BITZER UK - Experts & Thought Leaders

BITZER UK’s Samantha Buckell has been appointed Co-chair of the Institute of Refrigeration's Women in RACHP Network (WiRACHP). Working with Co-chair Astrid Prado of Star Refrigeration, they succeed Lisa-Jayne Cook, who has stepped down to become IOR President. Sam joined BITZER UK in 2016 as PA to Managing Director Kevin Glass, and has played a key role in the company and wider industry in championing the contribution of women across the sector, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion (D&I) for the industry's future. Challenges and opportunities "We are delighted and very proud that Sam has been appointed to jointly head-up IOR's Women in RACHP Network," said Kevin Glass, MD of BITZER UK. "Sam was, in fact, the first chair of the group when it was formed in 2016, under the presidency of Steve Gill. So, she is no stranger to the leadership role, with the challenges and opportunities this presents. Sam and the network have our wholehearted support in the great work they do on behalf of women in RACHP and, indeed, the industry as a whole." Prior roles of Samantha  Sam has a number of D&I initiatives, promoting and attending the Stemazing Inspiration Academy Sam's advocacy for the contribution of women at work dates back to her previous employer Arup, where she served for 14 years in senior administrative and HR positions in the company’s London headquarters. In her role at BITZER UK, in addition to acting as PA she has responsibility for advertising, event and project planning, and social media. Since joining, Sam has been part of a number of D&I initiatives, including promoting and attending the Stemazing Inspiration Academy, and contributed in numerous ways to the award-winning work of the Women in RACHP Network, including its training courses and nationwide discussion forums. She is currently heading up an IOR team that produces the network’s monthly blog on the IOR website, which is coming up to its first anniversary in January. Developing the network activities Sam said: "Through the group, I have been lucky to meet some of the most dedicated and inspirational women in our industry. The group is always inclusive and big enough that there is always someone ready to help, and work with you on anything you may need. I very proud of us and what we have achieved so far, and know there is a lot more yet to come." She added: "Given how busy and demanding the world of work is today, the joint role with Astrid is an exciting and creative solution that will allow us to share responsibilities and support each other in developing the network and expanding activities over the coming year." WiRACHP podcast series Other initiatives planned for next year include a networking forum for the group, being backed by Prado Issues close to her heart include developing the group's recently launched monthly lunchtime meetings. Recent topics have covered Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for women, and the University of Bristol's collaboration with the Women's Engineering Society on research into better-fitting PPE for women; plus, the new Sexual Harassment at Work Regulations, which require employers to implement measures to safeguard staff from sexual harassment, including incidents involving third parties such as clients or customers. Other initiatives planned for next year include a new networking platform for the group, being championed by Astrid Prado, training through the year, and a networking event in March, currently in the planning stage. The award-winning WiRACHP podcast series and blog will also be a focus. Women in RACHP Network  Sam: "There is a lot going on, but a lot of our new ideas come thick and fast when we are together. I believe there is nothing this team cannot do, and I am looking forward to working with Astrid to see where the next chapter will take us." The Women in RACHP Network now meets monthly, and has a members' WhatsApp group and LinkedIn channel with a growing list of followers. new networking platform What would she say to women working in the industry who have yet to get involved? "Come and join us, we are always delighted to welcome new members! You can connect with us via LinkedIn, and through our new networking platform when it launches. It's a great community to be part of, so why not join a team of people who have your interests at heart – and also want to learn from you?!" Sam Buckell: “I believe there is nothing this team cannot do, and I’m looking forward to working with Astrid to see where the next chapter will take us."

Green Point UK, BITZER UK’s compressor services arm, is remanufacturing air conditioning compressors used in train HVAC systems to original factory specification, enabling customer Siemens Mobility to keep train fleets operating in tip-top condition and achieve its environmental and sustainability goals. To date, Green Point UK has remanufactured more than two hundred high-efficiency BITZER model 2FC-3.2Y-40S and ECOLINE 2FES-3Y-40S semi-hermetic compressors, key components of train HVAC systems that ensure comfort whatever the weather. The units are used on Class 185 and Desiro series trains, that operate all over the UK. Environmental benefits Siemens uses remanufactured compressors due to the environmental benefits Siemens Mobility switched to using high-quality remanufactured compressors due to the environmental benefits of reduced waste and embodied carbon, in line with the company’s resource efficiency goals, while reducing costs and ensuring rapid turnaround. Paul Hawkin, Siemens Mobility UK Service Delivery Manager, said: "Our sustainability strategy does not end at our factory walls. We are aware of our responsibility to ensure that our suppliers match our sustainability goals.” High-quality remanufactured compressors Hawkin added: "The embodied carbon and materials in equipment used on trains represents a big percentage of their environmental impact." "Using high-quality remanufactured compressors does not add to the carbon and material budget, while maintaining efficiency and quality. It's a win-win for the environment, our customers and society as a whole as we work to transform rail travel." Pros of preventive maintenance Some 98% of units returned are fit for remanufacturing, resulting in almost negligible wastage Compressors are delivered in batches to Green Point UK’s facility in Milton Keynes, where they are assessed and then processed according to the company’s global remanufacturing protocol, which returns them to the original BITZER factory specification. To date, some 98% of units returned are suitable for remanufacturing, resulting in almost negligible wastage. In line with planned preventive maintenance principles, compressors are remanufactured at a point in their working life that gives a comfortable safety margin before wear begins to take a toll, minimizing the risk of a breakdown in service and ensuring continuity of train air conditioning. Benefits of an enlightened approach Will Pribyl, Green Point UK general manager, says: “If a train air conditioning system fails, it becomes an immediate problem. Siemens Mobility UK takes a proactive approach that minimizes this risk, and ensures HVAC systems are maintained in excellent working order at all times. "This enlightened approach has benefits for all, and is a model for intelligent stewardship of cooling systems, given their importance to comfort and productivity.” Reinstalled into HVAC modules After remanufacturing, compressors are returned to Siemens Mobility UK’s Rail Village at Goole, its new state-of-the-art train manufacturing plant and supply chain facility, which is a net zero site.  The units are reinstalled into HVAC modules as part of a comprehensive planned maintenance overhaul. This includes reconditioning air conditioning fans, which are equipped with new bearings and restored to original factory spec’. New Green Point UK serial Green Point UK holds stocks of replacement OEM components at all times, ensuring rapid turnaround The QR-coded remanufactured compressors retain the original BITZER compressor serial number alongside the new Green Point UK serial, giving Siemens Mobility UK full asset traceability throughout the equipment life-cycle. As part of the agreement, Green Point UK holds stocks of replacement OEM components at all times, ensuring rapid turnaround. Paul Hawkin said: “We were impressed by Green Point UK’s approach, and the fact that they are part of BITZER as the manufacturer, with access to all original parts and engineering data. It provides assurance that work will be done to the highest standards.” Benefits of reciprocating compressors BITZER’s ECOLINE range of semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors is a proven workhorse, combining high efficiency, a wide range of applications, flexible refrigerant selection, quiet running, and excellent reliability. They can be used with a wide range of refrigerants, including very low Global Warming Potential HFC and HFO-blend fluids. Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland provides rail traffic technology, bringing together rolling stock, rail infrastructure, rail services, and software.

BITZER has appointed Ernest West & Beynon Ltd as an authorized Marine Service Partner, with a particular focus on the specialist cooling requirements of the marine and offshore industries. The agreement includes access to BITZER compressors, components, and refrigeration oils, plus Green Point services, including remanufactured compressors and site support. Refrigeration solutions Kevin Glass, Managing Director of BITZER UK, said: "With more than a century of experience in the marine and offshore industry, Ernest West & Beynon Ltd has unrivaled expertise and reach in this sector." Kevin Glass adds, "We are delighted to have formalized our long-standing collaboration and look forward to working more closely in the coming months and years on its outstanding refrigeration solutions for clients across the UK and the world." Marine refrigeration systems The company was a pioneer in carbon dioxide cooling systems and refrigeration for icemaking Founded in London by Ernest West and Herbert Beynon in 1909, the company was a pioneer in carbon dioxide cooling systems and refrigeration for icemaking. It later developed expertise in refrigeration for marine provision stores and began its long association with major marine fleet operators, which continues now. With headquarters in Paddock Wood, Kent, supported by engineering expertise across the South West, Ernest West & Beynon Ltd maintains a strong presence at key ports in Portsmouth, Devonport and the Clyde, carrying out full life-cycle support for onboard marine refrigeration systems. Core technologies include chilled water plants, cold and cool storage rooms, galley equipment, and air conditioning. Cooling for specialist applications Ernest West & Beynon Ltd also provides cooling for specialist scientific and medical applications, funeral parlors and mortuaries, and food cold stores, with a particular focus on bespoke solutions to meet specific end-user requirements. Although based in the UK, the company's activities span the globe, with active projects in Germany, Spain, New York, Gibraltar, Cape Town, Singapore, the Middle East, and Australia. BITZER Marine Service Partner Andrei Stefancu, Technical Director of Ernest West & Beynon Ltd, said: "Our appointment as an authorized BITZER Marine Service Partner ensures our customers have full access to BITZER's range of proven compressors, spare parts and components specially designed and optimized for use in a marine environment." Andrei Stefancu adds, "A key requirement for components in marine systems is approval by a classification body, and BITZER equipment is fully listed and approved for use in this challenging environment." New BITZER compressors Andrei Stefancu continues: "We have been using BITZER products for over 30 years. Its proven engineering, coupled with the excellent technical support provided by BITZER UK and head office in Germany, makes the company one of our most valued partners." Ernest West & Beynon Ltd is currently working on projects involving upgrading the refrigeration plant with new BITZER compressors and condensers, and in the advanced stages of tendering for contracts worth over £2 million that include BITZER equipment.