ACR Journal

CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai acrjournal.uk 17 FITTINGS and jaws. The two-hour fire watch with brazing is no longer needed, and there is no waiting around for a joint to cool before the installer can move on to the next one. The length of time will vary depending on the installation, but some installers who have fitted air conditioning systems using >B< MaxiPro have told us it has helped reduce time spent on the job by up to 60%. Increased confidence Correctly carried out, press joints are secure and permanent. The amount of time needed for each one is predictable. This means contractors can have greater confidence that jobs will be completed within the planned time-frame. Speed and predictability are so important in today’s world. Especially when construction has been earmarked as one the major drivers for an economic recovery. The advantages of the press fit system also give ACR installers and contracting companies a competitive edge over others who have not yet adopted the new ‘smart’ skills needed or the technology. Training This brings us back to the importance of training. You can’t just pick up a press tool and get to work. You need to understand how it works; 1. Which jaw set to use 2. How to cut and clean the pipe 3. Select the correct fitting 4. Mark the pipe up so the fitting is properly located 5. Complete the crimping process. The good news for installers is the training only takes around an hour. It can be completed through a live virtual training session which can be organised directly with the contractor or through merchants who stock our products. Installers can visit https://bmaxipro. conexbanninger.com/en-gb/ and register for our online e-learning course, which is delivered in three bite-sized modules. By successfully completing the course and becoming a certified >B< MaxiPro installer, the product warranty is extended to 10 years. This is another good reason for undergoing the training, as contracting firms want to know that the people they employ are properly qualified in the systems and tools they are using while on site. Conex Bänninger celebrates OEM supplier award Conex Bänninger’s OEM division is celebrating a prized Category 2 rating in the annual Supplier of the Year Awards awarded by Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe (M-ACE). The awards are judged on a range of measurements including product quality and customer service over a period of 12 months. Bill Barlow, Conex Bänninger’s UK Business Unit Director for OEM, said: “This is very welcome news and is a reflection of the sustained commitment, expertise and technical capabilities of all those working on the OEM side of the business, from designers and engineers to sales and other support colleagues. “It is all the more welcome because it is an ‘all-round’ award, covering not just the quality and performance of the bespoke products that we produce, but also key criteria such as OTIF (On Time In Full) deliveries, administration and how quickly queries are responded to. “To be recognised in this way by an international company of M-ACE’s standing is terrific, and I congratulate the team.” The award was accompanied by a letter of congratulations from company President Yoshihiro Sumida. www.conexbanninger.com.