Rationalisation
During the past ten years there has been a sustained attempt to rationalise the range of circular duct sizes to comply with the European standards. Traditionally in the UK the imperial duct dimensions increased in size by inches and many of these sizes have been retained with a metric equivalent. System designs have ensured that these intermediate sizes must be retained and there is no major incentive for the installer therefore to change to a more standardised system. This has been less than a complete success because so many of those people responsible for design still use the metric equivalent of the old and extensive range of the imperial sizes. If only the designers and the manufacturers could agree, the entire industry would be the winner with more competitive prices and larger stockholdings of fewer combinations of fittings.
Reality of the UK market
There are many arguments and discussions held regarding the advantage of circular ducts against alternative duct systems. In the UK we suffer from very high costs of land and therefore very high rents which translate into pressure on designers to maximise the lettable floor space in every building, thus creating cramped plant rooms and shallow voids above the ceilings.
Consequently, it is not possible to install circular ducting in every project because of space restrictions. Hotchkiss Air Supply have recognised this fact and have a full manufacturing capability to supply not only a full range of spiral tube and circular fittings but also flat oval and rectangular ducting to support our customers requirements. Hotchkiss Air Supply also has an extensive range of accessories to complement our manufactured products.
Many designs now use exposed ductwork as an aesthetic feature and depending on design criteria this involves all 3 of the primary ductwork systems; Flat Oval, Circular and Rectangular. All systems are readily available from HAS in the popular Colourduct range.
George Latimer, HAS Managing Director says, “Our role as major suppliers to the UK ductwork industry is to provide a total service from one source which includes all requirements whatever the mix –Flat Oval, Circular, Rectangular and all associated accessories.
Pre- Assembly
Saving costs and site safety can go hand-in-hand. Ductwork should not be delivered to sites as individual items. Consideration must be given to pre-jointing duct runs, factory fixing of duct fittings and accessories together with shrink wrapping of pelletised ducting and stillages fitted with circular fittings for floor loadings. All of these will increase safe working conditions and installation productivity and at the same time produce cost savings.
There are many PFI type projects which now insist that there is no drilling or cutting of materials on site and therefore require fixings such as flanges for rectangular duct that are bolted together and the alternative circular flange that has 2 flanges pre-fitted in the production unit and then joined on site with a circular jointing clip such as the Metu flange.
To provide this service, Hotchkiss have a major fabrication unit in Wolverhampton which also specialises in pre-fab facilities. The use of pre-fabricated or modular structures reduces significantly the on-site times spent by installers on locating components, jointing ducting and erection.
Following recent changes in the UK market, Hotchkiss Air Supply are now considered to be the largest UK owned manufacturer and distributor of a comprehensive range of products for the air-conditioning and ventilation industry. They always provide products which are high quality, technically advanced and competitively priced and have recently introduced acoustic products and a range of diffusers which have been enthusiastically welcomed. Sourcing and stocking products which satisfy the ever changing demands and requirements for customers is particularly important. Retaining relationships with contractors, consultants and clients is equally necessary to ensure that changes in design and market requirements are fully understood and met.
Training
In achieving success, probably the most important asset of a business are the employees, and their training. However, the ductwork industry fails badly in this important matter. For example, at Bexley College continuation of the ductwork installers course is under severe threat because of lack of trainees – one company providing 90% of the entrants. Trainees can go through either the apprenticeship or APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) route to NVQ Level 2 Installer Grade. But, there is no route for a Mate to qualify under NVQ Level 2 as an Installer unless he has had five years previous experience. The high costs of NVQ’s and the extreme difficulties of obtaining funding for anyone over 19 years of age acts as a major disincentive to train. Michael Ohly, Hotchkiss Group Chairman and the inaugural President of ADCAS states: “The ductwork industry should recognise their responsibilities and act in a co-ordinated manner with the Trade Associations and Government bodies to find a meaningful, workable and cost effective solution.”
He further adds: “Current suggestions of imposing a levy are doomed to failure as they always have been, as a means of encouraging training. Training must be seen as a benefit and necessity which are included in annual budgets like any other business cost.”
The industry in the UK looks set to enjoy a period of full employment and full order books. It will be necessary to have properly trained personnel and to ensure that all customers are provided with top quality products at competitive prices, which are fit for purpose. |
