UK industry in control (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] The UK building controls industry is strong and growing, according to Doug Robins (DR), president of the British Controls Industry Association.   Important corrections (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] Jim Rusling, Mitsubishi Electric’s Training Manager considers the importance of correct heat load calculations.   AIR-CONDITIONING LINK FOR COLLEGE (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] Daikin Airconditioning UK has signed a memorandum of understanding with the College of North West London in the London borough of Brent aimed at helping one another boost training and jobs in the industry.   WAVE GROWS IN BIRMINGHAM (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] The Wave Air Conditioning Birmingham branch is moving into its new, bigger site at Great Barr, nearer to the M6 and its junction with the M5.   REVISED HVCA GUIDE TO EMPLOYMENT (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] HVCA Publications, the authoritative publishing division of the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association, has launched a revised version of its popular HVCA Guide to Employment, available for the first time on CD.   PRICE INCREASE FOR LIEBERT PRODUCTS (Sep 2008)q [29/10/2008] Emerson Network Power has announced a price increase averaging 5%, affecting the cost of Liebert products.   NEW WEBSITE FOR IOR SCOTTISH BRANCH (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] The annual dinner of the Institute of Refrigeration Scottish Branch will be held at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Congress Road, Glasgow on Thursday 30th October at 6.00pm for 6.45pm.   Green you can trust (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] Following a successful launch at London’s greenest venue – Kew Gardens recently, Itho Ventilation Limited has since held its promise and donated £10 per attendee to the Woodland Trust in order to offset the carbon footprint of those travelling to attend the event.   Frozen food market maintains momentum (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] Brian Young, Director-General of the British Frozen Food Federation reports that latest information shows the retail frozen food market is growing at 4.6% year on year. The fish sector continues to lead the growth with a very impressive 11.2% year on year growth.   t-mac crowned SME of the year (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] t-mac Technologies scooped the coveted ‘Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year award’ at the Midlands and East of England National Business Award ceremony, National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham in July.   Paul Wenden becomes president of HEVAC (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] Paul Wenden, Fläkt Woods engineering and product management director, is to become president of HEVAC, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning manufacturers association. Currently its vice-president, his two-year term began at the end of July 2008. During his second year he will also serve as president of FETA, the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations, of which HEVAC is an incorporated association.   Norfolk company looking green (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] An innovative company based in Norfolk has out-performed hundreds of green businesses and been named a semi finalist in the prestigious 2008 Barclays Commercial Bank Green Leaders in Business Awards. The awards recognise those companies who are using pioneering processes or new sustainable technology, products or services to help beat climate change and, crucially, boost their own profits.   President welcomes ‘The Age Of The Engineer’ (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] The time is right for HVCA members to emphasise the very positive contribution they make to life in the first decade of the 21st century, according to Gareth Vaughan, recently elected president of the Association for 2008/09.   2891 refrigeration jobs could go (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] Up to 2891 jobs could be lost as the UK refrigeration equipment industry consolidates over the next 12 months, according to the 3rd edition 2008 Plimsoll Analysis. The unwelcome news for the refrigeration equipment coincides with the British Chamber of Commerce survey which suggests unemployment could rise by up to 300,000 over the next 12 months as the UK economy experiences a “prolonged and bumpy landing.”   Outstanding year for Daikin Europe (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] Daikin Europe NV has announced its sales results for financial year 1st April 2007 - 31st March 2008. Consolidated turnover for the year was 1,917 million euro, up from 1,515 million euro in 2006.   An overwhelming response is now required from industry (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] This consultation is a unique window of opportunity to influence the future of the ACR industry. Widespread industry support for the registration schemes must be received by DEFRA by 3rd October 2008 so that the legislation can be finalised for implementation in February 2009. The basic company registration scheme must be in place by July 2009.   ACR industry asked to help shape registration schemes (Sep 2008) [29/10/2008] At a press briefing held on 5th August, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB) outlined the impacts of recently issued DEFRA draft legislation on the stationary air conditioning and refrigeration and sector.   Are you sensible or is your talent latent? (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] Jim Rusling, Mitsubishi Electric’s Training Manager goes to the core of the vapour compression cycle, the psychrometric chart.   More focus on training (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] ACR Today spoke with Karen Leader (KL), the newly elected chairman of the HVCA RAC Group about her personal objectives for the coming two years.   LINDAB OPENS NEW BRANCH (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] Customers for ventilation and air movement products in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset will enjoy even better service with the opening of a brand new Lindab facility at Newton Abbot.   NEW ADCAS PRESIDENT (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] New ADCAS President Malcolm Moss warned the ductwork industry against any complacency in his first address to industry leaders.   COLT GROUP APPOINTS CEO (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] The Colt Group has appointed Simon Thornton as its new Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Gerard van Haren who has led the expansion of the Group’s business.   MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC ANNOUNCES PRICE RISES (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] Environmental technology manufacturer Mitsubishi Electric is planning a 3 to 5 percent price increase across all City Multi VRF equipment in response to the global rise in the cost of manufacturing.   NEW PUBLICATION ON NATURAL REFRIGERANTS (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] GTZ Proklima has launched an edited volume on sustainable ozone- and climate-friendly alternatives to HCFCs.   HONEYWELL INCREASES GENETRON© PRICES (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] Honeywell Fluorine Products Europe B.V. has announced a further price increase for its GENETRON® refrigerants due to “the explosion of our raw materials cost.”   LG and Siemens sign global partnership (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] LG and Siemens are entering a global partnership to develop commercial air control solutions and systems. The world wide partnership is aimed at increasing both companies’ sales of commercial air conditioning products and building management systems - and to increase their respective market shares.   Four Seasons acquires HM Air Cooling (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] Air conditioning installation and maintenance business the Four Seasons Group (FSG) has acquired HM Air Cooling (HMAC). FSG, with headquarters in Leeds, has a clear ‘buy and build’ strategy with a view to becoming the leading UK specialist in its field.   New edition of classic rac text book (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] The classic reference work on the theory and application of refrigeration and air conditioning technology has been revised and republished in a much-needed new edition.   SummitSkills’ chief executive recognised (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] SummitSkills’ chief executive, Keith Marshall, has been named in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours list and appointed an Officer of Order of the British Empire (OBE), in recognition of his contribution to skills.   SAS International celebrates new factory (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] On 1st July, SAS International celebrated the opening of a 40,000 square foot extension to its Apollo Park factory in Oldbury. A special event was held to show guests around the 130,000 square foot factory.   New board for AREA (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] After months of upheaval, AREA (Air conditioning and Refrigeration European Association) voted a new board during its spring meeting in Vienna. The Board will be formally confirmed during the next general assembly in Brussels in the autumn.   Students get CPD certified via e-learning (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] elearning-training.com, the pioneering learning initiative launched by the Star Refrigeration Group to meet the needs of the air-conditioning, refrigeration and building services sector, has in the last two months awarded more than 200 certificates to acr students all around the world. The certificates are recognised for Continuing Professional Development by CIBSE and the CPD International Certification Service as used by IoR.   InVent Technology Centre opens (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] The new Ziehl-Abegg InVent Technology Centre in Kuenzelsau, Germany, has been opened officially. Spread over an area of over 5000 square meters, more than 100 engineers and technicians will work together in this new, progressive development centre.   Penta Capital acquires stake in ID Support Services Holdings (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] Penta Capital Partners Limited (Penta) has acquired a substantial stake in Manchester-based ID Support Services Holdings Ltd (IDSS) for an undisclosed sum.   MEPs to be the F-Gas Regulation’s watchdogs (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] In a letter recently sent to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) insisted on the important role of MEPs to ensure the success of the F-Gas Regulation. EPEE called on MEPs to put pressure on the European Commission should Member States or stakeholders fail to comply with the Regulation.   Airedale joins HP’s Data Centre Solution Builder programme (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] Airedale has become a Key Alliance Partner within the HP Data Centre Solution Builder (DCSB) Programme. The venture enables compatibility between Airedale data centre air conditioning equipment and HP Dynamic Smart Cooling and facilitates opportunities to develop energy efficient solutions for next generation data centres.   IoR and Carbon Trust launch campaign to cut refrigerant leakage (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] The Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) has joined forces with the Carbon Trust in a major initiative to cut refrigerant leakage and improve the environmental performance of refrigeration plant. “The F-Gas Regulation is sensibly based on the principle of containment, on the basis that refrigerant contained inside plant poses no threat to the environment,” says Jane Gartshore, president of the IoR. “However, it is now vital that the industry delivers on this.”   Caravell UK sold to AHT Cooling Systems (Aug 2008) [07/10/2008] Three years after a management buyout led by John Lougher in which the company has seen its turnover grow year on year to more than £12 million pa, Caravell UK has been acquired by the Austrian based refrigeration specialist AHT Cooling Systems. AHT is already operating in the UK and in 72 other countries worldwide and dominates the retail sector in France and Germany with sales of its unique lidded chest freezers, bottle coolers and ice cream chests. Its target is to take a lead in the UK by selling its product portfolio via the existing Caravell sales network.   Passionate about maintenance (July 2008) [25/09/2008] ACR Today met with Willie Haughey OBE (WH), executive chairman and founding owner of City Refrigeration to find out how a lad from the Gorbals managed to become a multi-millionaire.   Do we expect too much? (July 2008) [25/09/2008] Chris Holmes, Mitsubishi Electric’s Training Manager wonders whether the technical complexity and underlying legislative framework of our industry is a lot to ask a young trainee to learn in only a few years of part-time training.   RAC industry celebrates SkillFRIDGE 2008 (July 2008) [25/09/2008] The refrigeration and air conditioning industry celebrated its finest talent on Friday June 6th at SkillFRIDGE 2008, a challenging three-day practical skills competition designed to promote standards and skills across the sector.   DuPont Refrigerants adjusts Freon® 22 HCFC prices (July 2008) [25/09/2008] DuPont Refrigerants have announced that shipments on or after July 1st 2008 will be subject to a price increase for its DuPontTM Freon® 22 HCFC refrigerant in Europe. Depending on packaging, the price will rise between 12-14 percent.   Richard Ward joins HRP Group to head up air conditioning (July 2008) [25/09/2008] Richard Ward has joined the HRP Group as air conditioning brand Commercial Director and Managing Director of 3D Air Sales. 3D is a distributor of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries air conditioning products in the UK and Ireland and has gained a fine reputation for providing high levels of customer service and technical support.   Doby Verrolec MD calls for greater flexibility over zinc coating for ductwork (July 2008) [25/09/2008] Malcolm Moss, Managing Director of Doby Verrolec, is calling for a rationalisation of the regulation governing anti-corrosion protection for UK ductwork systems.   Stroma signs exclusive agreement to offer air source heat pumps (July 2008) [25/09/2008] Stroma LZC has agreed an exclusive deal with HeatKing to be the sole supplier of its market leading range of air source heat pumps.   HVCA specialist groups elect new chairmen [25/09/2008] New chairmen have been elected by three of the HVCA’s four specialist groups.   LG appoints Graham Hendra to head of air conditioning (JULY 2008) [25/09/2008] LG has appointed Graham Hendra as their new General Manager of its Air Conditioning division.   Luvata’s former Czech facility acquired by Lloyd Electric (July 2008) [25/09/2008] In a deal of undisclosed value, Lloyd Electric and Engineering Ltd (Lloyd Electric) has announced its acquisition of Luvata’s former operation in Prague, Czech Republic. The 300-employee plant, which produces coil units for the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industries, was divested from Luvata last year.   Dean & Wood exclusive distribution deal with MyRef (July 2008) [25/09/2008] Refrigeration parts wholesaler Dean & Wood has struck an exclusive three-year deal with MyRef Ltd to distribute its entire range of low noise packaged scroll condensing units throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.   Advances in magnetic cooling attract industry to SIRAC event at Oxford University (July 2008) [25/09/2008] Leading lights from industry met pioneering researchers from academia in Oxford last month to discuss ways of harnessing the latest research into sustainable refrigeration and air conditioning technology.   MBO marks start of new era for Rapid (July 2008) [25/09/2008] Climate control specialist Rapid Climate Control Ltd is under new ownership following the completion of a management buyout. Principals Barry Payne and John Dempsey have sold a controlling interest in the business that they established nearly 30 years ago to a group of the company’s senior managers, headed by Mark Payne and Nick Payne.   Managers face tough decisions as market slows (July 2008) [25/09/2008] A new study by Plimsoll Publishing has found that the UK’s largest 100 refrigeration equipment companies now control 90% of the market, an increase from 86% two years ago. As a result, these major companies are fighting each other headlong in a battle for market share.   On the home stretch (June 2008) [02/09/2008] At Chillventa’s first Global Press Meeting in Athens, ACR Today met with representatives of the Nuremberg Messe and the Chillventa exhibition committee for an update on the show with less than six months to go.   CLIVET AIRCON OPENS CUSTOMER TRAINING CENTRE (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Clivet Aircon has announced the establishment of a training facility for its Versatemp customers at the Company’s Portsmouth business centre.   SUMMITSKILLS GRANTED SKILLS PLEDGE AWARD IN WALES (June 2008) [02/09/2008] SummitSkills, the sector skills council for building services engineering (BSE), has been granted the Basic Skills Employer Pledge Award for its commitment to basic skills and is now encouraging businesses across Wales to get involved in the pledge as well.   BLABY MP VISITS HUSKY GROUP (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Andrew Robathan, Blaby’s Member of Parliament, visited Husky Group’s UK headquarters in Lutterworth on 25th April to discuss, among a range of issues, growing concerns over unfairness surrounding the controversial WEEE Directive for disposal of electrical goods.   GRAY & ADAMS RECEIVES ‘SILENT APPROACH’ AWARD AT CV SHOW (June2008) [02/09/2008] At this year’s CV Show, Gray & Adams exhibited trailers that have been specifically designed and manufactured with low-noise characteristics.   WORKING CONFERENCE (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Transfrigoroute (UK) will be holding their next Working Conference on 9th July at Scania in Milton Keynes. The theme for the meeting is ‘The Aftermarket’.   THERMO KING R&D ‘GREEN’ CENTRE (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Thermo King is making a substantial investment at its research and design centre in Galway, Republic of Ireland, to make it the company’s centre of excellence for ‘green’ technology development.   WHERE HAS ALL THE FRIDGE GAS GONE? (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Jim Rusling, Mitsubishi Electric’s Training Manager looks at UK leakage rates and is worried.   Toshiba joins Formula 1 (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Many top Toshiba contractors together with distributors attended Toshiba’s 2008 annual conference on 2nd April. Helen Muir, General Manager for Toshiba Carrier UK Ltd commented “The selection of the venue was key to supporting the strategic message that surrounds all of Toshiba’s services and product developments. The Williams Formula 1 Centre in Oxford was the perfect location and venue matching perfectly with Toshiba’s high performance message”.   4 Seasons brings breath of fresh air to franchising (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Warrington based air conditioning company, the 4 Seasons Group has developed a franchise offer by working with leading industry expert, Franchise Development Services (FDS) Northern. The company, which was established in 2003, is now looking for franchisees to grow the brand nationally.   Space Engineering Services win at Tesco (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Space Engineering Services has successfully retained a 75% share of all of Tesco’s main store design and installation work nationwide. The announcement comes after a tender process. In addition the company has also been successful in retaining 80% of all Tesco Express installation works.   FG Eurofred appoints sales director (June 2008) [02/09/2008] FG Eurofred has announced the addition of Tony Gittings as Sales Director for the UK and Eire. Tony will be responsible for FG Eurofred sales and logistics activities. Tony has extensive experience with the UK and Irish market place having worked for several leading manufacturers, recently LG Electronics.   ECA AND HVCA launch joint Grand Dinner and Ball (June 2008) [02/09/2008] The first ever Grand Dinner and Ball organised jointly by the HVCA and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) will take place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London W2, on the evening of Friday 3 October 2008.   Space filling up fast at RAC09 (June 2008) [02/09/2008] The event organisers of RAC09 (NEC, Birmingham, 24-26 February 2009) have announced that with a raft of new companies reserving space at the show over 80% of exhibition floor space is now taken for the premier event in the UK’s refrigeration and air conditioning calendar.   First Microgeneration Product Certification (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Calorex Heat Pumps Ltd has become the first company to successfully gain product certification under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).   Mitsubishi Heavy Industries confirms new UK distributor (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has announced the selection of independent distributor FM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMP Air Conditioning based in Hertfordshire, to distribute MHI’s complete range of VRF and split air conditioning systems in the UK.   Amco Marelli announces name change to Marelli UK Ltd (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Alternator and electric motor specialist, Amco Marelli Ltd has announced a change of operating name to Marelli UK Ltd with effect from 31st March. The move reflects closer integration with the Italian manufacturing plant, MarelliMotori, and the continued strengthening of the Marelli brand within the FKI Energy Technology Group.   Specialist support for Mitsubishi Electric VRF (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Air Creation is a new company being formed this summer to offer distribution and specialist technical support for a wide range of Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning products, predominantly VRF, but also including split systems.   Daikin UK teams with Climate Center (June 2008) [02/09/2008] In a new arrangement that started on 1st May 2008 between Daikin Airconditioning UK and Wolseley, Daikin’s split and sky air systems will now also be supplied through Climate Center’s nationwide network of 51 branches, complimenting Daikin’s existing routes to market on a selected product range.   LG ArtCool voted Which Best Buy (June 2008) [02/09/2008] In a survey of both split and portable air conditioning systems suitable for the domestic market, consumer magazine Which May issue voted the LG ArtCool its Best Buy, with a score of 91%. Assessed on its cooling capacity, energy efficiency, ease of use, dehumidification and noise level, the ArtCool was described as “brilliant at cooling quickly and quietly, best product for a good night’s sleep.”   Airwell agrees Coolair Equipment supply arrangement (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Airwell is now a key supplier to Coolair Equipment Ltd, one of the UK’s leading installers of VRF and split air conditioning systems. The announcement comes hot on the heels of Airwell unveiling its new and highly innovative Flow Logic VRF systems; a new range of air conditioning equipment that sets new benchmarks for flexibility, energy efficiency and noise levels.   Sector Skills Agreement sees in new era (June 2008) [02/09/2008] SummitSkills has launched the Sector Skills Agreement (SSA) for building services engineering, a plan that will address the sector’s skills issues and lead to significant workforce development improvements and productivity benefits for the sector.   Project First acquires (June 2008) [02/09/2008] Project First has announced that as part of its ongoing expansion programme, and consolidation within the market sector, it has acquired a third company within four months, Denman Facilities Ltd, based in Reigate. Previous companies acquired this year are G H England and Swansea based Red Kite Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Ltd.   [Contact us] [Ad rates] [Links] [News] [Editorial Calendar] [Site map] [Subscribe] [Seminars] [Home] [e-mail] ©2004 - 2007 Warners Group Publications plc. ACR Today is owned by Warners Group Publications plc.