Green Point UK Launches Practical Compressor Training to Promote Repair Over Replacement
In a refrigeration industry increasingly focused on efficiency and sustainability, Green Point UK, BITZER UK’s compressor remanufacturing and specialist service division, has launched a new initiative aimed at equipping engineers with the practical skills to repair rather than replace. The hands-on training sessions, held at Green Point’s Milton Keynes facility, are designed to demystify the inner workings of screw and reciprocating compressors used in supermarkets, cold storage, data centres and marine vessels.
At the heart of the initiative is a straightforward message: repair, when possible, is better for the environment, reduces costs and minimises downtime. “Our aim is to demystify the compressor and give engineers the skills and confidence to make repairs on site, where possible,” said Will Pribyl, General Manager at Green Point UK. “In many cases, we’re showing engineers how to fix minor issues, like replacing a degraded gasket, that could otherwise lead to full compressor replacements. Repair is better for the environment, better for budgets and ultimately helps reduce downtime.”
A Growing Emphasis on Sustainable Cooling
The refrigeration and air-conditioning sector is under mounting pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. According to the International Institute of Refrigeration, refrigeration is responsible for nearly 20% of global electricity consumption. Extending equipment lifespan through repair and remanufacturing is increasingly viewed as a key part of reducing both energy use and resource demand.
BITZER, a long-established name in compressor technology, has been focusing on remanufacturing and service as part of this shift. Green Point UK’s new training program ties directly into BITZER’s wider sustainability strategy, promoting repair-first thinking among service engineers.
Hands-On Learning for Real-World Challenges
Unlike traditional classroom-based courses, Green Point’s sessions bring engineers face-to-face with real compressors. Each session is structured around a specific fault or component such as oil level controls or valve plates. Engineers learn how to identify damage, assess repairability and make informed decisions about whether a compressor can be fixed on-site or needs remanufacturing.
Will Pribyl emphasised the importance of this practical approach: “It’s about support, education and building the next generation of BITZER engineers. We’re here to help our customers understand our compressors so they can confidently maintain them, spot issues early and understand when to repair, when to replace and how remanufacturing fits into a more sustainable approach.”
The training also includes live demonstrations of Green Point’s remanufacturing process. This strip-down procedure shows participants exactly what goes into reconditioning a compressor to meet BITZER’s standards.
Customer Commitment to Quality Service
The program has already been piloted with several companies, including Ernest West & Beynon, a firm specialising in marine refrigeration services. Andrei Stefancu, Technical Director at Ernest West & Beynon, said, “The recent visit to Green Point UK further exemplifies Ernest West & Beynon’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service to our Marine Service Network customers. By equipping our team with up-to-date skills in servicing BITZER compressors, we uphold the highest standards of quality. This visit provided invaluable hands-on experience with the complete servicing of both screw and piston compressor technologies. We were particularly impressed by Green Point’s extensive technical knowledge and rigorous procedures.”
For firms like Ernest West & Beynon, these skills translate directly into better service for end-users, from shipping lines to supermarket chains. Compressors that might once have been automatically replaced after a fault are now candidates for repair, reducing both environmental impact and operational costs.
Remanufacturing as Part of a Circular Economy
Green Point UK’s initiative is part of a broader industry movement toward circular economy principles, where products and components are kept in use for as long as possible. Compressor remanufacturing, which involves stripping down and rebuilding compressors to original standards, plays a significant role in this shift.
According to industry research from the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE), increasing the service life of refrigeration equipment by just a few years can lead to notable reductions in carbon emissions across its lifecycle. With this in mind, training engineers to spot early signs of wear and carry out field repairs is more than just a technical skill – it is a step towards more responsible resource management.
Supporting a Skilled Workforce
One of the quieter challenges facing the refrigeration sector is a skills gap, particularly in hands-on engineering roles. Green Point’s program tackles this by providing accessible, relevant training for working technicians. By focusing on real-world faults and repairs, rather than theory-heavy lessons, the initiative aims to make a practical difference.
Green Point UK’s training initiative is ongoing, with sessions open to refrigeration contractors and service technicians who maintain systems across a variety of sectors.
For those interested in participating, Green Point UK encourages companies to register their interest directly. Further details are available by calling 01908 622125 or emailing sales@greenpointuk.co.uk.
