A NEW Managing Director has taken charge of Airedale International Air Conditioning.

Tony Cole has succeeded Clive Parkman in the role for the Airedale Group, which includes bases in Rawdon and Consett in the UK, and in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mr Cole recently served as Airedale International’s Operation’s Director and has been with the cooling specialist company for more than 26 years.

Airedale is part of the Modine Group whose Vice President of Building HVAC, Matt McBurney, said: "Tony has a wealth of experience and has been credited for shaping our manufacturing processes in the UK and South Africa.

"His passion for our principles and values, as well as familiarity with our culture, vision and strong leadership, make him the ideal person to lead the overall strategic development of our business."

He added: "I would like to extend my thanks to Clive for all of his contributions to the business over his years as Managing Director.

"In particular, he demonstrated tremendous leadership throughout the period following the devastating fire that destroyed Airedale’s Leeds operations.

"He has left us in a strong position and with a host of talented people with which to build the Airedale Group’s future."

Mr Cole said: "We have a dedicated, highly-skilled workforce, industry leading manufacturing capabilities, a fantastic culture and strong values that are second to none.

"I look forward to continuing our ambitious plans to grow the business and pioneer innovative, market-leading, British engineered thermal solutions for our customers."

Formed in 1974, Airedale International Air Conditioning has manufacturing bases in three continents and employs nearly 600 people globally.

The firm's Rawdon base was devastated by fire in 2013 but the company built a new, 23,000 square metre facility in its place.

The new site was officially opened by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in May, 2016.