RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 15 June 2023: SKM conducted a seminar in Riyadh, the objective of which it described as wanting to showcase its capabilities and product range, moving in the direction of inverterisation. Speaking to Climate Control Middle East, SKM said the event attracted more than 135 delegates, including representatives from ministries, and consultants and contractors.

The major emphasis of the seminar, the company said, was SKM’s ability in designing and producing equipment for 60Hz, tailored for high-ambient conditions. Broadly speaking, the company presented its VRF systems, chillers, high-wall systems and ducted models. Additionally, the company showcased its 100% fresh air package units.

Asim Hashmi speaks on SKM’s vision for Saudi Arabia

SKM is investing in Saudi Arabia. The company said it is determined to expand its existing manufacturing facility in Dammam with the aim of maximising its market share. It said with that in mind, it has established regional sales and after-sales offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. “Along with opening sales offices, we have increased our regional warehousing capacities, stocking a variety of units and spare parts to meet the rapidly increasing demand in Saudi Arabia,” said Asim Ahmad Hashmi, Applied Sales Director, SKM.

The seminar included discussion on high-ambient inverter products, the expansion of the company’s factory in Saudi Arabia, local content certified by the Saudi Arabia government, reference projects and SKM’s testing laboratories, among other topics. Speakers included Hashmi; Atif Arien, Unitary Sales Director, SKM; Harshal Dhakad, Regional Sales Manager, GCC & Africa; and Ahmad Saad, Territory Branch Manager, Riyadh

Ahmad Saad speaks on SKM’s infrastructure set up in Saudi Arabia

SKM said one of the key outcomes of the event was an appreciation of its VRF system, incorporated with region-specific features that qualify it as a high-ambient unit, and its ability to support the earning of green building credits. SKM said another outcome was the appreciation it received for its chillers, which it described as enjoying the best kW/TR rating in the industry. The company’s 100% fresh air rooftop units as well as its inverter package units also received positive attention, SKM claimed.

Hashmi, speaking during the event, said: “SKM has launched high- and premium-efficiency inverter chillers with refrigerant-cooled, inbuilt VFDs, delivering the best kW/TR efficiency, meeting most of the international standards, like AHRI, ASHRAE and UL. SKM’s applied products are built to meet customised requirements versus many other brands, which fail to meet exact specifications.

Atif Arien speaks on SKM’s approach in Saudi Arabia

Arien said: “SKM will be celebrating 50 years as a brand in 2024. In the last 49+ years, SKM has made inroads in 27+ countries through a strong distributor and direct sales approach. Localising efforts in each territory is the best strategy to serve the customers from through the product life cycle. The SKM unitary product line has been enhanced to not just meet but exceed SASO regulation requirements, helping us become one of the preferred brands in Saudi Arabia.

Harshal Dhakad speaks on SKM’s unitary product range

Dhakad said: “Sustainability in every action we take – product design, vendors, components used, etc. – has been a vital part of our new product development approach, leading the way towards helping new and retrofit buildings to get major regional credits, including environmental benefits under USGBC for LEED certifications as well as other regulations. HVAC contributes to 65-70% energy consumption of the building, and hence, we consider it as our obligation and responsibility to improve efficiency. New product development is a relentless and never-stopping activity in SKM, as we are the biggest regional HVAC manufacturer serving GCC region countries and meeting the local demands.”

Saad said, “SKM has excellent manufacturing facilities in the UAE as well as in Dammam, meeting the local 60Hz demand, customised for the Saudi Arabia market.”