The event, which fell in the same week as World Refrigeration Day, attracted nearly 40 guests from Europe and the UK.

Airedale’s marketing manager Darren Farrar said: “The event provided a rare opportunity for guests to see our world-class facility first hand, see data centre equipment up close, and hear directly from our experts on the latest industry innovations.”

The day began with a welcome breakfast and overview of the company, from its humble beginnings in 1974 to the world-wide operation it is today, delivered by sales director Paul Oliver.

Guests were then given a tour of the factory and had the opportunity to attend two seminars, one on the evolution of DC cooling and the other on F-Gas refrigerants, delivered by business development director Stuart Kay and research and laboratory manager David Wilks respectively.

Mr Farrar explained: “In the afternoon, guests were invited on a guided tour of our state-of-the-art research and development facility and test chambers. These labs are not usually open for visitors due to them being where we keep products not yet ready for market, but we wanted our visitors to see our commitment and investment in future technology.

“Within the research and development facility, there were several prototypes on display that Airedale has not yet released to market and the clients were able to speak to the engineers directly involved in developing them.

“Feedback from visitors to the open day was positive and it was a fabulous opportunity for us to show off our facilities, based in this beautiful part of Leeds, to customers from across Europe, some of whom had flown in especially.”