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Boels ‘HVAC’ stands for specialised solutions in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The Boels HVAC team offers fast and efficient solutions to ‘temporary’ climate issues. Total solutions and a proactive approach to customer needs are the principles that underlie the way Boels HVAC operates. No matter how complex the issue, Boels HVAC always has a solution to match. That was certainly the case during a challenging assignment for a large cosmetics company in Belgium.
Steven Peeters, Technical Specialist at Boels Power HVAC, was taking care of a special project near the N10 in Belgium. HVAC provided a specialist solution in a recently completed building by temporarily installing heavy-duty heat pumps that were to cool and heat an entire factory. The client was currently in the process of applying for permits for its own heat pumps. The company is very committed to sustainability. The solar cells covering the entire roof will generate nearly 1 MW, more than enough to run the factory during the summer.
Complex case
“Yes, this was a fairly complex case, especially in terms of the power requested. The installation and connection to the existing system also proved to be a challenge. SPIE, which is responsible for its own installations on behalf of the client, also indicated that due to corrosion, we were not permitted to use antifreeze in the pipes. In other words, this called for customisation. By installing heat tape and extra insulation on all of the pipes, we were able to tackle this added challenge. And it was certainly no ordinary job.”
Prestigious project
This was not just a prestige project for Steven. “This assignment shows what we’re capable of at HVAC. And with that I don’t just mean the knowledge but also the equipment we have available.” The run-up to this assignment was also special, Steven explains. “Initially, it was awarded to another company that was cheaper. But when it came down to it, this competitor did not have the equipment in stock, so it had to start hiring and suddenly things got quite a bit more expensive again.”
Steven seized this second chance with both hands, immediately got moving and made an appointment with the client. Then the plans were examined, specific requirements were discussed, and they discussed the right solutions back and forth. The burning question was whether our initial offer would still stand. “After about three hours of discussing the plan of action, we came to the conclusion that our initial offer still stood. This helped build trust because we didn’t suddenly ramp up our prices. We promptly consolidated the agreements and started our work behind the scenes.”
From fossil fuels to a CO2 neutral solution
Five months after the negotiations, the factory was operational. Initially, it involved a 1.3 Mw boiler fired by fuel that was connected to a large 10,500 litre tank. The client soon expressed an interest in a greener alternative. Once again, Boels HVAC and the installer SPIE quickly switched gears here. Within just a few weeks, the installation of a new CO2 neutral system for no less than four heat pumps was complete. “The wonderful thing about the whole story is that we actually ‘conveniently’ have this alternative sitting on our shelves, so we can respond quickly to customer requests. This really scored us some points and set us apart from our competitors,” Steven said.
Total solution
This perception is reinforced by Bart Sliwinski, Project Manager of Facilities and Utilities. “Yes, absolutely. As a customer, we have quite a high-level challenge before us and we required a high-level solution. Together with SPIE, Boels essentially provided us with a total solution – from guidance and the start-up to the complete installation.
“All I had to do was make sure the door was open for them, and they did the rest by themselves to our utmost satisfaction.”
It all boils down to men like Steven and his colleagues, who know exactly what to do on the work floor, who are proactive and have immense technical understanding.” The installation, which is running as we speak, will stay operational for at least another two years. The installation is monitored remotely via telematics and is essentially hassle free. Steven is proud of what they have accomplished here. Also because Boels is now on the company’s preferred suppliers list. That’s only possible if you have proven yourself, if you are a dependable partner and deliver what you promise.”
