It is boom time for the HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration) industry which is set to grow at a projected (CAGR) compound annual growth rate of 13.11 per cent by the end of next year, said senior industry experts.

Of the global share, the Saudi Arabian market is projected to get around 2 per cent, they stated on the sidelines of this year’s HVAC-R Expo Saudi which concluded recently in Riyadh.

More than 85 suppliers of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration products took part in the fourth edition of the expo including regional players such as Al Salem Johnson Controls (York).

The Saudi firm showcased its latest innovations offered to the local market, which contributed to projects’ electricity, water consumption and operational cost savings.

Among the key solutions that were showcased included York’s Magnetic Bearing Chiller and its distinctive technical features; Sabroe Industrial Refrigeration Chillers; in addition to York's, Japanese made, Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems (VRF) that meet the highest energy efficiency ratings.

Speaking at the event, Al Salem Johnson Controls (York) CEO Dr Mohanad Al Shaikh highlighted the importance of its participation in the expo, given the energy sector’s recent development and the need for sustainable solutions to keep pace in line with Vision 2030, and the objective to diversify the economy and localization of manufacturing.

He also discussed the importance of supporting the localization of manufacturing, pointing out the company’s efforts to transfer the latest HVAC technologies for local manufacturing, maintaining the specifications, quality and standards set by York International.

In line with the trends of localisation of manufacturing, the company offered several of its "Saudi-made" products, manufactured at York's factory in Jeddah, said Dr Al Shaikh.

For example, the company's Multi-fan Air Handling Units and the Fan Coil units are considered to be the optimum solution to ensure indoor air quality and purity in different facilities, especially in the healthcare, hospitals and hospitality sectors as well as the commercial packaged units.

The company also demonstrated the after-sales services, introducing visitors to the services offered by the largest specialist aftermarket service team in the Middle East, such as diverse customized service & maintenance contracts, rental solutions, and other services provided by highly qualified engineers and technicians.

Additionally, the company exhibited Chiller Plant Controls Solutions and the Building Management System (BMS), he stated.

Dr Al Shaikh also discussed the importance of supporting the localization of manufacturing, pointing out the company’s efforts to transfer the latest HVAC technologies for local manufacturing, maintaining the specifications, quality and standards set by York International.

According to experts, the debut Riyadh expo transformed the Saudi capital into a hub for the HVAC sector in the Middle East by bringing together several influential local, regional, and international suppliers and manufacturers to support the National Transformation Program 2020 and Vision 2030.

It played host to industry leaders from 14 countries - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, China, Italy, US, Kuwait, Malaysia, Singapore, Egypt, France, Belgium, South Korea, and the UK - who displayed the industry's most innovative solutions.

The expo was held with the support from Riyadh Chamber, the Saudi Council of Engineers, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, and the GCC Standardization Organization.-TradeArabia News Service