Air Conditioning firm make HQ move ahead of expansion plans

A Sunderland-based air conditioning specialist has relocated to Washington Business Centre, as it looks to increase its headcount by 75 per cent.

AACS Limited design, supply, install, service and maintain air conditioning and refrigeration systems, as well as offering heating and ventilation services through locally sourced subcontract partnerships.

Established in 1990, the family-run business was based on Sunderland's Leechmere Industrial Estate for more than 30 years, but recently moved to pastures new at Washington Business Centre, where it plans to make three new job roles available in the next 12 months.

Ben Gash, Business Development Manager at AACS, said: "Previously, AACS used to manufacture the majority of the air conditioning units that we installed on site. As time moved on and off the shelf products became more readily available, we naturally moved away from this element of the business and as a result we had a lot of workshop space at the previous premises that wasn't being utilised. We're also looking to grow in the next year, so wanted somewhere refreshing and new that offers a more collaborative working environment as our administration team was previously separated across two floors.

"The plan is to recruit three new admin roles, one in finance, one in sales and someone in service, making the administration side of the business a team of seven. We also have 10 engineers who work remotely, which is a side of the business we're also hoping to grow. The more people we have onboard, the easier it will be to push the growth of the business and expand further."

Since Ben joined the business at the height of the pandemic in September 2020, the company's turnover has since increased by more than 40 per cent, to more than £1million, much of this increase through North East project work.

Ben added: "We're growing again after the impacts of the pandemic, and so it felt like the right time to move. We have such great facilities on our doorstep here and can service the region from a central point. Our engineers work in Teesside and across the North East, so having good access to the A19 is crucial, and we're even closer in the new office.

"Our office space is so refreshing with large windows and natural light. It has made us rethink the way we work and encouraged more collaboration between the team. Plus, we're now working alongside other businesses which gives us the opportunity to network and get to know how we can all support each other."

AACS were signposted to Washington Business Centre by Sunderland City Council, which supported the company's plans for internal refurbishment to ensure the new office space was fit for purpose.

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "We're delighted AACS have chosen to make Washington Business Centre its new home after more than 30 years in business. The growth they have achieved after what has been an extremely challenging time for businesses is fantastic, and I'm thrilled they're able to create new jobs in both Washington and in their wider team of engineers as they continue to expand.

"Washington Business Centre, Sunderland Software Centre and Evolve Business Centre at Rainton Bridge were set up to support new and established businesses to grow and succeed, and it's always great to welcome ambitious businesses like AACS into one of our business centres."

To find out more about Washington Business Centre, visit: https://washingtonbusinesscentre.co.uk/

To find out more about AACS, visit: https://www.aacslimited.co.uk/