IIAs 2026 | Copeland’s Site Expansion in Cookstown, Northern Ireland

Why It Matters

The expansion bolsters European heat‑pump capacity, accelerating climate‑neutral heating while driving regional economic growth through job creation and supply‑chain strengthening.

Key Takeaways

• £19 million investment adds new production line.
• Creates 115 jobs in Cookstown region.
• Supports EU and UK decarbonisation heating goals.
• Enhances supply chain resilience for heat‑pump market.
• Recognised as Europe’s most impactful small project.

Pulse Analysis

The global transition to low‑carbon heating is being powered by a surge in heat‑pump installations, a trend that has accelerated after the EU’s revised Energy Efficiency Directive and the UK’s Net‑Zero Strategy. As manufacturers scramble to close the gap between demand and supply, on‑shoring production becomes a competitive advantage, reducing lead times and carbon footprints associated with long‑distance logistics. Manufacturers that locate production close to key markets also benefit from lower transportation emissions and faster response to regulatory changes. In this environment, facilities that can scale output quickly are essential for meeting the projected 30 % market share of heat pumps by 2030 across Europe.

Copeland’s £19 million infusion into its Cookstown plant directly addresses that scaling challenge. By adding a dedicated production line for compressors—the core component of residential and commercial heat‑pump systems—the company can increase annual output while maintaining its stringent quality standards. The project is also a catalyst for the local economy, with InvestNI estimating 115 new jobs ranging from skilled technicians to supply‑chain coordinators. Moreover, Copeland leverages its global expertise to streamline sourcing and logistics, reinforcing the resilience of its European manufacturing network. The new line incorporates advanced automation, reducing waste and improving energy efficiency across the manufacturing process.

The investment aligns with both UK and EU climate‑action priorities, reinforcing the role of foreign direct investment in achieving decarbonisation targets. Recognition as the most impactful small‑sized project in Europe underscores how targeted capital can deliver outsized environmental and economic returns. For policymakers, Copeland’s model illustrates the benefits of supporting advanced manufacturing clusters that combine sustainability, inclusion, and skills development. As heat‑pump adoption continues to rise, similar expansions are likely to become a cornerstone of Europe’s pathway to a carbon‑neutral built environment. Such projects signal to investors that Europe remains a fertile ground for climate‑tech innovation.

IIAs 2026 | Copeland’s site expansion in Cookstown, Northern Ireland

Alex Irwin‑Hunt · February 12 2026 · Copeland’s factory in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, UK · Busy floor: workers on the floor of Copeland’s factory in Cookstown, Northern Ireland © Copeland

Copeland’s expansion in Northern Ireland was recognised as the most impactful announced small‑sized project across Europe. The US‑based climate‑tech company announced in May 2024 an investment of £19 million in its existing factory in Cookstown, a small town in County Tyrone.

The facility, which has been part of Copeland’s global footprint since 1997, has already produced more than 5 million compressors, the main components in heat pumps. The investment will add a new production line to meet future demand for low‑carbon heating and cooling across Europe.

PROJECT BY THE NUMBERS

• Investor, HQ country: Copeland, US

• Location: Cookstown, Northern Ireland (UK)

• Sector: Industrial equipment (heat pumps)

• Capital investment: £19 million

• Expected jobs created (according to InvestNI): 115

The judging panel gave Copeland’s project the highest marks for its contributions to the UK’s national FDI priorities, which include economic growth and climate action. Copeland was also recognised for its commitments to sustainability, inclusion and skills development.

“The project aligns with European and UK goals to decarbonise heating, improve heating systems efficiency, strengthen local manufacturing and enhance supply chain resilience,” says Sandro Matic, president of Copeland’s Europe business.

To address challenges like sourcing and logistics, Copeland “has drawn on its global operational experience, supply chain planning and local talent development,” adds Matic, noting the investment reinforces the facility’s role within the company’s European regional manufacturing network.

This article is part of the Special Report: Investment Impact Awards 2026.