OurCoop partners with LoweConex for unified systems
OurCoop partners with LoweConex for unified refrigeration and HVAC monitoring to cut repairs and boost efficiency across UK stores.
OurCoop, the UK’s largest independent co-operative society, has chosen LoweConex to connect refrigeration and HVAC monitoring across its entire network after merging three regional co-ops earlier this year.
The expanded partnership will bring together data from separate operational systems through the Conex OS platform, giving facilities teams a unified view of critical store infrastructure. The aim is to cut unplanned repairs, sharpen alarm responses, and guide smarter capital planning.
From regional pilot to society-wide rollout
The agreement follows a successful trial that began with Midcounties Co-operative two years ago. That initial project covered only part of the estate; the new contract extends the system to every store under the OurCoop name, created in January 2026 when Central Co-op, Chelmsford Star Co-operative, and Midcounties Co-operative combined.
LoweConex will supply both the software and support services to spot energy-saving opportunities and boost long-term equipment performance. The platform standardizes data from different systems, offering what the firm describes as “one place to observe, manage, and act” on estate-wide performance.
Steve Smith, Senior Facilities Manager at OurCoop, said the partnership would give staff clearer visibility of refrigeration and HVAC assets, enabling better decisions on upkeep, energy use, and overall estate health. “It provides the tools we need to manage critical assets in a more connected and proactive way,” he explained.
How centralized monitoring changes store operations
Centralized monitoring is designed to transform maintenance practices. Rather than reacting to alarms after they sound, the system helps teams predict faults before they cause disruptions. This approach can reduce emergency call-outs, improve work-order accuracy, and cut energy waste from poorly performing equipment.
A society with over 13,000 employees and more than a million members stands to gain from even modest gains in uptime or efficiency. The estate covers 11 counties, stretching from Gloucestershire to Yorkshire, and includes urban and rural sites. Each location presents unique maintenance challenges, yet the platform seeks to create a consistent method for tracking and resolving them.
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Jessica Caldwell, Head of Customer Success at LoweConex, said the partnership would help OurCoop “sharpen alarm responses, streamline maintenance workflows, and deliver clearer energy insights.” She noted that the platform equips facilities and energy teams with the information to act sooner, fine-tune performance, and plan more effectively.
Adopting the system involves more than technology. Maintenance teams used to working independently must adjust to a collaborative, data-driven approach. While the transition will take time, the platform is built to ease the change.
A co-operative model with national reach
OurCoop was formed to build a stronger, member-owned business while keeping local ties. The society operates nationally but serves 11 counties, from the East of England to the North West. Its operations include food retail, funeral services, and travel agencies, all run under co-operative values.
The merger that created OurCoop was among the largest in the UK’s co-operative sector in recent years. The combined society now serves over a million members, with a presence in high streets, rural areas, and suburbs. This variety makes consistent estate management difficult—but also highlights the potential for a platform like Conex OS to demonstrate its benefits.
LoweConex helps multi-site businesses integrate operational technology and IT systems. Its platform links data from assets, systems, and locations, giving teams better visibility and control. The company works with retailers, hospitality chains, and other complex estates, focusing on reducing energy waste and improving uptime.
The deal with OurCoop advances that goal. The initial trial with Midcounties Co-operative served as a test case, and the broader rollout indicates the approach is working.
