BAM to build £25 million factory for cooling specialist Airedale International
Leeds, 5 June 2014 - BAM Construction is to build a £25 million replacement facility for Airedale International whose Leeds factory was partially destroyed by fire last year. The manufacturer, who develops specialist cooling systems predominately for the data centre industry, quickly resumed production at alternative premises in Leeds while the demolition and rebuild programme takes place.
With an area of 166 x 130 metres, the footprint will be broadly similar to the original plant but the internal layout will be totally redesigned to meet the needs of a modern, world-class production facility, positioning Airedale for further growth. The manufacturer is aiming for an environmental rating of BREEAM ‘Very Good’.
BAM will also carefully project-manage the challenge of ensuring production resumes from the Rawdon site next summer without disruption to workflow. The contractor, which has offices in Leeds, is no stranger to big manufacturing projects in Yorkshire. It has recently handed over the Advanced Blade Casting facility in Rotherham for Rolls-Royce, and an advanced Nuclear Manufacturing Research Centre in Sheffield.
Construction director Kelvin Pollard said: “BAM is looking forward to providing a first-class facility for the staff of Airedale International. Airedale showed tremendous determination in getting back to ‘business as usual’ so quickly, and has some hard-hitting plans for future growth in the UK and globally. We will use all our skills and experience to help them into a new era.’ He added: ‘This is a third major industrial project for BAM in the Yorkshire region recently. These are complex projects and it is a really good sector to have established ourselves in, with investment beginning to flow again since the recession.’
The Airedale project is due to start on site in early July, with completion scheduled for August 2015.
About Airedale
Formed in 1974 Airedale International Air Conditioning is a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative, high efficiency cooling solutions, with manufacturing bases in three continents and customers in over 60 countries. With 40 years’ experience, we provide a complete solution that encompasses precision air conditioning and IT cooling systems, chillers, condensers/dry coolers and air handling units. Airedale also has significant expertise in the design and integration of ACIS™ Building Management Systems and HVAC controls, providing comprehensive monitoring, reporting and diagnostic tools to manage system performance and energy costs. Airedale systems are supported by a full range of complementary services from commissioning, service and refurbishment to spares support and training, delivered by experts with many years’ industry experience. Airedale employs more than 425 globally and is part of Modine Manufacturing Company. For more information, visit www.airedale.com.
About Modine
Modine, with fiscal 2013 revenues of $1.4 billion, specialises in thermal management systems and components, bringing highly engineered heating and cooling technology solutions to diversified global markets. Modine products are used in light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, off-highway, industrial equipment and refrigeration systems. The company employs approximately 6,600 people at 30 facilities in 16 countries. For more information about Modine, visit www.modine.com. For information about Modine’s Commercial Products Group, visit www.modinehvac.com.