McQuay to bring 50 new jobs to Augusta County

~Daikin McQuay to invest $9.2 million to upgrade Virginia operations~

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Daikin McQuay, a subsidiary of Daikin Industries, Ltd., will invest $9.2 million to expand its operation in Augusta County. Daikin McQuay is the world’s largest global manufacturer of commercial heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration and building management equipment and systems. The company will be upgrading the facility to increase its ability to generate market leading, energy-saving global chiller products. The project will create 50 new jobs.

Governor McDonnell met with Daikin Industries, Ltd. officials in Japan during his Asia Marketing Mission in 2011. He also met with the company in New York City on marketing trips in 2011 and 2012.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “I am thrilled to see this project come to fruition. Daikin McQuay has been an industry leader in Augusta County for nearly 60 years. These facility upgrades will not only create 50 new jobs, they will also enable market growth, and allow energy-saving HVAC innovation and product improvements to happen on U.S. soil. Daikin McQuay’s significant investment and expansion will create good paying jobs and new products that will help conserve energy and reduce our dependency on foreign oil.”

“Daikin McQuay’s upgraded facilities represent an aggressive approach to growing the company’s leadership role in energy-saving HVAC solutions,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “We are proud that this innovative work will be centered at the thriving Augusta County operation, and will create 50 new jobs that pay well above the average wage in the region.”

Daikin McQuay applies its industry-leading HVAC technologies in innovative ways to provide comfortable indoor environments for customers around the world. Daikin McQuay HVAC systems and solutions are energy efficient and environmentally friendly and are available through a global network of dedicated sales, service and parts offices.

“We have a very long history in our Virginia manufacturing and R&D facility. These new investments will allow us to expand our ability to develop industry leading chiller products,” said Julie Smith, Daikin McQuay Vice President and General Manager, Chiller Products.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Augusta County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Augusta County with the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

“On behalf of the Augusta County Board of Supervisor, I am delighted by today’s news,” said Jeffrey A. Moore, Chairman, Augusta County Board of Supervisors. “Daikin McQuay is a vital member of our industrial community. Their longstanding presence here in Augusta is reflective of our pro-business climate and quality workforce. Further, the commitment and dedication of the Verona Daikin McQuay team has made this expansion a reality. We commend their efforts and look forward to a successful, long-term partnership.”