World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Ron Baker RIP

Ron-BakerUK: Ron Baker, who will be well known to many in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry from his time as FETA director general during the 80s and 90s, died suddenly last Tuesday (Nov 18).

Ron joined FETA in 1985 following a career in the RAF. During his tenure he presided over the early Montreal Protocol discussions, which was the major challenge for the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s. He was also instrumental in the first round of Approved Document L consultations, starting in 1995, which affected air conditioning for the first time. He was also responsible for bringing the Heat Pump Association into FETA, where they play a significant part today.

He retired in 1998 but was a guest of honour at this year’s 30th anniversary FETA lunch.

Latest News

17th February 2026

Epta completes Hauser acquisition

ITALY: Epta has completed the purchase of Austrian commercial refrigeration manufacturer Hauser GmbH following competition clearance by the European Commission.
17th February 2026

Carrier plans new plant in Sri City

INDIA: Carrier has announced a $120m investment in a new commercial cooling equipment manufacturing plant on a 39-acre site in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, according to local reports.
16th February 2026

Italian authorities seize 24 tonnes of illegal F-gas

ITALY: Police and customs officers have seized illegal F-gas refrigerant, with an estimated market value of €463,200, at the Port of Venice.
16th February 2026

US AC and heat pump shipments down 20% in 2025

USA: US shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps fell again in December, decreasing 21.4% to 408,244 units, compared to December 2024.
16th February 2026

IOR names two new fellows

UK: Andrew Channon of Plymouth-based ChanniCool Training Services, and Richard Lawton of Cambridge Refrigeration Technology have been recognised as fellows of the Institute of Refrigeration.
16th February 2026

Mitsubishi Thai subsidiary to change name

JAPAN: Mitsubishi Electric is to change the name of its air conditioner and refrigeration compressor manufacturing company in Thailand.