Issue 37

Key players in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industries are focusing on R&D to drive forward one of Thailand’s top industries.
Refrigeration and air-condition manufacturers are embracing new technology to gain an edge while expanding into neighbouring countries. That was the message at RHVAC 2015 held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre in August.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand exported over US$4.6 billion in air-conditioners, refrigerators and parts in 2014, an increase of 9% on the previous year.

Among the 180 companies participating at RHVAC 2015 was Uni-Aire, winner of the Thailand Energy Award in July 2015 as well as the Prime Minister’s Award for Best Thai Brand in 2013. Naran Sirisantana, assistant managing director of Uni-Aire, talked to Horizon about the company’s export markets and energy-saving trends.

“Uni-Aire was founded 43 years ago. We started from manufacturing air-conditioning parts, then air conditioners before selling products under our own brand,” says Sirisantana. “What makes us unique is that we have an in-house team of engineers specialising in air-conditioning. This allows the company to be able to tailor-make air conditioning models or adapt them to meet the needs of different clients.”

Uni-Aire exports to over 70 countries around the world such as Russia, Australia, Italy, Spain and countries in the Middle East and Africa. “Our business plan for the near future is to expand sales into AEC countries especially Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV),” says Sirisantana.

The latest industry trend is low-energy air-conditioners. “Everyone in the industry is moving towards energy-saving technology,” he adds. “There is also huge competition in home air-conditioners especially from multi-national companies. Thai players need to adapt themselves while investing in R&D to become more competitive.”

Another prominent industry player participating at the fair, was Thai refrigerator manufacturer Thermedez.

“Thermedez supplies refrigerators to nationwide minimarts and supermarkets like 7-11, Tesco Lotus and Big C,” says Tosak Chobpanich, managing director of Thermedez. “In the last five years we have been investing in R&D, such as remote-controlled refrigerators and in-house designed control inverters.”

Apart from manufacturing refrigerators, Chobpanich says that Thermedez is a solutions provider to other companies in the industry. The company’s engineers can design the entire refrigeration system, with units using less energy compared with other manufacturers.

“The future of refrigeration lies in R&D,” says Chobpanich. “It’s important to constantly utilise new technology.”

According to Chobpanich, the international market for refrigerators is growing, especially in developed countries with higher spending power.
ASEAN markets are also showing more demand for electronic appliances. “In 2016, we are focusing our exports into Laos and Cambodia,” he says.

For more information, visit www.uni-aire.com and www.thermedez.com

Words by Sirinuch Borsub