Toshiba has appointed Alpha Air Building Management Systems as a distributor of its full range of air conditioning products, expanding its UK distribution network.

The agreement covers Toshiba split systems, heat pumps and high efficiency VRF air conditioning. This includes the manufacturer’s class-leading SMMS-e VRF system, launched last month, which complements Alpha Air’s focus on end user and specification sales.

The move is part of Toshiba’s ambitious growth strategy to double sales by 2020, announced earlier this year, and will see Alpha Air supply Toshiba products on an exclusive basis.

Alpha Air is headed by Steve Shoubridge, a well-known industry figure with a track record in air conditioning distribution. After establishing a successful high-level building controls business, Alpha Air is now looking to combine its proprietary technology with Toshiba air conditioning to create a unique offering.

Alpha Air is working with a number of national chains, including food retailers, car manufacturers and financial services companies, on the roll-out of its new approach to managing and controlling HVAC plant in multi-branch estates.

Its new building control platform, Hyperion, is designed to be compatible and easy to integrate with air conditioning systems and related plant. Installers can use its drag-and-drop interface to quickly configure systems, opening up new opportunities for the trade.

David Dunn, director of Toshiba Air Conditioning UK and Ireland, said: “I am delighted to welcome Steve and Alpha Air colleagues to the Toshiba network. Given the company’s dynamism, deep market experience and excellent contacts, I am confident they will make a significant contribution to our growth plans for the future.”

He added: “The opportunities in the industry for fully integrated systems, that combine high level controls and state-of-the-art air conditioning, are huge. We look forward to working with Steve and the team over the coming months and years to develop this potential.”

Alpha Air joins existing Toshiba distributors AMP Air, Cool Designs, CSD, DYSK and Hushon in the UK, plus GT Phelan in Ireland, and nationwide wholesaler Climate Center.

Pictured (L to R) are Steve Shoubridge and David Livingstone of Alpha Air