Gerry Tobin (left) with Warren Smyth, technical sales engineer for Ireland at Giacomini.
In 1973, Gerry Tobin, now managing director of Davies Ireland, began trading with Alberto Giacomini in Frankfurt. Over the subsequent 45 years the relationship evolved as Mr Tobin took on new challenges with roles in different companies, but he always stayed loyal to Giacomini.
The biannual awards, with representatives from all countries that Giacomini has a presence in, thanks customers for their commitment and loyalty to the business. The ceremony took place in Desenzano del Garda, Italy, and Mr Tobin was invited as a guest of Giacomini UK.
All guests at the awards had the opportunity to explore Giacomini’s facilities, with a guided tour of the stamping and forging plant of Castelnuovo del Gardain Verona. This was followed by a tour of the Ferrari factory in Maranello.
The latest development in the partnership will see Giacomini’s components becoming more readily available to the Irish market. Davies is now stocking the companies’ UFH range to supply its customers with a premium range of comprehensive heating packages.
Matt Lowe, managing director of Giacomini UK, commented: “Giacomini has long enjoyed a relationship with Gerry Tobin, and now Davies Ireland. Ireland is a key market for Giacomini and we are working hard to strengthen our offering with the ROI. The partnership with Davies is a great way for us to unite with a leading plumbing supplier and to give Irish customers access to our products.”
Underfloor heating requires lower flow temperature than traditional heating systems, which means it complements energy efficient systems such as air source heat pumps (ASHPs). Teaming Giacomini’s premium underfloor heating systems with Davies existing ASHPs and gas condensing boiler ranges provides a great opportunity to develop the UFH domestic and light commercial sectors further in the Republic of Ireland.
Mr Tobin said: “Giacomini has a fantastic reputation within the industry for having leading products and innovative technology driving that forward. I’ve always enjoyed working with the company so it was a pleasure to be invited to Italy for the awards.”
Giacomini’s products are available to view at the new Davies trade counter in Sallynoggin, Dublin. The working underfloor heating display within the premises provides both heating to the trade counter and allows customers to observe the complete system.