Coward Environmental Systems, Inc. (CESI) is installing a second Smardt chiller installation for a major national manufacturer. This expansion reflects a growing trust in CESI’s expertise and Smardt’s performance. The company, which operates multiple facilities across the United States, first partnered with CESI last year after experiencing repeated setbacks with other chiller manufacturers.
Winning Back Trust Through Performance
“This customer had been burned by other manufacturers they’d relied on for years,” explains John Daher, Sales Executive at CESI. “They were finally ready to try someone else, and that’s when they reached out to us. We had several conversations with their headquarters here in Pennsylvania, and together we found the right fit.”
The first Smardt chiller was installed last year and featured multiple compressors to provide redundancy and meet the facility’s cooling needs without compromising efficiency. CESI handled the procurement, delivery, startup, and commissioning.
“We are doing everything from the startup to working out the small issues,” Daher says. “There were some challenges, but we resolved them quickly. This Smardt chiller will be a real asset to this location.”
A Repeat Partnership
Satisfied with the success of the initial installation, the client returned to CESI this year with a need for an additional unit at another plant location. For the second job, the company selected the same Smardt configuration but adapted to new refrigerant standards.
“They told us they had another manufacturing facility and needed a chiller for a different area,” Daher says. “They thought the same chiller we installed earlier would be a perfect match, and it fit within the budget they had. So, we went ahead and bid, and they proceeded with the purchase.”
Transition to an Eco-Friendly Refrigerant
While the first unit used R-134a refrigerant, updated regulations made the phased-out option no longer acceptable for the new installation. CESI recommended Smardt’s proven R-513A solution, which supports lower global warming potential (GWP) and regulatory compliance.
“The old refrigerant, 134a, has been phased out,” Daher explains. “We went with 513A for this new chiller. Smardt has been using this refrigerant for a while, and it’s an easy switch from the old 134 to the new 513. It’s accepted, environmentally friendly, and it was a straightforward adjustment.”
Reliable, Right-Sized Cooling
Like the first installation, the new Smardt unit features redundancy with multiple compressors. At 350 tons, it is considered a smaller chiller by industrial standards, but it meets the performance requirements of the Chicago-area facility it will serve.
“It’s the same size and same configuration as the first one,” says Daher. “We have two compressors, and because it’s a smaller 350-ton chiller, that redundancy gives them the reliability they want.”
Building Long-Term Value
With a second successful project now underway, CESI continues to strengthen its relationship with the client and reinforce the value of Smardt technology in modern manufacturing environments. To learn more about Smardt chillers, contact CESI today.
