MBS Magazine Article

The simple fact that the number of existing buildings far exceeds those planned or under construction means they offer a far greater potential to cut the nation’s energy consumption and carbon footprint.

This fact is well recognised by ACME Technical Services Ltd, which specialises in HVAC control systems for buildings of all sizes, from large domestic installations upwards. The company was founded in 1991 by experienced control system engineers who had held senior positions in the industry. It has grown steadily to its current annual turnover of well over £5 million and 55 employees, based at it head office in Knaphill (Woking, Surrey) and its first regional office in Olveston, Bristol.

“Most of our work is servicing and upgrading existing installations, rather than installing systems in new buildings,” revealed Gary Franklin, Sales Director. “We have extensive experience in working on systems from practically all the major BMS manufacturers.

Energy Manager
“Whereas clients used to be interested primarily in comfort, the emphasis now is much more focused on using the BMS to maximise energy savings. We have a specialist energy department headed by an energy manager, who assists clients in meeting and exceeding the ever increasing legislation associated with energy management. The impacts of global warming and rising energy costs mean there is an ever-greater need to ensure HVAC controls are set and working correctly.

ACME Technical Services Ltd covers the whole UK and has also carried out work offshore, as well as continental Europe. “We provide 24 hour cover to many clients, as well as remote monitoring and plant adjustment. Our planned preventative maintenance service contracts alone now exceed £1M. These contracts cover over 400 sites and vary from half a day per year to a permanently manned site.”

Customers include a diverse client base including government agencies, public services, commercial businesses and industry. “We have recently developed a secure data storage facility which will enhance our customers experience and peace of mind,” said Gary.

CentraLine Partner
ACME Technical Services Ltd has a long experience of working with Honeywell control systems and are now a Partner company for CentraLine, the Honeywell brand for energy-efficient building controls. “Although we have not yet installed a CentraLine-based system, we are tendering several projects. We are excited by and looking forward to applying the latest CentraLine products, especially the HAWK controller which we believe can solve the challenges associated with systems integration. It also has the potential to provide much greater functionality for lower project costs, in new and existing buildings”.

“We are committed to provide a high level of service and expertise to our customers and to be successful ‘problem solvers’,” stressed Gary. “Staff training is very important. As we lead up to our first CentraLine installations, key staff have attended courses at the CentraLine Training Centre at Honeywell House in Bracknell. ACME is a quality assured company registered with the BSI for ISO 9001: 2000, so all our staff training is continually monitored and recorded in line with those procedures.”