Making one solution work for multiple scenarios is typically not a good idea—forcing a square peg into a round hole just doesn’t work.
This rings especially true in the work truck industry, where trucks are commonly modified to meet user specifications. Whether it’s installing an aerial lift or modifying the rear to add an ambulance body or work space, modifications are a standard industry practice among work truck fleet managers.
Unfortunately, when it comes to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions for work trucks, the majority of HVAC systems currently on the market do not take this type of flexible approach. Many companies offer only one or two products that customers are then forced to fit into their modified trucks. The results are cooling or heating systems that don’t work as effectively as they could and lead to ongoing service outages and costs.
Bergstrom is positioned to change all of that through its global division, Bergstrom Standard Products (BSP). BSP provides total HVAC solutions to OEM and aftermarket customers in North America, Europe, and developing regions that require a flexible and rapid approach to creative HVAC solutions from a global manufacturer with world class capabilities.
In March, Bergstrom announced that the creation of BSP—which is a new division—is dedicated to offering customers flexible and versatile solutions to their work truck HVAC challenges.
“The products offered by BSP are the ultimate in reliability and versatility,” says John Bracey, vice president, global engineering, Bergstrom Inc.
“The systems and parts are broad in range and give customers the ability to customize solutions based on their specific vehicle and environment. In short—they offer comfort and reliability that go anywhere.”
OEM MENTALITY
Next to employee costs, the largest expense to a company is the acquisition of its work trucks, along with the management and maintenance of the fleet over time.
“An HVAC system that doesn’t work or is ineffective in cooling and heating the space reduces productivity and can lead to additional costs,” says Bracey.
“We’re realizing customers are very dissatisfied because many of the current HVAC service providers are just throwing systems together and have done little to engineer the system. Fleet managers want an HVAC system that works and creates a comfortable environment for the driver, passengers, and work spaces.”
BSP products can be modified or adapted for a broad range of requirements. Capacities range from three to 15 kW and BSP provides all the system engineering and required system components in-house.
Most importantly, as a large company that has worked with multiple OEMs and aftermarket companies, Bergstrom is able to take advantage of vertical integration to produce a higher quality system at a lower cost.
Featured Image: Next to employee costs, the largest expense to a company is the acquisition of its work trucks, along with the management and maintenance of the fleet over time.
Above: BSP HVAC products can be modified or adapted for a broad range of requirements.
CUSTOMIZATION IS KING
The customization process starts with determining what type of system and components are best suited for the vehicle and its application. Together with the customer, the Bergstrom team identifies the size and type of the vehicle, as well as the length of the duty-cycle to determine the size of the heating and cooling unit. Next, the location of the installation is determined.
“Where the system will go impacts the size and shape of the configuration,” says Bracey. “This is a big reason for the variety of our systems. Some systems might go behind a wall and have to be very thin, while others may be able to be larger. We have a number of systems that have the same capacity but are configured differently in order to account for the location of the install.”
BSP will also determine the location of the condenser, as well as the compressor. Finally, refrigerant lines will be properly sized.
“All of these elements need to work together to be effective,” Bracey says. “Many systems fail because one half of the system doesn’t work in sync with the other. It isn’t properly engineered. That’s how you end up with airflow that isn’t even. People in the front of the vehicle are freezing while the rest of the passengers are sweating.”
FAST SERVICE
Another benefit BSP is bringing to work truck customers is quick access to parts via its network of distribution centers and service partners. The company opened a facility in Rockwall, Texas, this summer designed to enhance service for customers located in the Southwest region of the United States.
“This expansion illustrates why Bergstrom has become a recognized leader in the commercial vehicle heating and cooling industry,” says Bill Gordon, president, Bergstrom Parts LLC. “We will go to great lengths to ensure our customers receive same day or next day delivery of our OEM-quality parts—and the new Rockwall plant is evidence of this.”
Many products offered through BSP come from within Bergstrom Inc. and its various divisions or partner companies.
“Our goal with this effort is really to offer OEM-quality products to these types of work truck applications,” says Bracey. “There are so many determining factors and different types of vehicles within this segment that we want to help customers come up with the right solutions. And, we feel flexibility is the best approach to making that happen.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Find out more about Bergstrom’s products and services, visit www.us.bergstrominc.com/bps.
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: JANUARY 2017 ISSUE
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