Major Influence in UK ducting industry

Hotchkiss Group, founder members of ADCAS, have had a strong impact on the Association and the industry in general.

Hotchkiss Group were founder members of ADCAS 10 years ago and their current Chairman Michael Ohly was the inaugural President for the first three years having a strong impact on the Association and the industry in general.

Michael Ohly believed the industry needed an independent voice and specific identity.

This not only proved to be attractive to ductwork contractors but also many of the associated companies who supplied services and products to the sector.

Now 10 years on Hotchkiss Air Supply takes an active role in the organisation and is preparing for a very successful growth period with the expansion of their product range, premises, distributor and stockist base.

Current changes in the UK market puts Hotchkiss Air Supply in 'pole position' as the only UK owned manufacturer and distributor of products for the ventilation and air conditioning markets.

HAS is well know for its technical experience and expertise covering a wide variety of industrial sectors including ductwork, mechanical services, air conditioning, passive ventilation and acoustic control.

Customer service is also a priority and a large stockholding of products, together with a fabrication facility and technical expertise, enables Hotchkiss Air Supply to satisfy the most challenging requirements.

It operates from a modern head office and manufacturing centre in Wolverhampton that has recently gone through a massive re-organisation and capital expenditure programme that included the introduction of a range of plant and machinery.

The stock holding facilities have also increased by 20%.

HAS is also looking to expand its dedicated sales and distribution centres in London, Hailsham, Stoke and Rochester supported by a growing network of stockists currently situated in Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Cardiff, Dublin and Belfast.

HAS are continuing to look at further increasing market share by introducing a number of new high quality product ranges and product improvements in 2007.

The first is a new range of diffusers manufactured in China, which have been welcomed by the UK market.

George Latimer, HAS Managing Director, says "It is critical HAS continues to develop market share while the launch of new product ranges and extended stock levels enables us to compete more effectively in the UK market".

"Further manufacturing and product opportunities will be looked at using cost effective production techniques in the UK.

This will not only be a benefit to HAS directly but will bring added value to all Hotchkiss Group companies".

HAS is already reaping the success of their major re-organisation, marketing and sales programmes with a significant increase in sales on the previous year which included not only the standard circular and rectangular range products but a growing number of technically designed products for bespoke acoustic applications.

Hotchkiss Air Supply has been awarded a major order worth several GBPM for a five year supply programme with an international contractor which covers the whole of the Hotchkiss product range.

Not only is HAS growing its business but Hotchkiss Acoustics (HA2) has also had a very successful year.

Acoustics products and requirements are growing in the market, as more companies are being made aware of the importance of a good and comfortable working environment.

In general the Heating and Ventilating market in the UK looks strong with growth expected over the next three to four years led by a strong market in London along with the impact of the Olympic games.

Refurbishment and new build projects require improved heating and ventilation to come into line with government energy guidelines.

It is essential that the industry and its associations are able to support the market requirements.

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