Kooltech is one of the UK’s leading distributors of refrigeration and air conditioning products. For 45 years the company has delivered comprehensive and detailed heating and cooling solutions. National Marketing Manager Eddie Mills and Head of Sustainability Scott Mason discussed sustainable innovations. Report by Antonia Cole.
This year, Kooltech celebrates 30 years partnering Mitsubishi Electric as ‘Exclusive UK Distributor’, National Marketing Manager Eddie Mills said: “This long-term relationship is a major pillar in our success. We have partnered exclusively with Mitsubishi Electric since 1994, evolving with the brand. We are ‘black belt’ when it comes to the application of Mitsubishi Electric products, offering the best solutions to clients.”
Established in 1979, Kooltech is a significant and trusted provider of air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration equipment, supplying the full range of installation and service materials. In 2016, the company moved to a new head office, on Hillington Park in Glasgow. This building was designed to fit Kooltech’s needs, offering more space with modern and efficient features.
Also at this location is the company’s manufacturing facility for the K-con range
of bespoke air conditioning and heating products. This range is designed to enhance the Mitsubishi Electric products, enabling Kooltech to offer comprehensive solutions to customers.
Kooltech employs 130 people across seven UK branches and generates an annual turnover of £65 million. The company has grown significantly and was acquired by the Wolseley Group in April 2024.
Kooltech and Wolseley are both very excited about the opportunities that this deal will bring.
“Our offering is unique,” added Mr Mills. “Our capabilities allow us to collaborate with key stakeholders early in the project, assisting with product selection and specification. This support continues through to the delivery of capital equipment, installation materials, and even on-site technical services such as commissioning.”
A sustainable focus Kooltech’s diversified product range includes sustainable heating solutions, a major growth area. The company provides a full sustainable heating solution combining Mitsubishi Electric Air-source and Watersource heat pumps with its K-con bespoke solutions and third-party products, with pre-sales and post-sales technical support. Kooltech has adapted quickly to market changes by having the internal expertise and the supply chain relationships to develop high-quality solutions.
“Our manufacturing facility is a hub for innovation and sustainability,” explained Head of Sustainability Scott Mason. “We are always working on new developments. If a customer finds a challenge, then we find a solution and use that in other
projects. Our experience allows us to effectively prepare for the future and resolve issues before they happen.”
The company joins projects from the very early stages, collaborating with design engneers and consultants to find the most efficient way to meet a building’s specifications. Kooltech offers detailed design and best practice advice, making each project as efficient as possible and limiting carbon emissions. With an extensive range of low-carbon heat pump solutions, the company encourages clients towards sustainable options.
“We work very closely with our supply chain,” commented Mr Mills. “National Refrigerants, our supplier of refrigerant gases, frequently educate us on market developments in refrigerants and envi ronmental legislation. We pass this additional knowledge to our customers.
We engage in industry conversations about the future so that we can offer effective long-term solutions.”
During 2024, the company has been very active promoting decarbonisation and sharing knowledge on the application of sustainable heating solutions and developments in refrigerants and F-gas legislation. Kooltech connected with partners through roadshows across the country and a series of webinars for consulting engineers and specialist contractors.
Kooltech is very conscious of its environmental impact. For the past four years, the company has calculated and offset its carbon footprint in partnership with Carbon Neutral Britain. Additionally, Kooltech has fitted LED lighting, and in July this year installed solar panels to the roof of its headquarters. This should reduce CO2 emissions by 16,000kg and provide 30% of the electricity at this location.
High-quality service
The company has made a significant impact on the sustainability of many buildings, such as Temple Newsam in Leeds. This Grade 1 listed building and
popular tourist attraction relied upon fossil fuel boilers for heating. In collaboration with the consulting engineer, Kooltech finalised the design and delivered two Mitsubishi Electric Air-source and WaterSource Heat Pumps systems in a cascade arrangement, despite the strict installation limitations accompanying the building’s Grade 1 status.
“We are pleased to positively contribute to helping our clients deliver Net Zero strategies,” said Mr Mason. “This cascade arrangement elevates water temperature levels similarly to the previous boiler, fitting in with the existing emitters. We also designed the system with the future in mind, allowing for further efficiency improvements.”
