Nordic Climate acquires Lightfoot

UK: Acquisitive Swedish contractor group Nordic Climate has acquired the legendary and long-established UK company Lightfoot International. 

Headquartered in Fareham, Lightfoot is a specialist provider of cooling solutions for defence and industrial applications. 

The company was originally founded as the Lightfoot Refrigeration Company in 1885 by Thomas Bell Lightfoot, one of the pioneers of mechanical refrigeration. Lightfoot was the designer of the first commercially successful ship’s refrigeration plant in which chemical refrigeration was used. He also designed and patented the Universal Lightfoot Dry Air Refrigerator, of which a considerable number were installed in British and foreign warships between 1885 and 1904. 

The acquisition expands Nordic Climate Group’s exposure within defence-related cooling solutions and the industrial maritime sectors. 

Lightfoot International services customers in the UK, Middle East and Europe and will continue to operate under its existing local brand and leadership as part of Nordic Climate Group.

Commenting on the acquisition, Nordic Climate Group UK CEO Ronnie Coutts said: “Lightfoot brings a unique combination of specialist expertise, strong customer relationships and a long history of delivering solutions in highly demanding environments. The company strengthens Nordic Climate Group within an attractive and growing segment and adds capabilities that complement our existing operations in the UK and across Europe.”