03.04.2008
Oceanair Opens new state-of-the-art training centre for air conditioning industry





Oceanair Distribution Ltd, the expanding specialist air conditioning distributor, has opened a state-of-the-art new training centre.

The facility, part of the company’s new Bristol office and distribution centre, provides outstanding workshop and classroom-based accomodation – and some of the best hand-on air conditioning training facilities in the country.

It is believed to be the largest Sanyo training facility to be established in the UK. It will also offer training in Fujitsu and LG products.

The location of the centre, just off the motorway network outside Bristol, has been strategically chosen for its excellent road and rail links, giving easy access from all parts of the country.

Bob Cowlard, managing director, said: “Distributors have to add value to the service they offer customers. It is not enough to be just ‘box shifters’. Training is an absolutely vital area for the air conditioning trade, and we want to help equip our customers to be the best of the best.

“We are at a crunch point in terms of the factors bearing down on the trade: new legislation, refrigerants, increased pressure to be environmentally responsible, the economic slowdown, new technologies – all these issues demand that we as an industry stay ahead of the game. It is essential that people are trained to the highest standards to enable us to ‘stand our corner’ - and not become the ‘poor man’ or ‘whipping boy’ of the building services world.”

It is anticipated that several hundred contractors, engineers and consultants will pass through the centre in the first year. The first course was held in March, for more than 50 Calor Gas field engineers – on the topic of LPG-powered Sanyo VRF air conditioning. [See separate release].

Courses will be presented by a network of independent trainers, supported by product experts from air conditioning manufacturers. A training centre manager is currently being recruited.




Courses will include:
• CPD for consultants;
• Controls set up and integration;
• Service and maintenance;
• Commissioning;
• Sales and application;
• Legislation and business responsibilities for company owners or senior managers.

Systems to be installed on-site, enabling hands-on training, include: Sanyo’s GHP and carbon dioxide water heating, Fujitsu’s J series air conditioning, and LG’s multiple space system.

The centre also has installed examples of every type of Sanyo indoor unit available – the only such building of its kind in the UK.

The training facility is part of the company’s new Bristol sales and distribution centre - the first of a new style of Oceanair Distribution facilities being rolled out in selected parts of the country.

Bob Cowlard said: “Our new training centre represents a major investment for the company. But we believe it is vital to help our customers understand our products inside out, and install and service equipment to the very highest professional standards.”






ENDS




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