COOLING specialist Airedale International, which exports to more than 60 countries around the world, played host to key clients from Uruguay.

This included representatives from Airedale’s Montevideo-based business partner and employer of 30 people, Improtel. The firm’s managing director, Jose Maria de la Fuente was accompanied by Pablo Gutierrez from government-owned Antel (Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones), the largest telecoms provider in the country.

The visit was the latest in a series which have provided both Improtel and Antel with opportunities for training at Airedale’s training school, including an advanced air conditioning syllabus covering design requirements, equipment selection and energy efficiency and environmental issues.

Jose Maria de la Fuente and Pablo Gutierrez also witnessed testing of the Airedale AlphaCool precision air conditioning system, which forms part of the latest order from Antel, at Airedale’s research and development test facility which is believed to be the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. Clients are increasingly requiring performance testing as part of the contract to ensure that products will perform to specifications.

Airedale designs systems to meet the demands extreme temperatures and humidity associated in geographical locations, which often means meeting different electrical supply specifications in countries such as Uruguay where temperatures can range from 0°C to 42°C with 100 per cent humidity in winter requiring sophisticated systems and controls which can adjust to varying conditions.

Despite the global economic turbulence of recent years and the financial crisis which has hit parts of South America, particularly Argentina, Uruguay has continued to invest in its IT and communications infrastructure – a key government objective. While general elections are due in 2015, Airedale is optimistic that this commitment to investment will be maintained.

When asked why they choose to partner with Airedale, Pablo Gutierrez said: “Antel have extremely high standards, which narrows the choice of suppliers down considerably. Energy performance is just one part of the equation. We also place a great deal of emphasis on system reliability. Airedale’s systems score very highly in both areas.” Improtel managing director, Jose Maria de la Fuente, added: “Airedale is a very professional business that takes care of its customers. We have enjoyed working with them since 2009 and look forward to their continued support.”