Despite a lack-lustre UK and Ireland market, Toshiba reports that sales of air conditioning equipment grew in both 2010 and 2011, assisted by the launch of the company’s pioneering new SMMSi 2-pipe VRF system which is claimed to offer the industry’s highest SEER’s values.
This will be followed in the second quarter of this year with the introduction of the SHRMi 3-pipe VRF, adding further enhancements and a sophisticated new controls platform. Toshiba will also introduce important new additions to the popular Estia heat pump range.
David Dunn, Toshiba Commercial Director, said: “With energy costs rising and the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions, the focus has to be on delivering the best possible efficiency while maintaining high quality comfort conditions in buildings.
“The next leap forward for our industry will come from harnessing truly intelligent controls and integrating them seamlessly with high-performance air conditioning and heat pumps. This has been the focus of a lot of thought and development work at Toshiba, and we will be revealing the fruits of this shortly.”
Growth at Toshiba has been assisted by the strong performance of its distribution network, including GT Phelan in Ireland. In fact, Toshiba recently held its annual distributor conference in Dublin and availed of the opportunity to present GT Phelan with a commemorative plaque to mark its 30-year association with the brand.
Toshiba has also introduced a finance arrangement for end users keen to upgrade their R22 fixed speed equipment. Recognising that the banks are reluctant to provide credit, Toshiba has introduced a finance scheme allowing end-users to offset the complete cost of their new installation over seven years. For more information about the Finance Blog visit here. The associated costs can include replacement ceilings and an allowance to remove the existing boiler if necessary. This scheme targets corporate end-users with a refurbishment budget of €100k and over.
On the technical support front, the company has introduced a rapid-response text-back service to supplement its
industry-leading cool line service. This allows an engineer to speak to a Toshiba technical specialist any time of the day or night, to gain valuable on-the-spot support and advice.
Training is another key element of Toshiba’s plans for 2012 and GT Phelan will expand the programme it currently provides to ensure more and more contractors receive hands-on training in installation, commissioning and servicing at its purpose-built training centre. GT Phelan has already begun to roll-out it’s CIBSE-approved CPDs to consulting engineers and plans to expand this roll out during 2012.
Derek Phelan of GT Phelan told bs news: “Toshiba is a strong and respected name in the market with a well-deserved reputation for innovation, high performance and reliability. We have represented the brand in Ireland since 1982 and, by combining our strengths with those of Toshiba, we have carved out a significant market share.
“With exciting new products and extra services lined up for release throughout the course of 2012, we are looking forward to a third year of sustained growth.”
Contact: Derek Phelan, GT Phelan. Tel: 01 – 286 4377; email: derek@gtphelan.ie; www.gtphelan.ie
