Category Archives: Manufacturing
FUTURE Designs introduces carbon careful™ – a review of its commitment to the circular economy over the last 12 years
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FUTURE designs has pioneered the refurbishment and upgrading of existing luminaires and carcasses for over 12 years. Taking existing FUTURE Designs products and those of competitors, FUTURE Designs has renewed the luminaires with latest LED technology transforming them into highly efficient and carbon saving solutions, extending the lifespan and drastically reducing carbon usage and overall costs.
David Clements, FUTURE Designs Chief Executive explains: “The carbon careful™ initiative could be described as our “best kept secret”, as a hugely efficient design and manufacturing business we have always endeavoured to keep waste to a minimum, and now as the world is faced with a growing necessity to Refurbish, Reuse and Restore wherever feasible, we are sharing our story and expertise to encourage more organisations to follow suit.”
The carbon careful™ book showcases a range of examples from leading blue-chip organisations, highlighting FUTURE Designs proficiency, capability and commitment to the refurbishment of existing luminaire carcasses to increase the sustainability of commercial premises.
LED has been the lighting medium of choice for over ten years now but there are still millions of old fluorescent fittings being used to illuminate space. By switching to LED, energy and carbon usage can be reduced by circa 50%, coupled with the reuse of mild steel and aluminium, the savings are significant.
LED has a far greater lifespan, and its ‘solid state’ makes it easier to dispose of, without the risk of harmful gases such as mercury found in fluorescent lamps making it better for the environment.
FUTURE Designs is always at the forefront of any technological breakthrough, renowned for our expertise in this area of lighting science and have proven to be the experts in adapting old fluorescent lighting to state-of-the art lighting, ensuring that the benefits from the reduced impact on the environment are fully realised.
The full book can be viewed here: https://www.futuredesigns.co.uk/carbon-careful/
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World-famous art protected by Condair humidifiers
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Two Condair RS steam humidifiers have recently been installed, by Ceilite Air Conditioning, at the prestigious Henry Moore Foundation in Hertfordshire. Henry Moore was a renowned artist, best known for his figure sculptures. The Henry Moore Foundation is a charity founded by the artist later in his life, to educate and promote fine art. Its Hertfordshire headquarters houses many works of art that need consistent environmental control for their protection and preservation.
Accurate humidity control within the range of 40 to 60% maintains the integrity of the valuable exhibits. Previous experience of the reliability of Condair’s humidifiers at Henry Moore’s studios meant the leading specialist in humidification was again first choice when the time came to enhance its humidity control.
Tim Cheshire, Ceilite’s Applications Engineer Technical Manager, said: “We required an efficient and effective method of humidification that could safely raise relative humidity (RH) in a large archive store for priceless artwork – vital requirements that were successfully met by Condair. There were some challenges posed by the space to work in and the infrastructure of the building, but the excellent installation team overcame the issues without any complaint. Would I specify Condair’s humidifiers again? Yes, without hesitation.”
The previous humidity control strategy employed evaporative humidifiers at the world-famous site in Perry Green. However, the archive store required a closer level of humidity control than is possible with an evaporative system so the Condair RS was specified in consultation with the M&E consultant, Harley Haddow. The Condair RS is a resistive steam humidifier capable of providing ±5%RH control when operated on regular mains water and ±2% with RO water.
The two air-handling units serving the archive storage area are located externally to the main building, so Condair supplied its Condair RS OC models that have IP55-rated cabinets. Rather than install standard humidifiers in protective housing, the Condair RS OC has a purpose-built, weatherproof and temperature controlled case. This means it takes up much less room and is easier to install. The outdoor humidifiers are the most compact in the industry with the smallest footprint and incorporate lifting handles to make on-site transportation easier.
Henry Moore (1898-1986) was one of the most important British artists of the twentieth century and arguably, the most internationally celebrated sculptor of the period. His works typically depict reclining figures or a mother and child, and tended to contain pierced or hollow spaces. Alongside sculptures, Moore produced many drawings and other graphic work on paper. Each year the Henry Moore Foundation welcomes thousands of visitors to the studios and gardens in Perry Green to view the famous sculptor’s work.
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification, dehumidification and evaporative cooling, with technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. The company offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.
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New Saniflo campaign wins praise
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Saniflo emphasizes that when you consider the possibilities that a small white box affords, it can open up a whole new mindset to converting unused spaces:
- Bathroom in an unused attic? It’s possible with a Saniflo.
- Laundry in a cellar? Also, possible.
- En-suite in the loft? A breeze.
The point is that when gravity drainage isn’t an option, a Saniflo usually is. So, for domestic and commercial customers this new, striking advertising campaign might just be the nudge they need to grasp what’s possible.
Ann Boardman is Head of Marketing and Product Management at Saniflo and was responsible for overseeing the concept. To test the idea, the graphics were used at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the NEC In Birmingham.
Ann says: “The new advertising campaign is a step in a different direction for us, as we really wanted to challenge perceptions and stimulate customers’ ideas of how to transform their spare spaces. We know what a Saniflo can help achieve, but we wanted to convey this to customers in a visually appealing manner. Feedback at the show absolutely vindicated the change and we are now rolling out the ads in the press, on social media and on future show stands and we encourage our customers to watch out for the ads and share them with their customers.”
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New service engineer at Condair
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Humidity and evaporative cooling specialist Condair, has employed
Paul Threlfell, as a service engineer covering Scotland and the North of England. Paul is F-Gas and IOSSH accredited and has over 25 years’ experience in the HVAC industry, having worked for companies such as Hussmann Refrigeration, City Refrigeration, Russell Air Conditioning, Scotia Energy Saving Systems/ID Scotia and Linaker.
Tony Tullett, Service Director at Condair, commented, “I’m very happy to have Paul join the Condair Service Team. Being based in Edinburgh, he is perfectly positioned to support our customers across Scotland. Paul is a very experienced engineer in our sector and has dealt with many different types of HVAC system. His F-Gas accreditation is a great benefit, as we service not only humidifiers but also refrigerant-based dehumidifiers, so he can really hit the ground running. In fact, we’ve already had some lovely positive feedback from customers he’s visited, so we are sure Paul will be an invaluable asset to our team.”
Condair’s service department provides the manufacturer’s engineering expertise on-site, supporting the complete range of Condair humidifiers and dehumidifiers, as well as many other humidification systems. Condair has the largest specialist humidity control engineering team in the UK, with 21 engineers strategically located across the UK and Ireland to provide nationwide coverage.
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair Limited, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.
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New appointment for Kinedo
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The Kinedo sales team is expanding with the appointment of James Day as Area Sales Manager – South.
James joined in March 2022 – just in time for the start of the KBB Show, where he was able to connect with new and existing customers. Prior to joining the Kinedo sales team James worked in the plumbing sector for 18 years as Manager of two different merchants in Sussex.
His new role will entail generating displays, as well promoting general awareness of the Kinedo range of cubicles, enclosures and trays in the retail and merchant sectors. James has known the brand for many years, but was impressed by the latest additions to the range;
“I did some research prior to joining the company and the range has evolved a lot over the last couple of years. There are some really impressive models which will help me secure displays. The beauty of Kinedo is the level of support offered to customers including sales and installation training plus a dedicated point of contact from enquiry to sale. Kinedo is Europe’s largest shower cubicle manufacturer and has a great pedigree, so I am keen to really help it become a known brand in the UK.”
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NEW DEHUMIDIFIER WITH EXTERNAL CONDENSER
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Condair is launching the Condair DC-N, a condensing dehumidifier with an external condenser unit that can dry an area without the risk of overheating. Traditional condensing dehumidifiers introduce heat to a room from their built-in condensers when they dry the air. The Condair DC-N’s external condenser allows the heat generated during drying to be remotely exhausted, similar to a split air conditioner. This makes it much easier to manage the temperature of a room that is being dehumidified.
Dave Marshall-George, Sales Director at Condair commented, “Condensing dehumidifiers dry the air by creating a cold surface upon which moisture in the air condenses and drips to drain. This process generates heat, so the dry air leaving the dehumidifier can be several degrees warmer than the humid air entering it. For some projects, this added heat can cause an issue. When it is, ventilation is frequently used to control temperature. However, by introducing fresh air to control temperature, moisture can enter the room, making the humidity control less effective.
“The Condair DC-N is the ideal solution in these circumstances. When the room is cold and below the required temperature, the dehumidifier’s on-board condenser introduces heat as well as drying the air. Then when the room’s temperature set point is reached, the remote condenser activates, ejecting the heat externally rather than into the room. This allows a room to remain sealed, therefore providing efficient drying, whilst achieving the ideal internal temperature and humidity.”
The Condair DC-N range offers drying capacities from 263 to 940 litres per day (@30°C/80%RH). It incorporates energy efficient EC fans, high quality components and R410A refrigerant gas. Operation is controlled via an on-board digital display, an optional remotely located controller (up to 50m away) or via BMS using Modbus.
Condair offers a comprehensive range of both condensing and desiccant dehumidifiers, allowing the company to always provide the most appropriate technology for any drying project. The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair Ltd, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.
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New brand identity for PAM’s Soil and Drain activity
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In May 2021, all customers of Saint-Gobain PAM’s building business received a letter advising that a new company dedicated to the design, manufacture and marketing of cast iron pipes for wastewater and rainwater drainage was created, under the name Saint-Gobain PAM Bâtiment.
The aim was to provide better customer service and clear identification of the business, alongside Saint-Gobain PAM Canalisation, which is dedicated to the drinking water supply, sewerage, irrigation and roadworks markets.
The creation of this independent company also makes sense in terms of its complementarity with the companies of the Saint-Gobain Group in the construction markets.
It enables the company to enhance the value of a historic profession that utilises a noble material that is made from 99% recycled content and can be 100% recycled: cast iron.
With an international stature and its European facilities (industrial sites in Bayard-sur-Marne in France and Telford in the UK, as well as a logistic platform in Köln in Germany), it has grown significantly
in 2021:
– Now has a turnover of €107M
– Activity in more than 50 countries, mainly through prestigious projects in the most demanding office buildings, high-end hotels, hospitals, etc.
To better express this trajectory, a new global brand was needed: PAM Building is officially launched at the beginning of March 2022.
Dedicated to the vast field of construction, PAM Building aims to
unite its 370 employees and all its stakeholders around a strong
motto: safe and sustainable by nature. This motto reflects the reality of its industry: to build safe buildings for its occupants and owners, while creating a long-term positive impact on the environment.
The formalisation of PAM Building is accompanied by a new environmental roadmap that aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% by 2030 since the 2017 baseline. This will make cast iron drainage the solution for low impact buildings with its properties make an ideal part of a circular economy, and we will soon be more carbon-efficient, with the introduction of innovations in 2022 and beyond.
Accompanied by a modernised graphic redesign, the company’s image has been radically revitalised. It will of course be applied to an increased digital presence in all countries which will be implemented throughout our business over the coming weeks.
Proud of its centuries of history, PAM Building now has the face it deserves to embody its future innovations, in line with the ambition of sustainable construction. The face of a brand with a future, sure of its commitments and our importance to help make the world a better home.
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NEW SOUTH EAST AREA SALES MANAGER AT CONDAIR
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Darren comments, “I am very happy to have taken on the area sales manager position, across both humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and am now responsible for much of the south east of England, from Kent to Suffolk, including East London. I’m looking forward to getting to know our customers in these regions, and helping them improve their productivity and working environments through enhanced humidity control. It will also be great to be back in front of clients, providing CPD training, either in-house or online.”
David Marshall-George, UK Sales Director at Condair, comments, “It’s great to have Darren join our UK sales team. He is very experienced in all aspects of humidification, and brings with him superb application knowledge from his service-related sales work at Condair.”
Condair Ltd has comprehensive sales coverage across the country with seven sales managers covering all of the UK and Ireland.
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair Ltd, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.
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CONDAIR HELPS HARRIER’S PRINT RUN SMOOTHLY
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Harrier Group, a leading UK digital printing firm, has invested in four Condair RS restive steam humidifiers to maintain the perfect production environment in its newly-designed, high-tech print room.
The Condair RS humidifiers were specified by the contractor, Brothwell Irvine, who were commissioned to develop a new state-of-the-art inkjet print room at Harrier’s Newton Abbot site in Devon. Accurate humidity control maintains the integrity of the paper being used. If the atmosphere is too dry, paper can develop tight edges and curl at the corners, whilst too much moisture in the air can cause paper to become wavy as it absorbs water. Any dimensional change can result in print issues, as the machines run at such high speed. This is especially critical as the inkjet printer at Harrier’s Newton Abbot site is running at high volumes 24-hours a day.
Harrier’s Health, Safety and Facilities Manager, Jeremy Rawley, says the units installed in the new room are maintaining the vital humidity levels required of between 40% and 60%. He also points out that speed of delivery and local after-sales service were key factors in choosing Condair, which he describes as a world leader in that type of equipment.
He says: “We already knew the company, as we have a couple of their units in other print rooms. The quality of their equipment is right up there. Paper is susceptible to changes in environmental conditions so humidity is really important. Their service is second to none as well. We work to tough deadlines and one of the key things for us is that Condair could supply the equipment quickly within the required timescale. Having a local service engineer on call to maintain them in tip-top condition is important for us too.”
Paper is a hygroscopic material that adapts to reach a condition of equilibrium with the humidity conditions of the surrounding environment. Any changes in the paper‘s internal moisture content will cause dimensional variations and a loss of flatness. The Condair RS humidifiers monitor the room’s humidity level and provide steam directly to the atmosphere whenever needed. Each humidifier installed at Harrier is capable of delivering up to 8kg/h of steam from its integrated fan unit. Having multiple units installed in the large print room ensures very accurate humidity control, consistently across the complete area.
Harrier has printed photos from its Newton Abbot site for over 30 years and evolved from the UK’s biggest direct-to-consumer photo processing brand, Truprint. The company now prints photos for many of the UK’s most recognised high street stores and app-based printing services, delivering over ¾ billion photos per year.
Dave Marshall-George, Sales Director at Condair, adds: “Humidity must be controlled in the printing industry for the best quality results. The Condair RS is a popular choice for digital print rooms, as it offers very accurate humidity control and has an innovative scale management system. When scale forms on the heating elements, as it will do in any steam humidifier, it breaks off and falls into a scale collector tank located at the bottom of the unit. This tank can be easily emptied, enabling the scale to be removed from the system, without the need for professional servicing.”
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification, dehumidification and evaporative cooling, with technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. The company offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.
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SFA Group supports World Water Day
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To commemorate World Water Day on 22 March, Saniflo UK’s parent company, SFA with headquarters in France, is supporting the supply of clean drinking water to families in The Philippines.
Thanks to the support from SFA Group, two families from Laguna now have clean drinking water and electricity for the first time. The project is part of SFA Group recent AquaHome developments in The Philippines.
The lucky recipients are Mr. Jose Estojero & Mrs. Mallen Uson and Mr. Aurelio o. Dino and Mrs. Edna T. Dino who live in Siteo Happy Valley on the Laguna AquaHome development.
Saniflo UK Head of Marketing and Product Management, Ann Boardman, says: “We take clean drinking water and electricity for granted, but for some people it’s an unknown luxury. Now, thanks to the support of the SFA Group, two families’ lives just became easier and more comfortable.”