Actrol has continued to strengthen its retail network with plans to open another six branches in early 2020.
The wholesaler already has a strong footprint in Australia and New Zealand with almost 80 branches currently in operation.
During the year Actrol opened seven new branches in New Zealand and two in Australia which were both located in Queensland at Murarrie and Mt Isa.
With so much activity there are no signs of Actrol slowing down in the year ahead with plans to refurbish existing sites with state of the art fit-outs to enhance the customer experience and provide a more positive workplace for staff.
Actrol marketing manager, Arabella Wood, said the industry is undergoing a major shift as a result of the HFC phasedown and the wholesaler is taking measures to ensure customers are armed and ready for the future.
In addition to supporting customers, Wood said Actrol is upgrading its product offerings.
For example the DC-3 smart refrigeration system which was launched last year is now even smarter. That’s right the next evolution of the DC-3 has been released with dual evaporator capabilities. It is also approved for R448A refrigerant.
“The unit continues to redefine the industry and Actrol will continue to invest in their product innovation journey,” Wood said.
“Actrol’s digital service offerings have also evolved with Flexitrak and maX split into two separate applications.
“The change has enabled the applications to be specifically tailored to users, offering a comprehensive and seamless customer experience.”
Recent feature additions - on maX – include viewing a customer order from start to finish, processing a quote to an order, paying for individual invoices, viewing stock levels of any branch via the desktop with dark mode being enabled.
Wood said these changes have added even more transparency and reassurance to the tradesmen, purchase officers and administrative staff.
She said these systems continue to enhance the customers ability to manage, digitise and importantly – future proof their businesses.
“The maX integration with MYOB and AROFLO has created a unified and complete business management platform for users and ensures customers can continue to create efficiencies within their businesses,” Wood said.
Another highlight during the year was June 26, 2019, which marked the first official celebration of World Refrigeration Day.
Together with Metalflex and Reece HVAC, Actrol used its nationwide presence to create an Australia-wide celebration with instore events featuring carnival games, amazing food and even vacuum pump oil changes.
Actrol staff visited customers on job sites and in their offices to show their appreciation to everyone that has supported the refrigeration and allied industries.
“It was a phenomenal day of recognition and one that will be in the Actrol calendar for years to come,” Wood said.
Actrol continues to support some of the world’s most renowned refrigeration brands such as the European giants, Cabero and Tecumseh.
Wood said the Cabero brand has moved from strength to strength within Australia.
“In early 2019 they expanded their market presence with the introduction of the new ACH series of evaporators,” she said.
“The ACH evaporators offer a German engineered unit which has new adaptability features to suit even the toughest of installations.
“Not to be outdone, Tecumseh recently released their new range of multi refrigerant approved products. This range of multi refrigerant compressors, have enabled customers to future proof their work and help give their customers peace of mind.”
Looking ahead, Wood said one of the biggest events of 2020 will be the ARBS Exhibition which will be held in Melbourne in May.
“Actrol is poised to showcase how they continue to lead the way into the future of our industry, both with their products, refrigerant coverage and time saving services. We look forward to seeing many of you on our stand next May,” she said.
“Actrol will continue to listen to their customers, identify opportunities for growth and offer customised services no matter the job on hand.
“The future is now and Actrol is here to lead the way.”