Calatherm is proud to supply HVAC Units and Control Panels to Dennis Eagle’s innovative refuse collection vehicles. Distributed across Europe and Australia, these vehicles are designed to maintain the required cabin temperature in both extreme hot and cold operating conditions.
Dennis Eagle is the UK’s leading manufacturer of refuse collection vehicles (RCVs), supplying around 85% of the UK market. Since 1895, the company has combined over 130 years of engineering expertise with a focus on safety, reliability, and operational performance, designing complete vehicle solutions including low-entry chassis, waste collection bodies, and advanced bin lifting systems.
As Dennis Eagle has expanded globally, thermal management has become increasingly dependent on understanding the complete vehicle system rather than a single component. Different climates, operating conditions, and regional regulations require solutions that are engineered specifically for each application while maintaining consistent vehicle performance across global markets.
As Tim Pritchard, Design Engineer at Dennis Eagle, explains:
“The understanding of our product is essential. A refuse collection vehicle is not a commercial vehicle or a regular car. It has a large cab with extensive glazing, creating a high solar load, and our user case is quite unique.”
Our relationship credentials
Customer: Dennis Eagle
Application: Innovative refuse collection vehicle
Calatherm solution: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, Vents and a Control Module
Key priorities: Operator comfort, machine performance, reliability and product conformity
Partnership length: Over 20 years
Technical support: System simulation, HVAC sizing and environmental test chamber access, standardised test support
HVAC Performance Across Global Temperature Ranges
For Dennis Eagle, supporting both European and Australian vehicle programmes requires an HVAC solution that can adapt to different climates, regulations, and operating requirements without redesigning the complete system.
Calatherm’s scalable HVAC range is engineered to transition efficiently between different specifications, allowing the same thermal architecture to be configured for different ambient temperatures, vehicle variants, and customer requirements. This reduces development time, simplifies integration, and provides a validated solution across multiple markets.
The benefit is a single engineering approach that delivers consistent thermal performance, supports global vehicle platforms, and gives manufacturers the flexibility to move between regional specifications with confidence.
Tim expresses:
“What Calatherm supplies absolutely meets our requirements, and I don’t think many other suppliers would be able to provide that level of support. It is a completely bespoke and unique relationship.”
This capability only serves to demonstrate the importance of appropriate engineering expertise and the breadth of HVAC solutions required to support manufacturers as programmes evolve across international markets.
Calatherm Test Chamber Support
As part of a new vehicle development programme, Dennis Eagle has used Calatherm’s environmental test chambers to develop, validate, and confirm the heating and cooling performance of its RCVs before production. The chambers provide a controlled environment where thermal systems can be tested against real operating conditions, ensuring performance is validated against customer and market requirements.
Tim highlights:
“Their expertise in the field is perfect for our size of business. We have worked alongside Calatherm to develop test standards for our vehicles, ensuring our heating and cooling performance meets customer requirements.”
Rather than testing against generic performance criteria, Calatherm worked collaboratively with Dennis Eagle to develop test standards based on the vehicle’s intended operating requirements. This approach ensures thermal performance is measured against how the vehicle will be used in service, giving both engineering teams a clear benchmark for validation before vehicles reach the customer.
Tim reflects on how Calatherm supported Dennis Eagle throughout the development and standardisation of the testing process:
“I’ve asked multiple questions about technical challenges and the response is consistently prompt, helpful, and knowledgeable.”
This collaborative testing process demonstrates how Calatherm swiftly supports OEMs beyond component supply – providing the technical expertise, validation capability, and environmental testing required to develop thermal management systems that meet defined customer performance requirements.
What do you look for in a partner?
Graham Park, Procurement Manager, concludes:
“We rely on on-time delivery, quality products and technical support. I would recommend Calatherm to other businesses on these fundamentals: support, efficiency, friendliness and professionalism.”
The partnership between Dennis Eagle and Calatherm reflects the technical expertise that exists across the Calatherm business and the collaborative engineering approach we bring to every programme. By working closely with customers from concept through to production, we develop thermal management solutions that are tailored to the application, supported by responsive technical knowledge, and designed to perform in demanding real-world operating environments.
Calatherm’s Perspective
Calatherm works with manufacturers to develop thermal management solutions for off-highway vehicles, construction machinery and other specialist applications.
From initial system calculations and component selection to environmental testing and production supply, Calatherm can support your project throughout its development.
Contact the Calatherm team to discuss your heating, cooling or vehicle HVAC requirements.
Testimonials
Dennis Eagle
Graham Park & Tim Pritchard
Procurement Manager & Design Engineer
Calatherm has supplied bespoke HVAC systems to Dennis Eagle, the UK's leading refuse collection vehicle manufacturer, for over 20 years. Hear from their team on why it's "a completely bespoke and unique relationship."
Thwaites
Andy Sabin
General Sales Manager
Calatherm are proud to supply heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for Thwaites’ 6-tonne and 9-tonne cabbed dumpers. The systems are designed to maintain operator comfort while supporting reliable machine performance in demanding working environments.
