Firm Plans Africa Expansion, Proposes HVAC Technician Training School

BY ORJIME MOSES, Abuja

The chief executive officer of Winterplace Services Limited, Ikechukwu Obi, said the company is increasing efforts to develop Nigeria’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) sector through engineering services, workforce training and planned expansion into other African countries.

Speaking at the company’s office in Abuja, Obi identified several challenges affecting operations in the engineering sector, including high borrowing interest rates, delays in payment for completed projects, high import costs, a shortage of skilled labour and delays in clearing goods at ports.

He also criticised unqualified practitioners in the industry as a threat to professional standards.

Obi said the challenges could be addressed through collaboration with regulators and other stakeholders.

He said Winterplace is working with agencies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to improve standards and professionalism.

He announced plans to establish a training school in collaboration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to provide professional training for installers, operators and other industry workers, with the aim of reducing unskilled labour and quackery.

Obi said Winterplace began operations in 2014 and provides central air-conditioning, ventilation and related services to offices, hotels, homes and government agencies.

He said the company works with clients from project conception to implementation and provides after-sales technical support.

Obi said Winterplace is aiming to rank among the top Nigerian firms in specialty engineering, particularly in HVAC services.

Obi said the company has built technical expertise through partnerships with manufacturers of electronic safety and security systems and that it seeks to follow professional and sustainable practices.