A United States-based cooling solutions manufacturer, Unico Incorporated, has officially entered the Nigerian market, citing the country’s growing construction sector and rising demand for air conditioning systems as major factors behind the move.
Speaking at the launch of Unico Cooling Systems in Abuja on Thursday, the Owner and Director of Unico System, Scott Intagliata, said Nigeria presents significant opportunities for the company due to its rapidly expanding air conditioning market.
“We think Nigeria is a great market for us. It is one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the world and one of the fastest-growing air conditioning markets globally,” Intagliata said.
According to him, air conditioning products worth about $2.5bn are expected to be sold in Nigeria within the next year.
The company manufactures small-duct, high-velocity central cooling systems, which Intagliata said offer advantages over conventional split air conditioners widely used in the country.
“Our product replaces traditional wall-mounted units with a central system that delivers conditioned air through small outlets. It is quieter, more energy-efficient, removes more moisture from the air, and provides greater comfort in humid environments,” he said.
He added that the system records less than two per cent thermal loss compared to conventional ducted systems, which can lose between 10 and 20 per cent of cooled air.
On affordability, Intagliata said the company had conducted extensive market analysis and would offer its products at prices comparable to existing premium brands in Nigeria.
“We are prepared to bring our products into the market at a price comparable to what other leading brands are offering,” he stated.
He also said the company was establishing a warehouse in Lagos to support operations, with two containers of equipment expected to arrive from the United States in the coming months.
Speaking at the event, the Business Development Manager of WorldProNet Nigeria, Florence Osuji, described the Unico cooling system as durable and energy-efficient.
She said the company was seeking distributors, marketers and promoters to support the expansion of the product across Nigeria.
“We need distribution channels for this product and are inviting interested partners to work with us,” Osuji said.
Also speaking, the Country Manager for Western Africa, Ikechukwu Nkpozi, said Nigeria would serve as the company’s gateway into the African market.
He disclosed that distributors had already been engaged in Lagos and Abuja, while efforts were ongoing to recruit additional partners.
“Unico has been in business for over 30 years in the United States, and many of its installations are still functioning today. We are bringing that same quality and durability to Nigeria,” Nkpozi said.
He added that although the brand is considered a premium product globally, the company had adjusted its pricing strategy to align with prevailing market realities in Nigeria.
“We have done our price analysis and will match prices with comparable brands already operating in the market to ensure seamless penetration,” he said.
The company said it plans to expand from Nigeria into other African countries as part of its broader growth strategy for the continent.