Sotek Engineering Ltd – Evaporative Air Cooling in CNC Manufacturing

Sotek Engineering experienced high workshop temperatures, which not only caused staff discomfort but also raised machinery temperatures, potentially affecting operational efficiency. 

The company required a solution that could cool both the workspace and equipment efficiently and cost-effectively, without committing to permanent air conditioning. 

  • Company: Sotek Engineering Ltd  |
  • Industry / Sector: Manufacturing – Engineering – CNC  |
  • Location: Newton Abbot  |
  • Contact: Steve Brown

Why McCarthy Hire?

Sotek Engineering decided to trial an evaporative air cooler to assess how effectively it could manage heat in the workshop, compared with purchasing a fixed air conditioning system.

They hired a single unit for over one month and deployed it to cool the entire workshop.

The Solution

  • Cooler Model: MC 400 Air Cooler
  • Hire Period: 1 month+
  • Deployment: One unit cooled the entire workshop

The MC400C’s high airflow and large water capacity resulted in a noticeable drop in temperature throughout the workshop, improving employee comfort and machinery performance.

“High temperatures, increased machinery temperatures, staff discomfort.” - Steve Brown, Sotek Engineering Ltd

Results & Impact

After installation, the benefits were immediate and measurable:

  • Cooler Workshop: Staff noticed a significant improvement in temperature throughout the space.

  • Strong Unit Performance: The cooler ran reliably throughout the hire period, effectively managing the workshop environment.

  • Staff Feedback: Operators appreciated the cooler, although noted that the unit could be bulky during delivery periods.

“A great supplier to work with, the process was seamless and the gentleman delivering was very polite and helpful. The equipment was of good quality and ran without issue throughout. I can’t thank McCarthy anymore for allowing us to test the system.” – Steve Brown 

Considerations & Learnings

While the hire proved highly effective, Sotek Engineering noted that the cost was slightly outside their price range for permanent adoption. However, the trial allowed the team to experience the benefits firsthand and evaluate how portable cooling could support their workflow.

Key Takeaways

  • Evaporative air coolers are highly effective for large workshop spaces, even with a single unit.
  • Portable hire options provide a low-risk way to trial cooling solutions before investing.
  • McCarthy Hire delivers high-quality equipment, flexible hire terms and excellent customer support, ensuring smooth implementation in industrial environments.
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