talent pool and world-class education institutions, this is the perfect location for this project,” he said.
“The best of luck to the entire team.”
