The American investor Rheem decided to invest in Prešov with support of SARIO agency

The American company Rheem has decided to expand its operations to Europe and realize its investment in Prešov, where it plans to manufacture stainless steel hot water tanks used in the completion of heat pumps, more ecological boilers and solar systems.

The Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) has been in contact with the investor since August 2023. The investor was regularly provided with continuous support in the form of consultations on investment assistance or labor force analyses for the Prešov Region. In addition, SARIO organized several reference meetings with established companies. At the same time, agency organized several meetings on the territory of the Prešov Self-governing Region, discussing, for example, entry into the dual education system or bus lines leading to the future production facility in Prešov.

Rheem will make the investment in Prešov through its Dutch subsidiary DeJong. In the first phase of the project, it plans to create 500 new jobs. This investment will strengthen the prospective pillar of domestic industry - the production of ecological energy equipment. In a short time, five large investors announced the production of heat pumps in Slovakia.

“The expansion of DEJONG in Slovakia is part of our ambitious growth strategy in the European market,” said Arno La Haye, Managing Director, Rheem Europe. “We will create a best practice facility on a unique scale, which will lead to meeting our customer's growing demand for stainless steel hot water tanks. We plan to create maximum value with this high-efficiency facility with the quality and longevity customers expect from DEJONG.” 

DEJONG will begin a multi-phased expansion with plans to break ground in 2024 and roll out the first products in 2025. The company will focus on strengthening decades-long relationships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) while opening opportunities with new customers. 

“The European heating market is leading the world in the shift toward decarbonization,” said Rich Bendure, President, Rheem Global Water. “Our investment in this expansion will build our network, accelerate growth and support our customers as we strive to accommodate the forecasted demand and establish ourselves as the most valued OEM supplier during this era of energy transition.” 

Founded in 1859 and based in Gorredijk, the Netherlands, DEJONG produces hot water tanks for multiple applications, including heat pumps, boiler configurations and solar systems. 

“Since Rheem’s acquisition of our company in 2022, we have doubled our production capacity and invested in long-term growth,” said Peter Leenhouts, Managing Director, DEJONG. “With this new facility, we will take a massive step further. We will now be closer to customers and ensure a more sustainable operation as we decrease our carbon footprint and lower transportation costs.” 

DEJONG is committed to sustainability and optimizing manufacturing processes and continues to lead through innovation with products that reduce dependance on carbon fuel sources. 

Founded in 1925, Rheem Manufacturing is a global leader committed to delivering innovations that save energy and support a more sustainable future. With products available in more than 80 countries, Rheem is America’s #1 water-heating brand