UK: Reflok, the company behind the mechanical aluminium pipe jointing system, has been closed down due to problems in the US.

The company’s US office in Meridian, Idaho, along with the Reflok Europe office in South Cerney, Gloucestershire, closed this week.

Howard Noble, md of Reflok Europe, the wholly-owned subsidiary of US company Reflok Inc, told the Cooling Post that the closure affected all of its businesses and followed problems with the product and installations in the USA.

Clearly saddened by the situation, Howard Noble said “It’s deeply frustrating and really annoying when the product is so good.”

Requiring no heat, the Reflok system had been gaining acceptance as a safe cost-effective, leak-tight, aluminium pipeline connection system for air conditioning and refrigeration systems. In particular its system of precision compression pipe couplings and specially produced VRF components was revolutionising the installation of VRF systems. They had already been cleared for use by two of the world’s largest air conditioning manufacturers Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric.

The parent company in the US, which was responsible for the majority of group sales, is said to have experienced issues with the standard of installations carried out and the application of USA specific products that led to leakages. The scale of the problem was such that the company has been forced to shut its doors.

“We didn’t adopt the problem products, especially the type of gasket used in the US,” said Howard Noble. “We have never had any issues with the copper gaskets we have continued to use in Europe and elsewhere.”

An email to UK customers earlier this week said “Unfortunately Reflok worldwide has closed for business and the European office is shut.” It referred any short-term parts requirements to Jon Shipman on 07831 239239.

“Our main concern is to support customers,” said Howard Noble. “Our wholesalers Dean & Wood and FSW still have good stock availability.”