Bitzer will wage war on product piracy by taking a more proactive approach to dealing with counterfeiters, particularly in Asia where the problem is more acute.
The company has seen an increase in product piracy worldwide covering compressors, spare parts and pressure vessels.
It is a problem that negatively impacts the entire industry including refrigerant manufacturers.
Unlike counterfeit watches or handbags, technical applications can be very dangerous when pirated because products of poor technical quality are used.
“Aside from safety, the issue of performance clearly takes centre stage, as it plays a key role in the customer’s purchasing decision,” Bitzer said in a statement.
“It is especially bad in Asia where unscrupulous product counterfeiters even copy the catalogue data of Bitzer compressors, which misleads buyers. Low quality components significantly reduce both the service life and reliability of equipment during operation.
“Poorly constructed components cannot withstand the high demands and will likely experience limited functioning after a short period of time or be completely defective and require repair.”
In addition to complete compressors, Bitzer warned about copied spare parts and the use of fake refrigerants.
Bitzer’s Green Point offices are expert contact representatives when it comes to issues of compressor repair. They provide customers worldwide with professional support and can optimally monitor the entire life cycle of its compressors and pressure vessels all over the world.
“Be wary of accepting unusually cheap offers for compressors, spare parts or refrigerants,” Bitzer said.