6 News
AIM targets Europe
Toshiba opens flagship training centre
TOSHIBA AIR Conditioning, has opened a national training centre at its headquarters in Leatherhead.
AIM LOGISTICS, the Evesham-based temperature controlled and container shipping specialist, has expanded its 50-strong vehicle fleet with the addition of three Cool Liners from Krone. Established in 2004 with just two vehicles, AIM Logistics has grown rapidly and has ambitious plans for further development on an international scale: Ireland is targeted in the near future, followed by Spain, Italy and Portugal. In addition to its
traditional UK work, the company provides an end- to-end cold chain logistics service, including ambient frozen palletised loads, to customers in France, Belgium and Holland. Director Ismail
Elmagdoub attributes much of the company’s success to ‘hard work’ and ‘getting it right for the customer every time.’ “When we started, our mantra was all about customer service and it still remains central to our operation today,” he said. “In 2004, our clients were able to communicate at all levels - from driver to director - and after 10 years of year-on-year growth, that remains the case.” Mr Elmagdoub added that to maintain a high quality service, his company depends on a high standard of equipment.
Accordingly, when making further moves onto the continent, it was important to select trailers with a full European specification.
Further, AIM Logistics is expecting to experience low running costs and an eventual high residual value for the Cool Liners.
ACR News May 2014
The facility is the flagship in a new national network of Toshiba training centres, being rolled out during 2014 at 13 Toshiba and distributor locations across the country. The Leatherhead facility will operate all-year-round, with a scheduled programme of advertised courses running each quarter, supported by bespoke training to meet specific installer and end-user needs. When fully operational, some 600 to 700 engineers and end users are anticipated to undergo training at Leatherhead each year. Added to the capacity of other centres in the network, it gives Toshiba the ability to train more than 1500 people each year, making it one of the most significant training providers in the country.
The centre gives installers the opportunity to have hands-on experience of
commissioning and servicing the latest technology, including VRF air conditioning, electronic controls, leak detection and digital inverters. It will include examples of Toshiba’s refrigerant management and protection systems, that offer complete reassurance for building owners and occupants. The full range of Toshiba equipment and accessories will also be located at Toshiba’s new North of England training centre, based at Middleton in Manchester, which is due to open later this year.
Heading up the Leatherhead Training centre is Neil Wooldridge, Toshiba’s training and technical manager, who has extensive knowledge of air conditioning technology and the industry.
David Dunn, general manager of Toshiba Air Conditioning, says: “As a leading air conditioning manufacturer, we believe it is our duty and responsibility to provide high quality training
– to ensure systems operate safely and efficiently, and that the future of the industry is secured.
“We also have a duty of care to the environment, to make sure people are fully informed and aware of their obligations under the law, to protect and minimise the impact of air conditioning and refrigerants on the environment. “It is vital that we update the skills of existing engineers and train the next generation of installers and designers - the future of the industry depends on it. This requires continual investment in the skills and knowledge base, to ensure people are equipped to deliver the high quality projects required by clients, now and in the future.”
Modules include courses on practical installation and commissioning skills, and updates on key legislation impacting the industry. In line with its policy, Toshiba will make no charge for attendance on its courses.
ISD reveals record revenues
ISD SOLUTIONS, a specialist contractor in the design and construction of composite panel cold store warehouses, firewalls, data centres and clean rooms, has announced record revenues for the year ending 2013, with turnover up 22% to £27m and growth of 54% for the past five years. The company has
recently won new orders for distribution depots in Bicester and Chepstow valued at £1.7m. It has also won orders for a new pharmaceutical chill store in Northern Ireland and a cold store warehouse in London worth £300,000. The company has already secured 35% of its annual projected turnover in the first month of 2014, assisted in part by strong overseas demand. This includes orders from Ireland worth ¤7m for its high bay composite-clad warehouses for the storage of blood plasma and a food service distribution depot. Overseas orders have also
contributed to increased production in the company’s three bespoke manufacturing facilities, with a 14% rise in production for doors, panels, metal works and stowaway shelving.
Andy Moon, chief executive of ISD Solutions, commented: “Because we have started 2014 so well, we are confident of between 10% and 15% growth in most markets this year. Our strategic focus on quality, customer service and robust financial control is paying off, especially as over 90% of our projects represent repeat business from satisfied customers and partners.” Mr Moon continued: “With the UK economy set to grow, we are recruiting in most areas and divisions to meet growing demand.”
A valued local employer with offices and factories in Gloucester, ISD has already recruited 10% more staff in the past 12 months, making nearly 100 full time
employees. The company was recently awarded accreditation from Constructionline, a Public-Private Partnership between Capita and the Department for Business Innovation & Skills, as a pre- qualified supplier, and is an active member of the IACSC (International Association for Cold Storage Construction). Mark Robinson,
relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking in Gloucester, says: “Despite the challenging economic environment, ISD has continued to thrive in recent years. Headed by a talented and highly-respected management team, ISD Solutions typifies the type of business that is helping to drive the UK’s economic recovery, especially through their high level of export activities. We are committed to working with them to provide the backing they need to drive their expansion using a range of funding options.”
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