ACR Systems

Norberto Morales, CEO of ACR Systems (ACR) found his passion in the mechanical HVAC field in the 1970s. With no formal education, just hands-on experience and an entrepreneurial drive, Morales established Puerto Rico-based ACR in 1979. “ACR started in December 1979 and is now a fully mechanized mechanical and electrical contractor,” reveals Morales. “We are members of the Puerto Rico Mechanical Contractors Association and the ASHRAE PR Chapter of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce.”

Based in Bayamon, Puerto Rico the 35-year-old company delivers mechanical, electrical service and maintenance with an all encompassing in-house approach. “We have the capacity to handle all working facets,” explains Morales. “Our supervisors are qualified and capable of handling any job.”

Process and Practice makes Perfect

ACR has built a trusted reputation by following through on its promises over the past three decades. “We have never defaulted on a contract, nor has any partner of officer of this organization been involved with other entities that have failed to complete a contract, having done jobs for major industrial and manufacturing firms, government entities and private sector clients,” ensures Morales. “We are dedicated to our clients and respond quickly with respect to service and standing behind our work.”

To do so takes a time-tested business model in which all of ACR’s projects – be it mechanical, electrical or maintenance – are estimated, scheduled and controlled by means of critical path management and the latest software. “First, we utilize PowerTrade Estimation for a precise takeoff,” shares Morales. “If a shop drawing is needed, we create them using AutoCAD in combination with DrawTech Ductwork System for time and cost-effective field construction. These programs combined with Primavera SureTrack and Microsoft project programs allows us to keep track of a things all the way through.”

ACR has also established the skillful team needed to carry out jobs quickly, safely and effectively. Today, ACR employs 30 professionals, from engineers to project managers and tradesmen with an eight-person administrative department.

“Our engineers are licensed by State Department and Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimesores de Puerto Rico,” tells Morales. “Our refrigeration technicians are licensed by Junta Examinadora de Technicos de Refrigeration y Aire Acondicionado de Puerto Rico and by the Environmental Protection Agency. Electricians are licensed by the Colegio de Peritos Electricitas de Puerto Rico and all personnel are certified by the Puerto Rico Occupational Safety and Health Academy.”

ACR has a fleet of 21 service and installation vehicles ready to swiftly serve clients. “Each of our technicians has an equipped van, mobile phone with integrated camera to report to the office whenever necessary,” says Morales. In addition to a mobile crew and fully equipped mechanical shop, ACR has refrigerant recovery equipment, testing tools, scaffolding and credit availability with major equipment rental suppliers.

Master Mechanical Contracting

Morales and his team serve clients in the private and public sector throughout the island and other parts of the Caribbean. The company’s mechanical division is split into industrial service and commercial.

The mechanical-industrial arm of ACR operates in the busy industrial manufacturing sector in Puerto Rico, performing HVAC installation and repair of chillers, cooling towers, pump systems, piping, air-handling units, air distribution and ventilation systems, duct systems and air and water balance. ACR also delivers specific design and installation of energy management systems controls and structural design-build bases for mechanical equipment.

Finally, ACR’s electrical division covers the industrial, manufacturing and commercial sectors of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, offering electrical equipment, high, main and secondary feeders, fire alarm and data and phone systems, as well as CCTV and security systems, lighting and underground trenching for electrical feeders.

“ACR has about 60 clients, including some of the most important commercial and industrial companies in the metropolitan area,” notes Morales.

ACR is currently working with clients such as Petco, the American Red Cross, Sam’s Club, Coca-Cola and ROTC. However, the company has also delivered mechanical and electrical projects for some of the area’s most famous libraries, museums and monuments alike.

While Puerto Rico and a portion of the Caribbean comprise ACR’s main market today, Morales has his sights on U.S. expansion. “The future is improving as far as the economy goes,” he reveals. “Our core services continue to make us strong and set ACR apart from the rest but the downturn has made us more aware and even more devoted to our work and clients.”

After a solid 35 years as a mechanical contractor, working as a consultant for general contracting companies, industrial plants, hotels, shopping center developments and small residential service companies, Morales knows what it takes to make it or break it in the industry. With diverse, in-house service, a trusted team and sound processes, ACR Systems continues to dominate the HVAC and refrigeration market in Puerto Rico and beyond.