Japan and Austria Intensify Trade Ties, Nidec Makes Further Investments in Styria

Japan is Austria’s second biggest trading partner in Asia, with the total trading volume equalling € 4.5 billion. The close economic ties will be expanded, particularly in the automobile industry, mechanical engineering, the semiconductor industry and research. Within the context of the economic mission to Japan, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism and Ogushi Masaki, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation in Tokyo. The underlying objective is to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of industrial research, technology, innovation and sustainable economic transformation. 

Nidec also plans for the future in Austria  

Nidec ACIM (Appliance, Commercial and Industrial Motors)Nidec ACIM (Appliance, Commercial and Industrial Motors) () operates the last remaining production facility for refrigeration compressors for the household white goods sector in Europe, with a work force of 240 employees. The conglomerate founded in Kyoto, Japan in 1973 employs more than 110,000 people worldwide. In Austria, Nidec has been expanding the site since taking over the plant in Styria in 2020 and has already invested more than € 40 million in production lines, automation and research and development. 

Nidec also plans to rely on Austria in the future as well. The Group plans to invest a total of more than € 22 million in the Fürstenfeld site in the period 2025-26, split between two major projects: a new production line for inverters and “ATOM”, the world’s most compact family of compressors with a variable speed drive for use in domestic refrigerators. This compressor was designed entirely in Austria and sets new standards in terms of noise emission and efficiency, enabling energy consumption to be reduced by around 25% compared to traditional start/stop compressors. 

"The fact that a global technology corporation has decided once again to invest in Fürstenfeld comprises a strong commitment to Austria and important impetus for the region and our industry. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Nidec for this decision. This step was made possible because many people pulled in the same direction,” states Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism.  

“What has been achieved in Fürstenfeld over the last five years is remarkable. Since then, we have significantly expanded capacity, doubled the number of employees and production lines, introduced new product platforms and strengthened our R&D presence by increasing the number of experts on site. With our new investments, we are further expanding our ‘Center of Excellence and Innovation’,” affirms Valter Taranzano, First Senior VP of Nidec Corporation, CEO & President of Nidec Appliance Automotive Division. 

“Our location benefits from the high level of qualification of our employees, Austria’s strategic position and our focus on innovation and sustainability. We cooperate closely with universities and various partners in this country to make household appliances more efficient. The current investments were made possible, in particular, due to the strong support from the aws Twin Transition program and further research funding from the FFG, for example. We received comprehensive advice from the Austrian Business Agency (ABA) on all location decisions, which we greatly appreciate”, Taranzano concluded.   

ABA Supports Nidec on Business Expansion Projects   

The Austrian Business Agency (ABA) has been supporting the company on business expansion projects for many years together with the Styrian Investment Promotion Agency (SFG). “Nidec is an example of the advantages of the industrial location. For the Fürstenfeld region, Styria and Austria as a whole, the commitment of Nidec to its facility is extremely gratifying news in a challenging time. I would like to personally thank Valter Taranzano and his team in Austria along with the Styrian Investment Promotion Agency for their longstanding and good cooperation,” affirms René Tritscher, Managing Director of ABA.