MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz honored Daikin with a 2019 Governor’s International Trade Award, which recognizes companies that have shown exceptional progress and success in foreign markets.

Based in Plymouth, Minnesota, Daikin Applied, a subsidiary of Japanese-owned Daikin Industries, is a manufacturer of commercial HVAC technologies. The company employees more than 1,700 people in the state and has invested more than $150 million during the past seven years across two factories in Faribault and Owatonna as well as the company’s global headquarters and test facility in Plymouth.

“Daikin has long recognized the strength and skills of the Minnesota workforce,” said Mike Schwartz, CEO, Daikin Applied Americas. “It’s that talent and ingenuity that not only allows our company to deliver comfort, efficiency, and innovation in buildings across the globe but has led to this recognition. We’re proud to receive the award and grateful for the local men and women responsible for our success.”

Gov. Walz and commissioner Steve Grove, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, presented the award to five Minnesota companies at a luncheon in Minneapolis. The companies were selected for developing and continuing to grow a significant part of their businesses in foreign markets, increasing or maintaining jobs in Minnesota, and developing novel approaches for competing globally.

“We are pleased to recognize the outstanding achievement of these Minnesota-based companies, and the positive economic impact that foreign direct investment and exporting companies both large and small are making in communities throughout the state,” said Walz. “Each of the Governor’s International Trade Award winners represent more than business success — they represent making the world a better place.”

For more information, visit www.daikinapplied.com.