Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration NEWS

2006

July 3 - ASERCOM Symposium 2006

"European Directives and Regulations - New Business Opportunities"
For higher energy efficiency and environmental protection various new EU directives and regulations have been introduced or are in a drafting and discussion process for final adoption and implementation (F-Gas, WEEE/RoHS, Eco-Labelling, Eco-Design/Energy-using-Products, Energy Performance for Buildings etc). This new legislation follows the objective to better protect the environment and/or to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, these rules generate additional business such as heat pump systems, more efficient products, frequent system inspections, just to name a few.
The first part of the ASERCOM Symposium 2006 will further familiarize the participants with target, scope, status and issues of these European regulations. The second part is dedicated to new business opportunities arising from the new directives and regulations. Finally, the ASERCOM contributions will be presented.
There will be sufficient time for discussion where the input of the participants is highly appreciated.
All persons with activities in the field of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps (marketing, technical application, engineering and/or service) are invited to attend this symposium.

June 29 - US Unitary Shipments Down 20% in April

According to Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institue (ARI), combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps for April totaled 542,542, down 20.1 percent compared with shipments from the same month last year. Heat pump shipments for April totaled 173,009, up 25 percent compared with the same month last year. U.S. factory shipments of unitary air-conditioners and heat pumps during April 2006: . totaled 542,542 . down 20.1% from April 2005 . year-to-date total 2,522,530 . up 8% from January - April 2005 Heat Pump shipments included in the April 2006 figures: .totaled 173,009 . up 25% from April 2005 . year-to-date total 748,279 . up 22% from January - April 2005

June 26 - JRAIA Elects Mr. Nakamura New Chairman

At the 38th Ordinary General Meeting held on June 8, the Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association (JRAIA) made reelection of officers with the expiry of term of office, electing Mr. Kazuyuki Nakamura (Executive Director of Mitsubishi Electric Corp.) new chairman.
At a press conference held after the general meeting, New Chairman Nakamura expressed his intention, "Element technologies, and also technologies for global environmental preservation and energy savings in Japan's HAVC & R industry, I think, stand at the top level in the world. In order to lead the world market continuously, it is indispensable to improve technologies conducive to the solution of global environmental issues, while improving element technologies. In these circumstances, I, as chairman, would like to do my best to solve the environmental issues and develop international activities."

June 23 - Shanghai Implements Energy Efficiency Standard for Inverter ACs

The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision (SMBQTS) released the compulsory local standard "Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for inverter room air conditioners" on May 11, which officially came into force on June 1, 2006.
According to the standard, any inverter AC whose energy efficiency is less than grade 5, that is to say, the season energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is less than 3.3, cannot be produced or sold. This will lead to the use of more energy-efficient products in Shanghai and as a result, the stress caused by summer electric shortages will be eased to some extent.
Electric power consumption has been increasing rapidly from 2003 in Mainland China. According to the figures provided by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC), there was a 15% increase of the electric power requirement in 2004 compared with 2003, which was the highest in 25 years. In 2003, the electric power shortage in peak time was 1.7 million kW, while in 2004 it was 4.04 million. This has restricted the high-speed economic development in Shanghai.

June 20 - Phelps Dodge to Acquire Inco and Falconbridge

Transaction Creates World's Largest Nickel Producer and Largest Publicly Traded Copper Producer
Phelps Dodge Corporation , Inco Limited and Falconbridge Limited announced on June 26, 2006 that they have agreed to combine in a US$56 billion transaction to create a North American-based mining company that is one of the world's largest. The new company will be named Phelps Dodge Inco Corporation.
Phelps Dodge Inco will be the world's leading nickel producer, the world's largest publicly traded copper producer and a leading producer of molybdenum and cobalt, and it will have a worldclass portfolio of growth projects and exciting exploration opportunities. For the quarter ended March 31, 2006, the three companies had combined revenues of US$6.3 billion and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of US$1.9 billion.
The corporate office and the new company's copper division will be headquartered in Phoenix.
Inco Nickel, the new company's nickel division, will be headquartered in Toronto. Phelps Dodge Inco will have operations in more than 40 countries and will employ approximately 40,000 people globally.

June 17 - Sanyo to Invest 40 Bil Yen in Solar Cells Business

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (Tokyo), has announced a comprehensive business expansion strategy in answer to the expanding photovoltaic market and aims for the world's top position in the solar business.
Sanyo's next generation program consists of the following:
(1) Sanyo will invest 10 billion yen in FY 2007 and a total of 40 billion yen or more in HIT solar cells by FY 2010. In FY 2007, the company will increase solar cell production capacity by 100MW at the Osaka, Nishikinohama factory to a total of 210MW. Sanyo's overall solar cell production capacity will increase to 260MW in FY 2007, by combining the solar cell production capacity at Shimane Sanyo Industrial Co., Ltd.
(2) Along with increased production capacity, Sanyo will strengthen photovoltaic products and further increase product differentiation by raising its world's highest HIT solar cell conversion efficiency. Sanyo plans to increase solar cell conversion efficiency above 22%. The company will make thinner wafers to deal with the silicon material problem and at the same time increase solar cell conversion efficiency. In normal conditions making thinner multi-crystal silicon solar cells decreases efficiency but it plans by FY 2010, to have wafers thinner than 150 micrometers and cell conversion efficiency higher than 22%.
(3) Sanyo will add a new type HIT solar cell that uses multi-crystal silicon-based wafers to meet a wide range of customer needs. Sanyo has previously used singlecrystal silicon wafers but now will also use multi-crystal silicon wafers as well. In FY 2007, it will mainly sell photovoltaic modules which cells have 15%-16% cell conversion efficiency, but by 2008 will aim to sell photovoltaic modules with cell conversion efficiency higher than 18%, by building on its hybrid technology of amorphous and crystalline.
Sanyo will expand its solar business on two pillars of multi-crystal silicon HIT solar cells and single-crystal silicon HIT solar cells.

June 15 - ASHRAE, Chinese Association of Refrigeration Sign MOU

In recognition of shared technical interests, ASHRAE and the Chinese Association of Refrigeration (CAR)have agreed to work together to promote the interests of HVAC&R professionals.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the two associations. "The best way to solve the problems facing the building industry today is by working together," ASHRAE President Lee Burgett said. "Carrying out these objectives will allow ASHRAE and CAR to find solutions to those problems, such as energy conservation, improving the quality of life for people around the world."
"In signing this agreement, ASHRAE and CAR will make all efforts to develop the refrigeration of our two countries and the world and create a bright future," Jin Jiawei, vice-president and Secretary General of CAR, said. "I believe we will have a successful cooperation."
The agreement can be viewed under the "about ASHRAE" section of ASHRAE.org. Objectives in the plan include:

Maintain effective and timely communication to optimize cooperative efforts mutually benficial to each organization's respective members;
Support cooperative standards development to benefit the global refrigeration industry;
Encourage continuing dialogue between ASHRAE and CAR at all organizational levels;
Promote the continued advancement of the science and technology of refrigeration by supporting each organization's respective research and technology programs.

June 11 - Carrier Announces Comm'l HVAC Price Increases in Asia Pacific

Singapore, June, 2006 - Carrier Corporation, a unit of United Technologies Corporation has announced 8-12% price increases across its commercial HVAC product lines in Asia-Pacific region, effective June 2006.
2006 has seen unprecedented increases in commodity costs led by copper, which is up 80% since the beginning of the year in addition to the 40% increase in 2005. Copper prices have crossed $8,000 a metric ton from the $4,500 a metric ton level in the beginning of the year.
Although Carrier has been successful in offsetting some of the increased copper costs through productivity, this year's steep copper run-up to record high levels presents Carrier with no other option than to adjust prices of our commercial HVAC products.

June 7 - York Announces Price Increase on Commercial Products

York, a Johnson Controls company, has announced a five to seven percent (5-7%) price increase on York commercial HVAC products. The increase, which reflects an increase in the price of copper, covers air-handling units, air- and water-cooled chillers, and applied rooftop units.
Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise.

June 3 - IKK 2006 Nuremberg; Oct 18-20

IKK2006 takes place in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from October 18 to 20, 2006. The IKK promoter and the organizer expect over 800 national and international exhibitors.
The German market for refrigeration and air conditioning equipment is still the leading market in Europe. One of the reasons for this is that consumers regard the comfort of an air conditioning or ventilation system as increasingly important. This means good prospects for economic activity in the industry this year. "We can therefore only advise all companies in the industry to use this success climate at IKK2006 in Nuremberg," says Rudolf Putz, General Manager of IKK Messe Wirtschafts- und Informationsdienste GmbH. "IKK 2006 Nurnberg is the ideal forum for presenting your products and services at the heart of Europe and on the world market at the same time."
It is not without reason that some 90% of the exhibitors at IKK rate this world-leading exhibition for refrigeration and key European-wide exhibition for air conditioning and ventilation as one of the most important instruments in their marketing mix: At IKK they can win new customers, compete with the other companies, traditionally meet the decision-makers from the industry and get up to date on the latest developments.
IKK Forum 2006
The 5th IKK Forum 2006 again presents the latest system solutions for refrigeration and air conditioning technology under the basic theme of "Innovative Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems, Components and Practical Examples". Presentations supplement and expand on the systems exhibited at the special show. The forum with the presentations and integrated special show is intended for planners, architects, investors, facility managers, plant operators and plant assemblers. The success story of the IKK Forum with around 1,600 visitors at the last event (IKK 2005 Hannover) will continue at IKK2006 in Nuremberg," says Sascha F. Wenzler, General Manager of VDKF e.V.

May 29 - Outokumpu Copper Products Becomes "Luvata"

Outokumpu Copper Products, which was a leading supplier of copper tubing and the related products, has changed its name to "Luvata". The company says Luvata - a Finnish word means "to promise".
Note: Outokumpu acquired Heatcraft copper products division from Lennox International a few years ago.
Heat Transfer Products/Coils
Luvata focuses on fabricating copper and copper alloy products that utilize the most critical properties of copper: heat transfer, electrical and electronics conductivity, signal transmission and corrosion resistance.
Over the past 50 years the company has expanded their product offerings to accommodate nearly any heat transfer application - from traditional HVACR to industrial, process, telecommunications, and transportation.
Luvata focused on the continuous improvement of their engineering and technical resources through research and development programs and advanced coil selection software.

May 26 - Sanyo to Beaf Up Chinese ACR Production

Sanyo Electric Co. announced Tuesday that it will expand its output in Dalian, China, of commercial-use air conditioning equipment and refrigerated showcases.
The company has produced heat exchangers, a core component of ACs and refrigeration units, at three different Dalian subsidiaries. Sanyo Electric plans to consolidate production by founding a new company by July.
Sanyo Electric will invest about 2.8 billion yen and build a new plant for the production of heat exchangers, which will begin operations in April 2007. In its first year of operation, the facility will produce 220,000 units. In fiscal 2011, output will increase to 700,000 units.
By consolidating heat exchanger production at the new firm, Sanyo will be able to lower costs. In addition, the existing three companies will be able to increase output of air conditioners, showcases and other products.
Furthermore, Sanyo will broaden the development functions of its local compressor subsidiary, where a new development center will open on July 8. Initially, a total of 40 engineers will staff the new center. The number will be raised to 60 by year-end.

May 21 - Melco Releases CO2 H/P Water Heaters with 4.9 COP

Mitsubishi Electric Corp. (Melco) commenced the successive release of 9 new models of Mitsubishi ECO CUTE natural refrigerant (CO2) heat pump water heaters ffrom June 15. They feature the industry's top COP of 4.9 (during the rated mode of operation) and also the improved versatility.
All the new models have attained the an industry?s top high COP of 4.9 (during the rated mode of operation) thanks to the adoption of an efficient rotary compressor which has been favorably incorporated well into the companys heat pump units, and the companys own high-efficiency Poki Poki (joint lap) motor with high winding density. While improving the energy efficiency, the new units have realized the industrys top-class quietness lowest operating noise level; of 38 dB for a type whosewith a tank capacity is of 370 liters. Water is efficiently heated by adopting the newly developed Twist & Spiral Gas Cooler with improved efficiency through a widened enlarged heat transfer area of ain the heat exchanger for water heating in the tank unit.
The hot water storage tank is coated with new heat insulator (EPS material), thus realizing about a 15% improvement in tank's temperature retaining performance. Since heat escapes less from the tank, the frequency of hot water reheating frequency can beis reduced.
Servicing can be made without removing the front panel. The hot water storage tank unit's piping connection is made through an external joint structure. Also, the inclusion of a small window for power source?on the lower front part of the hot water storage tank for assists in power source installation has been secured on the lower front part of the hot water storage tank. Since the piping connecting position is by about 200 mm higher than conventional models, it is easier to perform resin piping connections.

May 17 - 3rd International Compressor Technique Conference

August 15-18, 2001 Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China Sponsored By Xian Jiatong University
The 1st and 2nd International Compressor Technique Conference (ICTC) were successfully held, sponsored by Xian Jiaotong University. More than 200 attendees presented their high quality academic papers. Some products and equipments from different factories and companies were exhibited on the conference. The 3rd ICTC continues to provide an opportunity for scholars and engineers all over world to exchange the current technique, information and so on with each other.

May 14 - The Vector: An Evolutionary New Compressor from Tecumseh

Tecumseh Products Company, a full line, independent global manufacturer, has developed a new series of compressor: The Vector and introduced it at AHR Expo 2001 in Atlanta, USA. The Vector Series represents a new evolution of the reciprocating compressor. The technology that's been tested, trusted, and steadily improved over the past 25 years and is now in a new form, with dramatically new specs, and a price that will significantly lower customers' applied unit cost ? particularly where they are now using scroll technology. According to Tecumseh CEO Todd Herrick, the new compressor was designed to fit most existing scroll applications. “Years ago our customers began asking us for a way to get the same kind of performance, sound, and dependability as a scroll ? for less money,” Herrick explains. “That was a tough question. Because scroll technology is inherently expensive, we knew we had only one option: to design a new kind of compressor that would compete with the scroll or anything else on the market in terms of sound, size, efficiency, dependability, and quality, at a price that would lower our customers' applied cost.” Jim Hammond, Director of Marketing, recalls the initial breakthrough. “Since the scroll was our main target, we made the decision to work our recip technology to fit into a scroll-type housing, and do whatever it took to make the specs. Of course it wasn't as simple as dropping a recip into a steel barrel. But that was the first step. We had to design special innovative mufflers to lower the sound level and improve the sound overall. Vibration was an enemy, of course. Significant structural changes had to be made to accommodate the round shape. Prototypes were designed, built, tested, and re-designed.” Compared to a scroll there's really nothing unusual about its size, shape, or appearance. And compared to a scroll, there's nothing earthshaking about its performance, either. But that's the earthshaking thing about it. With a sound level of 73 dB and an efficiency rating of 11+/18+ EER, it does just about anything a scroll will do. The beauty is, of course, it's reciprocating technology. Even though it's a brand new product. Tecumseh has already privately shown it to a few customers in the industry, to get their reaction, and to see if they could suggest changes that might make it more appealing.

May 9 - Matsushita to Establish Sales Headquarters in Middle East

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known worldwide for its Panasonic and national brand names, recently announced that it will establish a wholly owned sales headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The new company, Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE (PMM), is set to begin operation on April 1, 2001, with a capital of 4 million dirhams (approx. 1 million US dollars) and total employment of 36 people. The functions of the existing Middle East Office in Dubai, which include being in charge of administrating representative offices in the Middle East region, will be absorbed by this new sales headquarters. Moreover, the existing sales company in the region, Panasonic Gulf FZE (PGF), will become a part of PMM and continue its operation of re-exporting products to neighboring countries where there are no sales agents. This will enable PMM to consolidate its marketing activities out in Japan, which include sales, order procurement, payment, collection, advertising, and customer service, will be transferred to PMM by April 2003. The establishment of PMM facilitates one of the policies expressed in Matsushita's “Value Creation 21” plan, that of transferring the functions of Corporate Overseas Management Divisions in Japan to the different regions worldwide. This will enable the Company to make faster, more immediate decisions, further cultivate the market, reduce distribution costs, and provide more timely management advice to its distributors in the region.

May 5 - Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Develops New Lubricant for HFC Compressors

The Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Corp., Tokyo, has developed Ze-GLES WR, a new series of ester-based refrigeration oils for use in refrigerating and air conditioning equipment that employ HFC refrigerants. Formulated with an innovative chemical structure in place of the conventional polyol ester (POE), ze-GLES WR has outstanding miscibility with HFC refrigerants. In durability tests conducted by several compressor manufacturers in Japan and other countries, Ze-GLES WR has been shown to perform better than conventional POE oils in terms of both wear prevention in compressors and capillary flow rate stability, a factor that affects the reliability of refrigeration systems. Ze-GLES WR's greatest advantage is that it is about 20% less expensive to manufacture than POE oils, thus helping to reduce the compressor costs. The new oil was announced at the Purdue Conference in 2000, and patent applications have been submitted for it (international publication numbers: W001/02519, etc.). The switchover from CFCs to HFCs required many improvements to refrigeration oils and systems, but switching from POE oils to Ze-GLEX WR requires no special modifications. It can be used with the same organic materials, metals, and refrigeration technologies that have been used in or proposed for conventional POE oil systems. Ze-GLES WR is now available in four viscosity grades from 10 to 20 based on the kinematic viscosity at 40^oC.

May 2 - Gree Launches New Product and New Factories

The compact design series “Butterfly Series”, just developed at the end of 2000, can be called the smallest size (250 mm X 710 mm X 180 mm) in China with 7,000 Btu to 9,000 Btu of high cooling and heating capacity. It adopts a special evaporator bent in 5 stages. The floor standing type with Gree's patented lighting-sensitive picture display, which is popular in China market, is another benefit Gree gives to its customers. The latest uniquely designed split corner style air conditioner with LCD display and 7,000 Btu to 12,000 Btu of cooling and heating capacity, is another new innovation capable of satisfying various customers.
New factory established In order to respond to the fast growing and expanding export business, better serve customers overseas, help local economies, and train local people, Gree started constructing a factory in Manaus, Brazil, in 1999 by investing US$20 million in total, aimed to attain the yearly production goal of 200,000 units. At present, construction of the factory is over and its production line is being tested. This Brazilian factory intends to produce 50,000 units of split and window type air conditioners and ship them to South American countries. Gree's Russian and Vietnamese factories are also being constructed so that they can offer products in the coming years. Moreover, Gree has already established a bonded warehouse in Spain in order to better serve its customers. Gree is resolved to pursue its social mission “Gree, Making the Better Air Conditioner”, and higher quality products.

April 28 - China to Totally Phase out CFCs within 10 Years

The National General Environmental Protection Bureau has recently announced that China will totally phase out CFC production, and totally abolish production lines of 37 CFC producers across China by 2010. According to the bureau, China has so far curtailed production of nearly 90,000 tons of ODS (ozone depleting substances). This is the largest curtailment achieved by a developing country after the total realization of ODS production in 1996 by advanced countries. The bureau's official said, “As the world's largest CFC producing/consuming country, China participated in the Montreal Protocol multilateral fund, and worked out a national plan for ODS curtailment. There are now 40 odd administrative and other rules controlling the production, consumption and import/export of ODS.” The Montreal protocol multilateral fund has recently donated US$25.41 million to China's project for yearly producing 10,000 tons of CFC alternatives.

April 23 - Worldwide Market overview

With sales of 19 million units, splits lead the world market. Among the major consumers are Japan, China and Europe. Window air conditioners may be losing out in Europe but still have buoyant sales in the USA, China, Saudi Arabia, South America and India at a total 11 million units. The US-style ducted split sells 6 million units, mainly to North America and South Africa. The principal markets for mobiles are Italy, Germany the UK, Japan, China at 450 000 units.

April 19 - Eliwell's New Software for Chillers & Heat Pumps

Eliwell's new Energy XT PRO controller application software has been specifically developed for the management of chillers and heat pumps.
The Energy XT PRO is a programmable controller for the HVACR market. Incorporating powerful software development tools, based on Standard IEC1131-3, the Energy XT PRO can be modified to create new programs for almost any type of application. It also enables manufacturers to create unique programs to suit individual requirements.
Chiller Application Baseline is the basic application developed by Eliwell for the management of water/air type chillers equipped with up to eight circuits and eight reciprocating and/or rotary compressors, single and part-loading (up to three part-loading steps). Thanks to the many configurable inputs and outputs, Energy XT PRO enables the versatile control of five compressors and five levels of condensation capacity levels in any type of refrigeration plant.
In addition to the functions developed for managing chillers, Eliwell's heat pumps can also be used to manage different defrost modes and control modulating screw compressors. They also feature energy-saving functions such as free-cooling and heat regeneration, which guarantee a reduction in consumption and optimisation of resources.
Application control and management operations can all be carried out remotely via the Modbus protocol. An advanced diagnostic function memorises alarms, recording the date and time they occurred. This provides users with precise information on machine operation, helping to detect early signs of potential damage to equipment and avoiding unplanned downtime of machinery

April 15 - Swep New Ranges for R410A and R134a

Swep International launched two new compact brazed heat exchanger (CBE) ranges at Mostra Convegno Expocomfort 2006, which took place in Milan on 28 February. The P-range is designed for the refrigerant R410A, while the S-range is for use with R134a. These two refrigerants are among today's preferred refrigerants because of their minimal impact on ozone depletion and global warming.
Swep's new P- and S-ranges clearly signal the company's focus on CBEs dedicated to modern environmentally friendly refrigerants. "As environmental concerns mount, Swep is determined to deliver products for modern refrigerants such as R410A and R134a," says Peter Nobel, Swep's Global Marketing & Sales Manager. "We're working constantly with our customers to refine our solutions for these refrigerants, with the shared goal of ever better energy efficiency."
The new P-range is designed for R410A, which has an established role in lower capacity evaporator applications. Helene Hager, Project Manager for the P-range, says the efficiency gains from optimization are significant: "The new P80, for example, offers 20-25% higher efficiency than its non-optimized equivalent using the same refrigerant."
Both new ranges include true dual models featuring Swep's patented construction. This is particularly important in the S-range, which is designed for R134a. "Our new DS500 is the world's largest true dual evaporator, and represents a step change in CBE capacity for R134a applications. With a capacity range of 220-420 kW, it offers a very strong challenge to S&T solutions in this area," says Application Manager Ylva Bexelius. "To complement the DS500, we also have the new S400T evaporator for 140-280 kW applications. And with the planned three more models, the S200T, DS200 and DS400, the S-range will be the most competitive on the market for R134a."

April 11 - AMCA Signs MOU with BEIJING CRAAQCC

The Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA), and Beijing CRAA QUALITY (CRAAQCC) enter into a Memo of Understanding (MOU) for a collaborative venture, where CRAAQCC will be AMCA's sole agent in the People's Republic of China, authorized to communicate with licensees, potential licensees, specifiers, members and potential members regarding the Certified Ratings Program on behalf of AMCA. This new enterprise is located at the Beijing CRAA Quality Certification Center Co., Ltd. (CRAAQCC), Xuanwu District, Beijing, China. The MOU agreement will be signed by reigning AMCA President, Mr. Pete Neitzel, and CRAAQCC President, Mr. Yang Yan-ru.
Barbara Morrison, AMCA's Executive Director recently remarked "This is a second MOU agreement instituted by AMCA within a six month period." Citing November 2005, where AMCA had previously signed a collaborative agreement with Korea MPI in a similar venture.
The actual signing will take place April 11, 2006 on opening day of the AHR/China Expo in Shanghai, China. April 7, 2006 through April 10, 2006 preceding the MOU signing and opening of the AHR/China show, CRAAQCC will undergo extensive training on the AMCA Certified Rating Program for Fans, Air & Sound.

April 7 - Australia Hosts Int'l HVAC Exhibition - ARBS 2006

Australia will host the world-renown Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Building Services Exhibition (ARBS 2006) in Sydney from 14-16 August 2006. This year the exhibition will see a record number of overseas exhibitors and visitors.
Exhibition Manager Sue Falcke said space has been booked by exhibitors from China, Malaysia, Pakistan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, India, Italy, the US and Switzerland. Visitors to the exhibition will be encouraged by the international product and technology diversity.
"ARBS 2006 has grown to become a truly international exhibition, as indicated by our ability to attract the 13th International Heat Transfer Conference, a prestigious event being held parallel to the exhibition which is expected to host around 1000 overseas delegates," she said.
The International Heat Transfer Conference (IHTC-13) is held once every four years with a large international following, and has the endorsement and support of many of the world's major professional societies and institutions.
According to Ms Falcke, over 90 per cent of floor space has been sold five months prior to the exhibition openings its doors on 14 August, 2006.
"The exhibition will be a one-stop HVAC & R and building services trade destination, providing buyers, specifiers and trade visitors the opportunity to see the largest gathering of manufacturers, suppliers and wholesalers under the one roof," she said.
ARBS 2006 will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour. Darling Harbour is part of Sydney's famous tourist precinct situated in a prime waterfront location. Nearby tourist facilities include the Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Chinese Garden, Imax Theatre plus a host of five star hotels, restaurants and cafes surrounding the Harbourside Markets. It is an ideal setting for international guests to enjoy the exhibition and the wonders of Sydney.

April 3 - Fedders Reports Results for 2005

March 31, 2006 -- Fedders Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of air treatment products for the residential, commercial and industrial markets, today announced its results for the year ended December 31, 2005. Results were affected in both 2005 and 2004 by unfavorable weather in key North American markets during the summer of 2004 that reduced room air conditioner sales and left excess inventory in the distribution system. The impact of these higher inventory levels sharply reduced customer orders and factory production for 2005. During 2005, hot weather depleted most inventories at retail distribution channels, creating demand for room air conditioners entering 2006. During 2005, the company sharply lowered its inventory levels by 43%, or $56.3 million

Archive of news:
2006 year - |01 |02 |03 |
2005 year - |01 |02 |03 |04 |05 |06 |07 |08 |09 |10 |11 |12 |
2004 year - |01 |02 |03 |04 |05 |06 |07 |08 |09 |10 |11 |12 |
2003 year - |01 |02 |03 |04 |05 |06 |07 |08 |09 |10 |11 |12 |
2002 year - |03 |04 |05 |06 |07 |08 |09 |10 |11 |12|