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Executive Report : Scott targets hire

An enhanced range of evaporative coolers has been designed to meet the needs of the hire industry and the requirements of customers in diverse market segments.

In early 2008, Scott Brothers made a conscious decision to make inroads into the hire market with a range of evaporative coolers for a wide range of applications. “We became sole UK and Eire distributor for the entire Seeley range approximately 18 months ago,” says Head of Sales, Duncan Pratt-Thompson. “Previously, we had only offered the manufacturer’s smaller models, primarily for domestic applications and marketing them to large DIY stores and retailers, but they were more interested in cheaper, lower-quality imports. They did not appreciate the build quality and performance of the machines, only being interested in a quick sale, but this made us realise how suitable their ruggedness and reliability made them for the hire industry.”

The Seeley line-up, which is manufactured in Australia, comprises two principal ranges, namely Convair portable units and Breezair heavy-duty models. The former includes the Magicool, Mastercool and Commander 3000 machines, which are suitable for rooms and offices from 15-30m2. The Commander 3000 is seen as having particular hire appeal, with an air flow of 1355m3/hour at full speed but consuming less power than a 100watt bulb. It is designed to reduce ambient temperatures by 20-30%.

Breezair models are higher capacity machines delivering up to 8,200m3/hour and are suitable for applications in factories, warehouses, sports centres and event marquees. The side-discharge EA120 is made of tough plastic for strength and reduced weight, and the fan blades are of stainless steel. Integral castors enhance manoeuvrability, and a 100-litre water tank enables uninterrupted operation of up to eight hours, or the machine can be connected to a mains water supply for continuous feed. Also available is the EA140, a top-discharge version.

Unveiled at the Executive Hire Show was the ScottAir range, which fills a gap between the Convair and Breezair units. Models include the SA15 (for cooling areas up to 30m2,) the SA35 (45m2) and the SA06 (80m2). All units can be operated via a remote control and are designed for very low noise levels. Their styling also enables them to blend into the surroundings of public places such as florists, surgeries and offices. Scott Brothers believe the machines are ideal for customers seeking a quick cooling solution during sudden hot spells.

Evaporative air coolers work by drawing warm air though a filter pad which is saturated with water, and distributing cooled air. Fresh air is drawn in from outside and is forced through the moist filter, causing water to evaporate and an exchange of latent heat energy to take place, resulting in a reduction in the temperature of the air to be discharged. “Evaporative coolers are ideal for hire fleets and are easier for users to operate,” says Duncan Pratt-Thompson. “They do not require an exhaust hose and deliver a constant flow of fresh, filtered air. They are more economical, with lower operating costs than a refrigerative portable air conditioner, and they offer a ‘greener’ alternative, especially as they contain no refrigerant chemicals that could harm the environment.

“Scott Brothers also provides the full backup support that hirers need. We hold extensive stocks at our headquarters in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, together with comprehensive stores of spares. We also provide training on the products and our new web site gives full advice on product selection and model specifications. We, in turn, get excellent service from Seeley and its MD Paul Proctor flew over from Australia to help man our stand at the Show. We made excellent contacts with many independent hirers and national groups at the exhibition, seeing buyers that we simply would not have met otherwise. In fact, we came away with sales leads that could potentially amount to £200,000 worth of business.” •

01477 539500
www.scott-air-cooling.co.uk