MHI solution making comfort count for builders’ merchant

High-efficiency air conditioning systems from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) have transformed comfort levels for customers and staff at a relaunched builders’ merchant/DIY store and retail centre in Devon.

Beijer Ref UK supplied contractor Kirton Air Conditioning with seven 10kW MHI ceiling cassettes, served by four outdoor units, as part of the upgrade at CMC Eakers, in Crediton.

The business was founded in 1975 by Terry Eakers, a local builder, initially to supply his trade friends. Over the years it developed into a full-scale builders’ merchant and home improvement centre, offering an extended range of products and services alongside expert advice and specialist support.

In 2024, Eakers was purchased by Crediton Milling Company, who undertook a major renovation ahead of relaunching the business to include a new retail floor with café and barber shop.

Ashley Cann, founder and Director of Crediton-based Kirton Air Conditioning, designed a solution comprising one 10kW split system for the barber shop, two twin-split systems (4x10kW cassettes) in the open plan store area, and one twin split system (2x10kW cassettes) in the new café. The cassettes are installed to a high-quality ‘industrial’ spec finish, due to the absence of a ceiling grid to hide pipework etc.

No comparison for reliability

Ashley said:“I have been installing MHI systems into commercial projects for 10 years and I’ve only ever been back to perform routine maintenance. For alternative manufacturers of the same price bracket, there is no comparison for reliability. Not to mention the availability and communication has always been excellent. It’s a well-made, robust product that can be trusted.

“The systems are performing beyond expectations, and the customer is happy with the flexibility they provide. The café area can be kept at a comfortable temperature for customers, while the shop floor can be left to range slightly, but kept within limits. The barber shop functions as an independent system, which they’re also happy with.’’

Stuart Moss, Store Manager at CMC Eakers, said:

“As we now have a café and barber shop, we needed the top floor to be a comfortable environment for both customers and colleagues. Previously, the metal roof meant it often suffered from being either too hot or too cold.

“It is already noticeable to the public how comfortable a temperature it is to shop and sit in. The staff find it a much nicer working environment and there is a big difference compared to the ground floor, where the oil-based system isn’t nearly as efficient.’’

“The flexibility of the MHI systems enabled them to completely transform the very different areas of the business, and that is a fantastic result for everyone involved,” said Will Pyne, Account Manager, MHI Direct.

www.mhi-hvac.co.uk

ABOUT BEIJER REF

Beijer Ref, one of the world’s largest global refrigeration wholesalers, operates across 45 countries employing 5,500 employees supplying over 200,000 customers from over 500 branches.

In the UK and Ireland Beijer Ref operates 47 branches across 4 distinctly different wholesale businesses, namely DW, HRP, RW and DWG in Ireland, making it the largest air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration wholesaler in the UK. In addition, the company offers training for engineers through a number of training academies located across the UK.

Specialising in the supply of sustainable refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment to the trade, the company also offers ancillary parts to enable the equipment to be installed and serviced.