Cooling Solutions Key for Savings, Reduced Emissions

Q: What is the importance of an efficient cooling solution in ensuring process functionality and energy savings and what makes Thermal Care the best option for this?

A: Cooling solutions can be categorized into two main areas: people and process cooling. In the case of process cooling, Thermal Care offers tailored solutions, which is a key differentiator. Instead of forcing the product to fit the need, we design solutions that specifically address each requirement, much like a custom-tailored suit.

Within this tailored approach, there are two standout features. The first is free cooling, which prioritizes energy savings by leveraging ambient conditions. If the ambient temperature allows, compressors are not required. However, in hotter environments, like northern Mexico, compressors must be used. The second feature is dynamic lift cooling, which minimizes energy           consumption by efficiently utilizing available resources. Successfully managing these features make Thermal Care the preferred choice for process cooling.     

Q: Which industries have benefitted the most from Thermal Care’s solutions?     

A: In Mexico, Thermal Care has dominated the plastics industry, where we have benefited from over 50 years of strong representation through specialized distributors. However, my current focus is to expand our presence across other key industries.

Thermal Care’s customized solutions are already present in around 50 industries, including steel processing, thermal treatments, laser cutting, ice rinks, distilled beverage production (e.g., beer and wine), fermentation, oil and extract production (both medicinal and recreational, including THC and CBD), and pharmaceuticals.          

Q: What specific challenges or opportunities has Thermal Care encountered in adapting its process heating and cooling solutions for the diverse manufacturing and industrial landscape in Mexico?

A: A key challenge is that businesses often underestimate the importance of auxiliary equipment, like heating and cooling systems, during initial planning. This can lead to mismatched capacities, such as overestimating or underestimating cooling needs, due to changes in the number of machines installed or production line expansions over time.

Thermal Care addresses this by providing assessments to determine whether a facility is experiencing insufficient or excessive cooling. Our solutions are not only designed to meet current needs but also to anticipate future growth or adjustments. 

Q: What role will data centers play in Thermal Care’s client portfolio, and how is the company preparing to address this need?

A: Data storage is a critical industry, and we are fully prepared to support its cooling needs. Fluid cooling systems, also known as hydronic  systems, are 20 times more efficient than air-based solutions. The industry is moving toward innovative technologies, such as fluid or gel cooling for servers, which provide even greater efficiency. We are closely monitoring the industry’s evolution to ensure we remain at the forefront of data center cooling solutions.

Q: How does Thermal Care ensure its high-quality standards are maintained, while catering to the specific regulatory and environmental requirements in Mexico?      

A: In Mexico, we collaborate with certification bodies to meet and exceed regulatory standards. While ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are critical benchmarks, ISO 50001 is particularly challenging for the Mexican industrial landscape. This certification involves establishing an energy baseline, identifying variables, and implementing solutions to reduce energy consumption.

Our corporate offices in the United States and Italy ensure compliance with North American and European standards. Locally, we are aligning with new initiatives, such as a recently established energy efficiency association. This platform allows us to partner with certification organizations and clients to drive meaningful progress in energy management and sustainability.

Q: What are the goals of the company’s recently established energy efficiency college?                          

A: The goal of this college is to address gaps in energy efficiency expertise by fostering collaboration between academia and industry. Through partnerships with companies, we aim to offer scholarships and opportunities for employees to pursue degrees or master’s programs in energy efficiency.

A unique aspect of this initiative is its focus on practical application. Each participant will complete a project that directly impacts their organization’s energy performance. After its successful implementation, they will receive a diploma, combining academic and operational value. One of the key challenges we have identified is the difficulty of assembling multidisciplinary internal teams to manage legal, technical, administrative, and fiscal aspects of energy projects. This college will provide structured guidance and tools to empower these teams, enabling them to present actionable proposals to corporate leadership.

Q: What challenges and opportunities are there in cultivating specialized talent for energy efficiency initiatives?

A: There is a shortage of skilled industrial technicians, particularly in energy efficiency. To address this, we are forming alliances with technical schools offering dual-education models that combine classroom instruction with job training.

Our objective is to elevate technicians from high school-level qualifications to bachelor’s degrees, addressing the immediate need for qualified personnel. In addition to fostering a culture of good practices, we emphasize concrete actions and investments in cutting-edge technologies to ensure industries are prepared for a more energy-efficient future.

Q: What are the company’s objectives for 2025?

A: From an energy efficiency perspective, we aim to introduce approximately 1,000tons. of cooling capacity into the market. This will be achieved through the replacement of outdated equipment, the adoption of low-global-warming-potential refrigerants, and optimizing existing           systems for improved efficiency.

We are also focused on strengthening our presence in industry associations and maintaining close collaboration with clients. By actively engaging in these initiatives, we can better support our customers’ projects and contribute to Mexico’s broader energy efficiency goals.

Thermal Care is a leading manufacturer of process heating and cooling solutions, providing high-quality, ISO 9001-certified equipment for industries worldwide since 1969.