COVER STORY
Midtherm’s application-led approach to flue system design
Creating the perfect flow:
In building services, the most effective products are often the ones that go unnoticed. A well- designed flue system is a good example. It must manage heat, pressure, condensate, particulates and exhaust gases safely, while integrating cleanly with the building, plantroom and operational demands of the end user. For Midtherm, that practical understanding has shaped more than five decades of UK manufacturing
B
ased in Dudley, in the heart of the Black Country, Midtherm has grown from a small sheet metal workshop into a respected National specialist manufacturer of flue and chimney systems
for domestic, commercial and industrial markets. Founded in 1968 by Ray Andrews, the business built its reputation on craftsmanship, technical knowledge, service and fast turnaround. That combination remains central today, supported by modern manufacturing capabilities across laser cutting, bending, fabrication, assembly and coatings. The Midtherm story is also one of continuity. As a family business with deep roots in West Midlands manufacturing, it has retained values often associated with owner-led engineering firms: integrity, responsiveness, long-term relationships and a willingness to solve problems rather than simply sell components. Midtherms “About Us” statement on the website, describes a commitment to UK designed and manufactured products, extensive industry knowledge and family values including honesty, support, loyalty and longevity. That experience is important because flue systems are rarely one-size-fits-all. The requirements of a commercial kitchen, a data centre, a biomass plant and a condensing boiler installation can be very different. Temperature, pressure, fuel type, appliance output, condensate resistance, structural support, corrosion risk, aesthetics and compliance all influence the specification. Midtherm’s strength lies in matching the system to the application. Across its flue system applications, the company supports a wide range of environments. In commercial catering, pizza oven and bakery oven flue systems must cope with high temperatures and, in many cases, continuous operation. Coffee roasting adds a further challenge, with high heat loads and particulate-laden exhaust streams. In these settings, reliable extraction is not only a safety requirement; it helps protect staff, manage odours and support a consistent production environment.
Commercial condensing boilers - Lower flue gas temperatures and condensate resistance inform specification
For building services engineers, Midtherm’s commercial and industrial offer is equally relevant in plant-led applications. Condensing boiler flue systems must be suitable for modern high-efficiency appliances where lower flue gas temperatures and acidic condensate create specific material and performance demands. CHP systems often require robust, pressure-rated and fully welded solutions to manage exhaust safely and efficiently. Biomass systems introduce
Data centres - Critical environments need resilient exhaust and flue strategies to support uptime.
Generator exhaust - Robust systems support demanding standby power applications.
their own challenges, including solid fuel combustion products, corrosion resistance and condensate management. Critical infrastructure is another important area. Data centre flue systems and generator exhaust solutions need to perform when standby power is called upon, often in environments where resilience and uptime are non-negotiable. In such applications, the flue forms part of a wider operational risk strategy. Poor specification can affect plant performance, safety, maintenance access and compliance. A well-engineered solution supports dependable operation without becoming a weak link in the mechanical services chain. Midtherm’s application-led approach also extends to specialist extraction and heating systems. Spray booth flue and cowl systems are designed to extract fumes and particulates from industrial coating and finishing processes, while unitary radiant and warm air heater flue systems support heating strategies commonly used in warehouses, workshops and large open spaces. Heat recovery applications, meanwhile, reflect the growing emphasis on efficiency, helping systems capture and reuse waste heat where appropriate.
Quality assurance is another important part of the proposition. Midtherm highlights type-tested products approved to BS EN 1856, the European standard for chimneys, and its operations are supported by ISO 9001 quality management.
8 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JUNE 2026
These credentials give installers, contractors and consultants confidence that products are manufactured within a controlled, standards-led environment. In 2025, Midtherm joined the Expo Inox
Group, a move positioned as a platform for further innovation, international growth and collaboration. With Midtherm Flue Systems now part of the wider Expo family, the business is presenting itself as a stronger group with broader expertise across chimney and exhaust systems. Midtherm’s value lies in this blend of heritage and application knowledge. The company is is helping engineers, installers and end users specify systems for real operating conditions. From commercial ovens and coffee roasters to boilers, CHP units, biomass systems, generators and data centres, each application demands an informed approach. More than 55 years after its foundation, Midtherm continues to make the case for British manufacturing built around technical understanding. Its message is straightforward: flue systems perform best when they are designed around the application, manufactured with care and supported by people who understand how buildings, plant and processes work in practice.
Need support with your project? Midtherm can help specify the right solution.t 01384 458800 e
sales@midtherm.com.
www.midthermflue.co.uk
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