The website is designed to best support customer needs, optimizing user-experience and convenience Cherne Industries (Cherne), the industry-leading manufacturer of pipe plugs and testing equipment and part of the Oatey Co. family of companies, has launched its new website, CherneInd.com — a robust, easy-to-use hub for Cherne product information, customer support and helpful application resources Read more
Industry News
The website is designed to best support customer needs, optimizing user-experience and convenience
Cherne Industries (Cherne), the industry-leading manufacturer of pipe plugs and testing equipment and part of the Oatey Co. family of companies, has launched its new website, CherneInd.com — a robust, easy-to-use hub for Cherne product information, customer support and helpful application resources.
The new website houses the brand’s full product catalog, allowing customers to search more than 700 Cherne products, including each product’s specifications, key features, FAQs and safety/instruction manuals. In addition to this technical information, as well as case studies and blogs, the website hosts online training opportunities and detailed, how-to videos.
The Cherne website is mobile-friendly and includes sophisticated navigation with enhanced functionality, making it simple for users to find the specific product they need across both the Waterworks and Plumbing categories. Visitors seeking additional help or information can also communicate in-real-time with a Cherne expert using the “Ask a Tech” functionality, conveniently located at the yellow question mark icon in the bottom right corner of each webpage.
“We’re thrilled to debut the new Cherne website,” says Katherine Lehtinen, Senior Vice President of Brand and Digital Marketing at Oatey. “Not only does it allow us to better serve and connect with the waterworks and plumbing contractors who rely on our products, but it also gives us an opportunity to share our story and reinforce a mission that’s so important to us — developing the best pipe plugs and testing tools to ensure safety and efficiency at jobsites across the globe.”
To explore Cherne’s new website and product catalog, go to CherneInd.com.
ABOUT CHERNE INDUSTRIES
Part of the Oatey Co. family of companies, Cherne Industries (Cherne®) is the industry-leading manufacturer of test plugs and testing equipment for residential, commercial, industrial and municipal piping systems. Based out of its state-of-the-art headquarters in Shakopee, Minn., Cherne’s products are manufactured with an unwavering commitment to safety and quality.
Available via Oatey Co.’s distribution network throughout North America and through partner distribution on every continent, Cherne products are relied upon by residential and commercial contractors, as well as industrial and municipal engineers, worldwide.
For more information, visit www.CherneInd.com, call 1-800-843-7584 or follow Cherne on LinkedIn.
ABOUT OATEY CO.
Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network to supply thousands of products for professional builders, contractors, engineers and do-it-yourself consumers around the world.
Oatey is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and has locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. For more information, visit www.oatey.com, call (800) 321-9532 or follow Oatey on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram
A. O. Smith Foundation, recently donated 30 of its high-efficiency water heaters to the Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity, located in Menasha, Wisconsin. The Foundation, which is funded by industry leading water heating brand, A. O. Smith, is committed to making communities a better place to live and achieves this goal by partnering Read more
A. O. Smith Foundation, recently donated 30 of its high-efficiency water heaters to the Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity, located in Menasha, Wisconsin. The Foundation, which is funded by industry leading water heating brand, A. O. Smith, is committed to making communities a better place to live and achieves this goal by partnering with and supporting charitable organizations in the communities where A. O. Smith operates. The company owns and operates Water-Right, a manufacturer of water treatment products and state-certified water testing lab located in Appleton, Wisconsin and employs over 75 individuals living and working in the Fox Cities area.
“We’re grateful for this very generous donation from the A. O. Smith Foundation and their longstanding support. Donations such as these are the lifeblood of our organization, and these water heaters will more than cover our annual needs in both our home repair and construction programs. We thank A. O. Smith Foundation for their contribution to our mission of ensuring everyone in the Fox Cities has a decent and affordable place to live,” said John Weyenberg, president and chief operating officer, Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity.
“We commend the Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity for their efforts to empower families and inspire community-wide action to break the cycle of poverty, and we are proud to support this incredible organization doing such important work. Though this past year has been especially difficult, Habitat for Humanity continues to bring hope to families while building communities, one home at a time,” said Rita Schwalbach, foundation manager, A. O. Smith Foundation.
The foundation encourages A. O. Smith employees to live out the company’s values through getting involved with their respective communities. In 2020, the A. O. Smith Foundation provided support for over 200 nonprofit organizations totaling over $1.7 million.
About A. O. Smith
O. Smith Corporation, with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AOS), the Company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment and air purification products. For more information, visit www.aosmith.com.
About Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity
Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity is an innovative leader in diverse housing solutions by empowering families and inspiring community-wide action to break the cycle of power.
St. Paul, Minn. — The state of Minnesota has formally adopted the 2018 edition of IAPMO’s Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®), with state-specific amendments, to form the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code. It is available for purchase from the IAPMO Online Store at https://iapmomembership.org/store/2020-minnesota-plumbing-code/1126/. As Chapter 4714 of the Minnesota State Building Code, it will be enforced as Read more
St. Paul, Minn. — The state of Minnesota has formally adopted the 2018 edition of IAPMO’s Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®), with state-specific amendments, to form the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code. It is available for purchase from the IAPMO Online Store at https://iapmomembership.org/store/2020-minnesota-plumbing-code/1126/. As Chapter 4714 of the Minnesota State Building Code, it will be enforced as law effective Dec. 17.
Some of the key updates to the Minnesota Plumbing Code include:
- New sound transmission provisions for plumbing piping systems. New provisions for trenching excavation and backfill, rehabilitation of piping systems, and Schedule 40 PVC and ABS DWV and storm pipe expansion table (Chapter 3)
- New product standards for plumbing fixtures such as wall hung fixtures, waste fittings, lavatories, showers, bathtubs and whirlpool bathtubs, flushometer valves, sinks and eyewash stations; and signage for single-use toilet facilities (Chapter 4)
- New backflow protection provisions for chemical dispensers, new material provisions for pipes, tubes, fittings and joint methods for water supply and distribution, piping insulation, and new pressure testing for the hot- and cold-water supply system (Chapter 6)
- New material requirements for drain, waste, vent pipe and fittings (Chapter 7)
- New provisions for condensate waste and control (Chapter 8)
- Circuit venting (Chapter 9)
- Methods of testing storm drainage systems (Chapter 11)
- Updated ASSE Series 5000 testing procedures
- Appendix I — Installation standard for PEX tubing systems for hot- and cold-water distribution
- New Useful Tables
Also new to the UPC in 2018 is Appendix M, Water Demand Calculator (https://www.iapmo.org/water-demand-calculator/), representing the first major update to plumbing sizing requirements since the 1940s and giving plumbing professionals the opportunity to see firsthand how IAPMO is committed to developing new provisions toward improving water quality and safety, reducing construction costs, and saving consumers energy, water and money. The Water Demand Calculator predicts peak water demand for single- and multi-family dwellings when water efficient fixtures are installed. An independent study found notable cost savings when applied to residential structures.
The UPC was introduced in Los Angeles in 1928 and formally published as the Uniform Plumbing Code in 1945. It is developed using IAPMO’s consensus development procedures accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This process brings together volunteers representing a variety of viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus on construction practices. Developed and subsequently republished at the conclusion of each three-year code cycle, the Uniform Codes are designed to provide consumers with safely functioning systems while, at the same time, allowing latitude for innovation and new technologies.
Viega Works online training also will continue. Broomfield, Colo. — Viega LLC will reopen its seminar centers in Colorado and New Hampshire on Aug. 1. The centers had been closed since March 2020 due to COVID-19. Viega is reopening them with new safety measures in place, including limiting class size, cleaning stations and mask requirements Read more
Viega Works online training also will continue.
Broomfield, Colo. — Viega LLC will reopen its seminar centers in Colorado and New Hampshire on Aug. 1.
The centers had been closed since March 2020 due to COVID-19. Viega is reopening them with new safety measures in place, including limiting class size, cleaning stations and mask requirements when appropriate.
“We’re excited to reopen and welcome back our customers, contractors and distributors,” said Jason McKinnon, director oftechnical services. “We moved training online during the pandemic and that’s been successful, but it’s going to be great to work in-person again with people.”
The seminar centers are located at Viega LLC headquarters in Broomfield, Colo., and in Nashua, N.H. Each features classrooms, hand-on workshops and interactive learning displays. Viega offers courses in a variety of subjects, including pressing, design and installation, and each course is customizable to meet the needs of our customers.
In response to customer demand during the lockdown, the company created Viega Works, online sessions largely limited to single companies. These programs, which can be as short as 30 minutes, are custom designed to cover the topics customers request.
“Customers like Viega Works because it’s fast and affordable and gives them the exact information they need without requiring travel or a major time commitment,” McKinnon said. “With the reopening of our seminar centers we offer even more opportunities to engage with our technical consultants than ever before. Customers can attend in-person at one of our seminar centers or contact us to set up a unique virtual experience with content specific to their team. No matter where or how you want to connect with our experts, we will make it easy and valuable for you and your organization.”
Acquisition will expand residential and commercial single-room AC solutions Rheem has announced its intent to acquire Friedrich Air Conditioning, a 138-year-old manufacturer of premium air conditioning products, from Monomoy Capital Partners. Friedrich is a manufacturer of room air conditioning, dehumidification and air purification products for residential and commercial applications. It is a recognized industry leader Read more
Acquisition will expand residential and commercial single-room AC solutions
Rheem has announced its intent to acquire Friedrich Air Conditioning, a 138-year-old manufacturer of premium air conditioning products, from Monomoy Capital Partners.
Friedrich is a manufacturer of room air conditioning, dehumidification and air purification products for residential and commercial applications. It is a recognized industry leader in high-end air conditioning solutions designed for single-room use in hotels and multi-family buildings.
Founded in 1883, the company is based in San Antonio with manufacturing in Monterrey, Mexico and distribution centers in Texas and New Jersey.
“Friedrich has steadily innovated its residential and commercial offerings and grown its market share,” said Mike Branson, President, Global Air at Rheem. “They will bring a unique air conditioning product portfolio along with specialized products to the Rheem family of brands. Friedrich’s product offerings, company history and industry expertise make this acquisition a perfect fit for Rheem. Together, we will harness the power of our talented workforce and enhance our ability to deliver reliable and energy-efficient products that our customers and contracting partners expect.”
Upon the close of the acquisition—which is subject to additional regulatory approval—Friedrich will be a standalone business unit within the Rheem Global Air business.