If you manage an industrial facility, this is the nightmare scenario: a freak weather event hits, and suddenly, your entire operation grinds to a halt. That’s exactly what happened at Mobis when a severe hailstorm caused the roof to cave in. The weight of the hail didn’t just damage the structure; it triggered a fire that resulted in millions in losses.
In the wake of that disaster, Mobis had a choice: rebuild with the same kind of system that failed them… or do things differently. That’s when they were pointed our way.
We design and install lightweight, high-performance natural ventilation systems, the kind that can handle the real world. No moving parts. No unnecessary load on the roof. Just smart airflow that keeps heat and fumes out of your facility.
In this case study, you’ll see exactly how we helped Mobis recover from disaster, reduce future risk, and create a cooler, safer environment, without relying on bulky mechanical systems.
The storm didn’t give much warning. When it hit, it hit hard.
A severe hailstorm swept through the region, pounding the Mobis facility with enough force and weight to cause catastrophic damage. The roof couldn’t handle it. The structure gave way under the pressure of the hail, and the collapse sparked a fire that spread quickly.
By the time it was under control, the damage was done. Production was at a standstill. The facility had suffered millions in losses.
It wasn’t just about fixing the roof. It was about rebuilding smarter. Mobis needed a solution that could reduce the risk of failure in the future.
They needed something lighter. Something tougher. Something that wouldn’t add stress to a roof already pushed to its limits by the demands of industrial operations and unpredictable weather.
That’s when they came looking for a better way forward.
Mobis couldn’t afford to make the same mistake twice. After the fire and roof collapse, every decision about the rebuild came under scrutiny.
One thing was clear: weight had become a critical factor. Mobis needed a ventilation system that wouldn’t overload the roof. One that could withstand industrial wear and tear without constant maintenance. And it had to perform. The facility gets hot, especially in summer, and poor ventilation wasn’t an option.
On top of that, the team faced another challenge; they were already dealing with major internal repairs. The rebuild of the production floor was underway, and any solution that required heavy ducting or electrical work would only slow things down. More downtime was not an option.
They needed something smart, simple, and proven. A system that could be installed without further disruption.
That’s when our lightweight, natural ventilation solution came recommended.
Mobis chose our 2 Series ridge vents, a natural ventilation system designed specifically for tough industrial environments.
These vents offered exactly what the rebuild needed. They were lightweight and modular, placing no extra load on the roof. Because the entire system is installed externally, there was no disruption to the internal works already underway. With no moving parts, the risk of mechanical failure was minimal, and ongoing maintenance was virtually eliminated. Just as importantly, the system required no ducting or wiring, avoiding any interference with the production floor rebuild.
The result was a clean, efficient fit that delivered immediate benefits. By drawing excess heat and fumes up and out through the roofline, the system improved internal air quality without relying on fans, motors or power.
Mobis did not just get a ventilation system. They got a long-term solution built for performance and peace of mind.
The difference was immediate.
Despite outside temperatures reaching 36°C, the facility remained cool and comfortable. In fact, the ventilation was so effective that staff described it as feeling air-conditioned, without any mechanical cooling systems in place.
“We installed a full-length Airocle ridge vent… The system is excellent and even on 36°C days, the building feels as though it is air-conditioned.”
— Malcolm Stoddart, Mobis, GM Facilities and Services
Beyond temperature control, the system also helped create a safer, cleaner working environment by constantly removing heat and fumes from the space. With no fans to service and no power needed to run the system, maintenance demands dropped significantly.
The ridge vent didn’t just meet expectations. It outperformed them.
Mobis is proof that when a facility fails, rebuilding the same way is not the answer. Traditional mechanical ventilation might seem like the standard choice, but it often brings weight, complexity and long-term maintenance headaches. And when something goes wrong, those systems can add to the damage, not prevent it.
Natural ventilation flips that thinking.
By choosing a system designed for resilience, Mobis avoided adding stress to the structure. They removed moving parts that could fail. They simplified their operations while improving airflow and comfort inside the facility. And they did it without delaying their internal rebuild.
This approach is not just about ventilation. It is about protecting the business from future disruption. It is about making smarter decisions that last.
Mobis faced the worst-case scenario and came back stronger with a smarter, lighter, and more reliable ventilation solution.
By installing our 2 Series ridge vents, they not only reduced future risk but also created a cooler, safer and more efficient working environment. No heavy fans. No complex wiring. No extra load on the roof.
Just a system that works, quietly and consistently.
If you’re looking to rebuild, upgrade or reduce risk in your facility, this is your sign to rethink what ventilation can be.
Explore how we can help you to improve your building comfort, smoke and fire safety, and green credentials today. We offer natural ventilation and passive smoke hazard management design advice. Call our team to arrange a site assessment
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