Page 25 - Climate Control News December 2018

They feature a horizontal discharge condenser which reduces the installation footprint for resi- dential and light commercial applications.
2018 also saw Haier launch into the commer- cial market with a range of commercial prod- ucts. At the forefront of these offerings is a com- pletely new range of MRV- Haier’s VRF products, plus the commercial offering includes the power- ful Oil-free magnetic bearing chillers.
Developed in-house and featuring astound- ing, previously unheard of capabilities, this sys- tem represents one of the key technological de- velopments in the HVAC industry.
Haier’s growth in Australia is not just limited to product range though, as they’ve also spent much of 2018 boosting their human resources.
Business Development Managers for Multiple Dealers have been appointed in several states and a Commercial Air Conditioning BDM team was created with three new team members across the eastern states.
The team of Field Service Managers is also growing in order to maintain the high standard of warranty servicing and after-sales care that Haier has committed to and have recently add- ed three Regional Service Managers to the east- ern seaboard.
To aid the Field Service Managers, Haier has also launched a new online service tracking fea- ture (click) to provide a better customer service experience to the consumer.
The growth, of course, can’t happen without a seed. Just like the customer who catalysed Haier’s first steps towards success back in 1984, the company’s success in Australia is in large part due to the relationships they’ve built with their customers.
One such customer is ACD Trade, a specialist wholesaler servicing the market in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Daryn Shepherd, National Sales Manager of
ACD Trade, shares his thoughts on Haier’s re- cent growth.
“Since taking on the brand in mid-2016, Haier has grown into a consistent product offering for our expansive SME customer base. While ini- tially offered only as a low-cost wall split, the expanding product range and aftermarket sup- port is leading to increased sales opportunities as their place in the market continues to ex- pand,” he said. “Haier’s comprehensive range, including VRF products, give our customers the confidence that Haier has a product solu- tion for the majority of their application needs.
“AS CONTRACTOR’S CONFIDENCE IN THE PRODUCT CONTINUES TO GROW AND HAIER’S BRAND AWARENESS STRENGTHENS WITH END USERS, WE SEE CONTINUED SALES GROWTH.”
– ACD TRADE SALES MANAGER, DARYN SHEPHERD.
“As contractor’s confidence in the product continues to grow and Haier’s brand awareness strengthens with end users, we see continued sales growth with the Haier Products and look forward to growing and strengthening this rela- tionship.”
It’s certainly been a busy few years growing the brand down under, but Australian Sales Manager Tony Bartlett believes the team is only just warming up.
“Whether it’s hot or cold outside, people want to have a stable, controlled environment. Today, over 70 per cent of new homes, offices and other buildings have a form of climate control/air con-
ditioning installed,” Bartlett said. “It’s predicted that towards 2030 that number will jump to 90 per cent. We have plenty of room for growth and innovation in our industry for years to come.”
Plans for the near future are a little more de- termined. Bartlett and his team are looking to double total market share by 2022, as they have already gained traction in targeted sectors of the industry.
“Haier solutions are here for the duration, but I believe we deliver a solution that is as competi- tive as any of the other manufacturers in our market,” he said.
While much of Haier’s growth strategy is, of course, confidential, the next step involves the further development of their domestic range.
This will be championed by the introduction of the aforementioned Flexis range, featuring WiFi connectivity and intelligent features that make installation and operation a breeze.
Improved service capabilities, increased dis- tribution, and new sales territories are on the cards for the immediate future.
“We have the product range, the reliability, and the agility to better serve our industry, and we’re looking forward to seeing where the road takes us and who we meet along the way,” Bart- lett said.
These products are only available through specialist Air Conditioning contractors and wholesalers.
To become a Haier Air Conditioning Dealer or Wholesaler visit the website and make contact today at www.haier.com.au. 24/7 Customer Care Centre 1300 729 948. ✺
*Source Euromonitor International Limited. Con- sumer Appliances 2018ed, % unit share 2017 data. Major Appliances category is the sum of dishwash- ers, home laundry appliances, large cooking appli- ances, microwaves and refrigeration appliances.
MAIN: The Haier team at ARBS 2018.
LEFT: Innovation has been the hallmark of Haier’s products.
BELOW: The Flexis range of R32 models were introduced in October 2018.
Wholesalers Feature
CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS DECEMBER – JANUARY 2019
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