Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC U.S. opens 400K sq. ft. distribution and training center in Florence

FLORENCE_NJ_APRIL_26: Today Mitsubishi's Electric cuts the Ribbon on their newest warehouse in Florence New Jersey with help from Mark Kuntz; CEO; Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US; Robert D. Smith; Vice President of Supply Chain; Herb Conaway; New Jersey Assemblyman; Kristen Foca; Outreach Director; U.S. Representative Kim; MacKenzie Belling; South Jersey Director; U.S. Senator Booker; Craig Wilkie; Florence Township Mayor (tentative); Kristan Marter; Florence Township Council - Ward 3; Paul Ostrander; Florence Township Council; Member-at-Large in Florence New Jersey on April 26, 2023 Photo: Thomas E. Briglia/PhotoGraphics

Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC U.S. recently celebrated the opening of its distribution and training center in Florence with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Strategically positioned near the New Jersey and Pennsylvania turnpikes, the new 400,000-square-foot facility will strengthen the company’s supply chain and provide efficient heat pump distribution to the Northeastern U.S.

METUS is a leading supplier of ductless and ducted mini-split and variable refrigerant flow heat pump and air-conditioning systems. The Georgia-based company 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. Above all, 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,” Robert Smith, vice president, supply chain, METUS, said. “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 hyperefficient 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 highways and Port Elizabeth, making the facility accessible for both shipments and students attending training classes.

Government officials in attendance included representatives from the Florence Township council, the New Jersey Assembly, U.S. Rep. Andy Kim’s office (D-3rd Dist.) and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker’s office (D-N.J.).

“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 Township looks forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC,” Mayor Craig Wilkie said.

“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,” Mark Kuntz, CEO, METUS, said. “With the passing of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, 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.”

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, startup and service essentials, advanced service and controls.

With a corporate environmental mission of reducing carbon emissions in all Mitsubishi Electric U.S. facilities by 2030, METUS plans that the building will meet LEED certification requirements. Currently, the facility features 100% 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.

In addition to Florence, METUS has distribution centers in Suwanee, Georgia, and Mira Loma, California. METUS training centers are located nationwide at 75 locations.