Danfoss, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency electronic and mechanical components, controls, compressors and variable frequency drives for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration, industrial, and water systems, has hired Gregory Handzel to manage its new Engineering Tomorrow Application Development Center.

The Engineering Tomorrow Application Development Center is a 22,000-square-foot state-of-the-art laboratory for the testing of HVACR equipment, and will also facilitate training and serve as an R&D center. It will include three sets of psychrometric rooms with the capability of testing air-conditioning systems, including residential equipment and rooftop units from 2.5 to 50 tons and air-cooled chillers up to 150 tons.

Gregory Handzel will be responsible for managing the Application Development Center’s testing and training operations and delivering a first-class experience for customers partnering with Danfoss to comply with new and forthcoming energy-efficiency and low-GWP refrigerant regulations and standards and accelerate the path of their next-generation equipment.

Handzel joins Danfoss with significant industry experience spanning more than 25 years — from engineering and research and development to product design, development, and testing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota.

“We’re excited to welcome Greg as we prepare for the Application Development Center to begin operation this year,” said John Galyen, president, Danfoss North America. “As part of Danfoss’ investment in our worldwide laboratories, this U.S.-based Center will work to support the industry and prepare for the transition to low-GWP and high-efficiency systems, and we believe Greg’s expertise and experience will be invaluable to our customers in this endeavor.”

Danfoss’ Engineering Tomorrow Application Development Center is being constructed in Tallahassee, Fla., expanding the company’s existing facility that houses the engineering and manufacturing of Danfoss Turbocor® oil-free, magnetic bearing compressors. The first tests are expected to begin at the Center in fall 2016.