BUCKING current market trends, Toshiba Air Conditioning has reported two consecutive years of growth in the UK and is gearing up for a series of major product launches and initiatives this year.
'Fuelled by two consecutive years of increased sales, Toshiba air conditioning has delivered double digit growth since 2009,' said commercial director David Dunn. 'With major new product launches and commercial initiatives planned for 2012, the company is on track to continue this trend during 2012.'
This growth has been boosted by the launch of the company's new SMMSi 2-pipe VRF system - which claims to have the industry's highest SEER's values.
A further leap in sales is expected in the second quarter of this year with the introduction of the SHRMi 3-pipe VRF and new additions to its ESTIA heat pump range.
'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,' said David Dunn.
Growth at Toshiba has been assisted by the appointment last year of wholesaler Climate Center to the company's UK distribution network, adding 47 branches to the already strong presence of existing Toshiba distributors across the UK.
These include AMP Air Conditioning Ltd, Cool Designs Ltd, Cool Solutions Distribution Ltd, GT Phelan, and Hushon (UK) Ltd, with authorised resellers Aircon Group and Pacair completing the line-up.
The recent introduction of Toshiba's green recycling scheme for end-of-life air conditioning equipment will be followed in the coming months by the launch of a new carbon offset scheme, allowing end users to effectively neutralise the carbon impact of installing air conditioning.
On the technical support front, the company has introduced a rapid-response text-back service to supplement its 24/7 'phone hotline 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.
Toshiba's enhanced 'Additions Benefits Scheme' now offers extra support for loyal customers, including an extended warranty of up to seven years for regular customers meeting the criteria.
Also on the launch-pad for 2012 is a new online system for ordering spare parts. This European-wide initiative will enable customers to quickly and conveniently identify replacement components for Toshiba equipment and purchase them directly online.
Training is another key element of Toshiba's plans for 2012. The company will be expanding its nationwide network of training centres, enabling customers to receive hands-on training in installation, commissioning and servicing of equipment across the UK.