Fantech’s Chairman Jack Pirie is one of nine men to be inducted into the ARBS Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognises outstanding service, contribution and commitment to the HVAC & R industry. Inductees were announced at the ARBS Gala Dinner held in the Parkside Ballroom at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13 April, 2010.

“I was delighted to be among the first inductees to the Hall of Fame,” Jack said. “But at the same time it is very humbling because there are so many others in the industry who have contributed as much, and more than I have, and I would dearly love to see those people recognised in the future.”

Each of the six members of ARBS was invited to select two names for the Hall of Fame. The nominated individuals must have served a minimum of 25 years in the industry and may have retired or passed on. They should also have a well documented performance record of working tirelessly to further the industry and its endeavours with demonstrable achievements being of benefit to the industry.

Jack was nominated by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), along with CIBSE ANZ region founder John Tyerman. Other inductees include: James Harrison, Denis Joseph, Greg Groppenbacher, Kevin Noyes, Allan G. Coombs, Brian Stapleton and Doug Staniforth.

‘It’s a real honour to be among some of our industry greats,” Jack said. “I knew all their names and the work that they did.”

From his early days as a student and lecturer at the National College for Heating Ventilating, Refrigeration and Fan Engineering in London, Jack has shown a willingness to share his knowledge and passion for the industry.

He introduced the Airscrew Weyroc, Multi-Wing, EBM, Ziehl Abegg and Rosenberg products to Australasia, and later began designing and developing new and improved products for Air & Noise Equipment, a company formed with Glen Harries and Charlie Sutherland. The products became the cornerstone of Fantech as the company was later renamed.

Aside from his innovation, Jack has continually given back to the industry, serving on the AIRAH committee, CIBSE ANZ regional committee and on the Board of the ARBS exhibition.