As Beijer Ref continues to expand its presence in Australia, the company is set to transfer operations to a new Support Centre at Bankstown Airport, NSW.
The development will be one of Beijer Ref AB’s global showpieces, acting as the corporate headquarters for its Australian businesses; Beijer Ref Australia, Kirby, SCM REF Australia and ACD Trade.
Kirby sales and marketing manager, Brett Hedge, said the move enables a consolidation across many business functions that will achieve greater operational efficiencies and an enhanced service offering for customers.
Due for completion December 2020, the facility will include the SCM REF Australia manufacturing plant, national distribution centre servicing the 90 branches for Beijer Ref Australia, Kirby and ACD Trade, along with a Gas2Go refrigerant decanting plant and testing laboratory.
“Across our network, we have a consolidated business that can supply every component of HVACR that customers have a need for,” he said.
As a key part of the Beijer Ref sustainability strategy, a Beijer Ref Academy will showcase an array of natural refrigerant solutions and offer CO2 systems training opportunities to industry technicians and installers.
The site will also cater for customer events and will feature a customer showroom, showcasing leading products and technology distributed throughout the network.
The company notes one of the main advantages it offers its customers is its longstanding and proven OEM Patton and Kirby equipment ranges.
“Customers are able to purchase direct from the manufacturer and be supported locally by experienced technicians who can assist with product specification and field support,” Hedge said.
In 2020, Beijer Ref Australia added the distribution of Bitzer compressors and parts to its range, and also expanded distribution of the Gas2Go portfoilo beyond Kirby to Beijer Ref Australia.
“We continue to work closely with our global supply partners to bring viable low-GWP alternatives to market,” Hedge said.
“With the HFC phase-down already in its third year, we encourage customers to understand the options and performance characteristics of these low-GWP alternatives and begin the transition. We have resources on hand to help make this step change.”
Keeping pace with technology, the Kirby business has also recently undertaken an ERP upgrade that has provided some additional enhancements in the functionality of the Smart Access portal and the Kirby Gas2Go App.
"The most exciting new feature for customers using Smart Access is the visibility of order status regardless of how the order was placed. As we continue to implement enhancements here and across our entire business, our focus remains on fulfilling the service expectations of our customers.”