Case Study

Huel – Renewed HVAC Hire Solution for Summer 2026

Overview

Client: Huel Ltd, UK

Industry: Food Manufacturing / Plant-Based Nutrition

Presence: HVAC Hire Solution for Seasonal Cooling

Project Overview: Huel has renewed its HVAC hire solution with Newsome for Summer 2026, continuing a proven system that maintains stable temperatures across its mezzanine production areas during peak heat. The setup delivers reliable cooling, supports product quality and staff comfort, and allows the site to meet high production demand without disruption or redesign.

Following the successful deployment of a temporary HVAC solution during previous summers, Newsome was once again selected by Huel to provide cooling support for their production facility in 2026.

 

The original installation proved highly effective in maintaining stable environmental conditions across the mezzanine-level production areas during periods of elevated ambient temperatures. As a result, the system has been renewed for continued use, forming part of Huel’s ongoing seasonal cooling strategy. With production demand remaining high and temperature control continuing to play a critical role in both product quality and staff wellbeing, the requirement for a reliable and scalable cooling solution remains essential.

 

By renewing the existing system, Huel has been able to maintain continuity, avoid reconfiguration and ensure that proven equipment continues to deliver consistent performance during peak summer conditions.

A Proven Cooling Strategy

The original solution was designed following a detailed assessment of the site’s layout and cooling requirements. While the initial request was for a reduced number of air handling units, Newsome identified that this would not provide sufficient coverage or capacity during peak conditions. Instead, a more robust configuration was implemented to ensure full coverage of the mezzanine production area and maintain stable temperatures across the entire space.

This approach has now been validated through continued operation, with the system delivering reliable performance across multiple summer periods. The decision to renew the solution for 2026 reflects both its effectiveness and its alignment with the operational needs of the site.

System Configuration

The renewed system continues to utilise a combination of a packaged process chiller and multiple air handling units to deliver consistent and evenly distributed cooling.

The system includes:

1 x NR-120 packaged chiller, delivering up to 116.1 kW of cooling capacity

4 x NR-AHU50 vertical air handling units, each capable of delivering 69 kW of cooling

This configuration ensures that cooling is distributed effectively across the mezzanine level, preventing localised hotspots and maintaining consistent environmental conditions throughout the production area.

NR-120 Process Chiller Performance

At the centre of the system is the NR-120 air-cooled process chiller, designed to operate efficiently within demanding production environments.

The unit incorporates scroll compressors operating on R410A refrigerant, along with an integrated shell and tube evaporator and built-in circulation pumps. Its design allows it to operate across a wide ambient temperature range, ensuring consistent performance even during peak summer conditions. With an energy efficiency ratio of 3.87 and compliance with Ecodesign requirements, the chiller continues to provide efficient and reliable cooling to support ongoing production.

Air Handling and Distribution

The four NR-AHU50 vertical air handling units remain strategically positioned across the mezzanine level to optimise airflow and temperature distribution. These units are designed for environments where space is limited but performance is critical. Their compact footprint allows them to be installed without disrupting production, while their high airflow capacity ensures effective cooling across the entire area.

Each unit is equipped with inverter-driven EC fans, allowing airflow to be adjusted dynamically in response to changing conditions. Integrated sensors and control systems ensure that temperature and humidity are maintained within the required range, supporting both product integrity and staff comfort.

Continued Performance and Operational Benefits

The system has now been operating successfully across multiple summer periods, delivering consistent performance even during high ambient temperatures exceeding 30°C.

By renewing the system for 2026, Huel benefits from:

  • Proven reliability, with equipment that has already demonstrated consistent performance
  • Stable temperature control, supporting production processes and product quality
  • Improved working conditions, maintaining a comfortable environment for staff
  • Efficient operation, reducing energy consumption while maintaining output
  • Minimal disruption, with no requirement for redesign or reinstallation

The distributed nature of the system ensures that cooling is applied evenly, reducing the risk of temperature variation across the production area.

Supporting Ongoing Production Growth

As Huel continues to expand its production capabilities, maintaining environmental control remains a key requirement. The renewed HVAC hire solution provides the flexibility needed to support ongoing operations without committing to permanent infrastructure changes. This approach allows the site to adapt to seasonal demands while maintaining consistent performance across all production areas.

By retaining the existing system, Huel has been able to build on a proven solution, ensuring continuity and reducing risk during critical operational periods.

Conclusion

The renewal of the HVAC hire solution for Summer 2026 demonstrates the value of a well-designed, scalable approach to temporary cooling. What began as a seasonal requirement has evolved into an ongoing strategy, supporting production across multiple years.

Newsome continues to provide reliable, high-performance cooling solutions tailored to the specific needs of food manufacturing environments. By combining proven equipment with ongoing support, we ensure that our clients can maintain stable conditions, protect product quality and support their teams during periods of high demand.

For businesses looking to implement flexible, repeatable cooling strategies, Newsome offers the expertise and equipment required to deliver consistent results year after year.