Commercial partnership
Fresh from winning both the Red Dot and IF Design Awards in 2025 and trusted to deliver unrivaled performance, TCL’s R290 Trithermal ATW Heat Pump represents the pinnacle of heat pump innovation. Through Platmech’s exclusive partnership, this world-leading technology is now available for the first time in Ireland.
Ireland’s drive toward sustainable housing and commercial development is placing new demands on heating technology. Rising energy costs and ambitious climate targets mean developers and consultants alike need solutions that balance performance, reliability and value. Through its exclusive partnership with TCL, Platmech is bringing precisely that solution to the Irish market.
TCL – A global manufacturing powerhouse
Operating in more than 160 countries, with a turnover of $43.5billion and over 135,000 employees worldwide, TCL is one of the world’s leading technology companies. Its scale, advanced R&D capability and precision manufacturing span sectors from display technology and consumer electronics to HVAC.
This expertise comes together in the R290 Tri-Thermal ATW Heat Pump, a system that embodies engineering excellence, climate conscious design and outstanding performance.
Platmech: Irish expertise with global backing
Platmech is an Irish-owned company, formerly Platinum Air Conditioning, which has built its reputation over more than a decade on delivering high quality HVAC solutions and maintaining long-term client trust.
The rebrand signals a bold expansion backed by fresh capital investment, a strengthened board featuring industry leaders Kevin Stanley, Gerry McDonagh and Eoin O’Donoghue, and the exclusive partnership with TCL. Developers and consultants benefit from world-class technology, while knowing they have local accountability and Irish expertise on the ground.
“TCL sets a new benchmark for heat pump performance and design, and through Platmech that technology is now within reach for Irish projects. Our rebrand reflects a commitment to combining world-class innovation with local expertise, so our clients gain the best in performance, efficiency and support.” — Donal Somers, Managing Director, Platmech
Engineered excellence
In June 2025, the Platmech team visited TCL’s state-of-the-art factory in Zhongshan, China, to witness first-hand the precision engineering behind these systems. Unlike most heat pump brands that outsource key components, TCL manufactures practically all critical elements inhouse, including inverter boards, control software and motor systems.
This vertical integration ensures tight quality control and delivers measurable gains in reliability, consistency and lifecycle performance. Independent testing in Irish conditions
has confirmed superb results in performance and quiet operation.
Cross-sector innovation
TCL’s expertise across multiple industries is directly evident in its heat pump design. Motor algorithms originally developed for washing machines regulate airflow, PCB designs from its television division drive advanced inverter boards and acoustic engineering knowledge from its audio products ensures whisperquiet operation. This cross-pollination at industrial scale enhances performance at every level.
For home owners, it means faster heat-up times and more consistent comfort. For consultants and specifiers, it means a proven record of applied engineering that reduces risk.
Future-ready, built to order
Every TCL heat pump is produced through a cloud-connected, built-to order system. This process eliminates waste, adapts instantly to shifting market needs and ensures each unit incorporates the latest refinements from R&D.
For larger projects, systems can be interconnected. Software updates are delivered remotely through TCL’s IoT Service Platform, giving developers and building managers confidence in long-term adaptability. As building regulations evolve toward stricter efficiency targets, these updates ensure systems remain compliant without hardware changeouts.
Natural refrigerant advantage
At the heart of the TCL Tri-Thermal ATW Heat Pump is R290, a natural refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential under 3. Unlike legacy refrigerants such as R32 and R410A, which remain common in heat pumps, R290 is not classified as an F-Gas, making it far more climate friendly and fully aligned with future EU regulation.
For developers, this ensures projects built today will not face retrofits or regulatory penalties in the next decade. For consultants, it provides confidence that designs are future-proof. The system also achieves SCOP ratings above 5.0, delivering efficiency, lower running costs and genuine sustainability benefits.
Proven value for projects
These advantages are delivered at a highly competitive price point. This is achieved through TCL’s manufacturing economies combined with Platmech’s lean, digital-first distribution model.For developers, it means a clear cost advantage over existing competition without compromise on quality, ensuring stronger margins.
Lower running costs, fewer call-backs and improved EPC ratings further strengthen the business case. For specifiers, it provides confidence that systems are built to the highest quality, backed by both world-class engineering and local Irish expertise.
An Olympic-standard partnership
As a Worldwide Olympic Partner, TCL is recognised on the global stage for excellence, scale and performance. Through its exclusive partnership with Platmech, that same commitment now supports the future of sustainable heating solutions in Ireland. For developers and specifiers, it provides access to reliable, highquality technology delivered with the assurance of a trusted Irish partner.
For further information on TCL products, distributed in Ireland by Platmech, contact:
T: +353 (0)1 662 4578
For more information visit www.platmech.ie
