Daikin’s VRV IV is keeping UK textiles cool

Strategically positioned between Manchester and Leeds, just off the M62, Kingsway Business Park is well placed for industrial and commercial logistics operations. Imperial165 is a new build, high-bay Grade A warehouse/industrial unit measuring 165,696 sq. ft. across three floors, comprising ground floor warehousing and two floors of office and showroom space.

Owned by the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, the impressive unit has been let to textile manufacturer and supplier, Cleland McIver, who has consolidated several smaller warehouses into this larger, more efficient space. From here, Cleland McIver distribute household textiles to major online and high street retailers across the UK, including Dunelm.

Trusted partnership

Chill Factor Services Ltd was the obvious HVAC choice when it came to the Imperial165 fit out, having built strong relationships across 15 years of maintaining Cleland McIver’s previous site.

Chill Factor Services’ Managing Director, Christian Chevreau, takes up the story:

“We were appointed to install the air conditioning and mechanical ventilation at Cleland McIver’s new-build factory which includes ground floor warehousing, first floor offices and a showroom on the mezzanine. The brief included provision of mechanical ventilation to ensure fresh air flow for the offices, and air conditioning for the top-floor showroom.”

CAD drawings were shared with the Daikin team, who developed the full project specification. This included VRV IV systems to provide air conditioning for the warehouse, alongside VAM units to supply fresh air to the offices and deliver ‘free cooling’ when outdoor temperatures are lower than indoor levels.

A creative solution

Christian explained that a sleek solution was needed to conceal the top-floor pipework. “The top floor showroom did prove a challenge in terms of aesthetics; entirely open plan and with no false ceilings to hide ductwork, we had to think creatively to find a solution for this impressive sales space. We installed ducted ceiling units and used galvanised spiral ducting tubes to make a feature of the pipework and reflect the aesthetics of the industrial space.”

“This was actually a pretty straightforward job in the end, and thanks to Daikin’s product availability and on time delivery, it literally couldn’t have gone any better. Plus as a Daikin D1 partner, we have been able to offer Cleland McIver a full 7-year warranty which gives them peace of mind, alongside our schedule of preventative maintenance,” Christian concluded.