The name FSW may be a relatively new one to the UK AC & R industry, but the business actually celebrated its 50th Anniversary back in 2015 and is now one of the largest refrigeration and air conditioning wholesalers in Ireland and the UK. This comes from very modest beginnings in 1965 when two brothers, Desmond and Brendan Byrne spotted the potential of setting up a company to service the refrigeration market in Ireland. At the time any equipment or parts required for repairs service or installation had to be sourced in England which incurred delays and transport costs. The Fridge Spares legend had begun!
The early days were difficult as Brendan Byrne who was the refrigeration engineer passed away at an early age only a couple of years after the company’s inception. Desmond worked tirelessly during the late 60’s and early 70’s to keep the company moving forward moving premises to allow stock of Craig Nichol cabinets, Wholesale spares etc. Some noticeable additions to items stocked in the early 70s were L’Unite Hermetique (Tecumseh) Flica Valves and Heynen Evaporators.
One of the most notable aspects of the operation at the time was the atmosphere and environment which was at play; consider a time before google had all the answers and communications were infinitely more difficult or even impossible. Engineers of the time had to sort out problems mostly on their own experience or experience gathered from discussions on such issues with fellow engineers. Fridge Spares was a hub for these conversations and the environment was a cordial exchange of knowledge between engineers while having endless cups of tea (no van trackers at play either!) Supplemented with a rather large doses of humour and comradery.
In 1991 Dermot Byrne became the Managing Director and an exceptional phase of growth ensued. The opening of Cork was the first move quickly followed by the opening of a third branch in Belfast. The stock profile also changed while keeping the stalwarts of growth; Danfoss, Friga-Bohn, Copeland were added to the portfolio. Overall warehouse and logistics capacities were radically increased in Ireland to achieve the company expansive ambitions.
Further growth through acquisition via the purchase of a midlands UK wholesaler RPW in 2000 heralded the start of Fridge Spares operations in the UK. The base of RPW was quickly added to by opening a number of new branches but this was only the beginning of the remarkable growth phase to come. Fridge Spares then acquired a company called NRW in the UK which was a perfect fit geographically for Fridge Spares expansion plans in the UK.
Today FSW has 28 Wholesale outlets between Ireland and the UK and also has some complimentary business units like Beacon Engineering which offers bespoke Engineering solutions to complicated refrigeration criteria & ESP which is a specialist supplier of Cabinet spares.
FSW has always kept true to its strong customer focus and strong engineering ethos as keystones to our business model. These elements complimented by an unrivalled wealth of market knowledge and a progressive purchasing policy has solidified its current position as the market leader.
