Stiebel Eltron has agreed a partnership deal with Leicester-based renewable energy distributor Underfloor Warehouse (UFW).
Stiebel Eltron, which has offices in 72 countries and a global turnover of more than €475m, will supply ground and air source heat pump technology to the independent distributor.

Mark McManus, managing director of Stiebel Eltron UK, said the partnership would lead to 'substantial growth' for the business. He said: 'Geographically this gives us much better coverage and offers a wealth of business development opportunities in the East Midlands and East Anglia. Underfloor Warehouse currently sells 80 to 100 heat pumps every month - a fantastic figure which is continuing to grow.

'This also demonstrates the ambition of Stiebel Eltron UK to work alongside and partner with the big names in the renewable energy industry. It is further testament to the standard of our products and our standing as one of the world's premier manufacturers of low carbon, green energy heat pumps. In March we reported our best month for sales since launching the UK arm of Stiebel Eltron in 2007, and our strategy for growth remains exciting.'

Underfloor Warehouse is a specialist in providing renewable energy systems in private homes, commercial premises and public buildings such as schools and hospitals across the UK. These systems also include solar PV, solar thermal and rainwater harvesting.

As part of the deal, Stiebel Eltron's new East Midlands specification manager Chris Johnson will be supporting the Underfloor Warehouse's Leicester HQ, where he will work on expanding both companies' share in the region's renewable energy market.

Mr McManus added: 'This is a great fit for Stiebel Eltron and we are delighted to be working with an industry power brand in Underfloor Warehouse, which is one of the biggest distributors of heat pumps in the UK with a very high level of technical expertise,' he said. 'They ensure quality throughout the company, from the level of service they provide to the expert training given to staff.

'The company has a brand new training room facility which will allow installers to get practical hands on experience with our products. They will be training to use Stiebel Eltron products with qualified Underfloor Warehouse staff, which will add a huge level of technical competence and support. There is also 2,000ft sq permanent exhibition centre for installers and property owners to visit, in which Stiebel Eltron is now one of the leading display brands.'

Nigel Parkes, Underfloor Warehouse managing director, said: 'We are excited about this new partnership with Stiebel Eltron, especially as they fully understand and have identified that integrated Renewable Energy Systems need to be correctly designed and supported.

'Our team is highly skilled and qualified to ensure the system meets the customer's requirements. The UFW technical team will approach every scheme on an individual basis and offer the most appropriate product for the project.

'One of the major issues in the renewables market place is that a number of merchants have decided to enter this sector believing they could offer the same service level as if they were supplying a traditional heating system, quoting both professional installers and consumers the same price.

However, renewable systems need complete design understanding and extensive technical backup to ensure full compatibility and efficient running parameters.'