It is with heavy hearts that the VASA board must announce the passing of Peter Yee, managing director of compressor manufacturer Unicla International Limited, who died peacefully in Hong Kong on 7th May 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He had been battling an illness diagnosed just over a year ago. Peter’s legacy in the … Continue reading Vale Peter Yee
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC)’s 2024/25 summer ‘Look for The Tick’ campaign resultes in significant increases in consumer engagement, with website visits increasing 62.66 per cent over the previous year to 136,000. Licence checks through this service jumped by 58.75 per cent to nearly 13,000 checks completed this year alone, while more than 18,500 business … Continue reading Look for The Tick uptick
Industry leaders and organisations are sounding alarms about a deepening skills shortage in the automotive sector, although there are glimmers of hope. According to Capricorn group CEO Brad Gannon, half of the automotive co-op’s members identified finding skilled staff and apprentices as their biggest business challenge. The shortage has persisted for more than a decade, … Continue reading Skills shortage insights
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has called for NSW Fair Trading to rethink a proposal that would prohibit trained and qualified light vehicle technicians from servicing or repairing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) unless they complete an additional mandatory course. Outlined in a draft Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), sweeping restrictions on the automotive repair industry … Continue reading NSW must rethink EV repair proposal: AAAA
With just weeks to go until Autocare 2025, Australia’s largest education-led automotive convention is shaping up to deliver huge value for professionals across the aftermarket sector. The two-day event, running 20-21 June at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, promises to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges head-on, such as electrification and AI integration, workforce … Continue reading Autocare 2025 fast approaching!
Join REDARC managing director Anthony Kittel for an exclusive tour of Australian advanced manufacturing at its best. You are invited to Adelaide this August for an insider’s look at the cutting-edge REDARC Electronics manufacturing facility hosted by none other than company owner and MD Anthony Kittel. Following a light lunch served at REDARC Electronics HQ … Continue reading Tickets on sale: REDARC Factory Tour + Training + Awards Dinner in Adelaide on August 29
A 68-year-old man from St. Louis, Missouri, has been sentenced to prison for orchestrating a Ponzi scheme involving the trade of ozone-depleting R-22 refrigerant. Robert F. Rothluebbers was convicted of wire fraud after admitting to running the scheme from October 2014 to May 2017, during which he defrauded unsuspecting investors of $350,000. Rothluebbers solicited investments, … Continue reading Jail for man behind US R22 Ponzi scheme
Sunswap, the pioneering British manufacturer of zero-emission transport refrigeration systems, has expanded its operations with the opening of a new production facility in Leatherhead, Surrey. This move comes as the company experiences increasing demand for its solar and battery-powered refrigeration units across the UK and Europe. The new facility will produce Sunswap’s “Endurance” transport refrigeration … Continue reading New factory for British solar reefer firm
The 2025 Brisbane Truck Show (May 15-18) looks likely to have an increased focus on electric axles (e-axles), which have the potential to boost the efficiency and environmental performance of both truck and trailer setups – especially for refrigerated transport. Since a handful of e-axle technologies were showcased at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show (the … Continue reading Trucks with e-axles to proliferate
As the cost of regulated high-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants continues to rise and supply diminishes, the illegal trade in these substances is becoming an increasingly pressing global issue. Regular SightGlass readers will have seen how smugglers exploit weaknesses in customs enforcement and bypass security measures, creating a grey market where refrigerants are sold at … Continue reading The world is still combating illegal refrigerants
