Industry News

Manufacturer of water heating and storage equipment announces $50,000 donation to extend its partnership with Pennsylvania agency committed to sustainable energy and skilled trades training

Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, announced today a $50,000 grant through its Industry Forward® initiative to help Pennsylvania’s Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) launch a pilot internship program for youth and emerging workers from Philadelphia’s disadvantaged communities.

The grant will support a 60-hour internship program for up to 30 participants in ECA’s signature heat pump water heater installation and maintenance training course in 2024.

“Bradford White and ECA share a mission to showcase the rewarding career opportunities that are available in the skilled trades and to support the foundation of education and training necessary to maintain a thriving workforce,” said Rebecca Owens, senior manager of communications for Bradford White. “We’re proud to extend our partnership with ECA so they can continue to provide valuable learning opportunities for youth and adults throughout the Philadelphia area.”

Industry Forward® is Bradford White’s signature, developed to help advance workforce development and increase public awareness of career opportunities in the plumbing and HVAC industries.

ECA’s 200-hour heat pump training program consists of classroom instruction, lab exercises and career development. Interns supported by Bradford White’s Industry Forward® grant will supplement the training program with on-the-job installation experience supervised by a professional HVACR technician.

“Bradford White is providing critical support for our mission through their Industry Forward® program,” said Steve Luxton, executive director and CEO of ECA. “With their continuing partnership, our trainees will have more opportunities to develop the self-confidence and leadership skills that come from jobsite experience. Thanks to Bradford White, we’re able to provide innovative workforce development education for young people in Philadelphia while also ensuring our community has reliable energy services.”

Bradford White partners with nonprofit organizations and technical schools to educate individuals and families on the importance of the skilled trades and the role that industry professionals provide in the health, safety, sanitation, and infrastructure of their communities through strategic grant funding that supports workforce development training and education programs and industry career opportunities, events, and partnerships.

ECA leads the design and implementation of high-quality energy conservation initiatives to reduce household energy costs and stabilize low-income families in their homes and communities. ECA’s Heat Pump and Heat Pump Water Heater Training Lab, supported by Bradford White and other partners, prepares HVACR technicians from historically marginalized communities for sustainable careers, while facilitating the adoption of heat pumps and heat pump water heaters and advancing the clean energy transition.

For more information about Bradford White Corporation’s Industry Forward® initiative, visit https://www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com/giving/.

Oil-free compressor pioneer marks 10 years as a wholly owned Danfoss company

Danfoss Turbocor, manufacturer and pioneer of the world’s first oil-free, magnetic bearing compressor for the HVAC industry, is celebrating its 10^th anniversary as a wholly owned Danfoss company. Initially founded in 1994 and later becoming a joint venture with Danfoss in 2004, its Turbocor^® compressors have delivered versatile and unmatched efficiency, with low-Global Warming Potential compatibility, helping to reduce emissions while earning strong return on investment for customers.

Ricardo Schneider, president of Danfoss Turbocor, stated: “From the beginning, we knew this technology was transformative; the cutting-edge technology combined with our strong manufacturing and sales network enabled us to provide our customers with solutions to improve operating performance and reach unprecedented energy efficiency levels.”

The unique oil-free, magnetic bearing technology of Turbocor compressors results in zero performance degradation over the life of the compressor, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. The permanent magnet motors and variable-speed drives provide efficiency at both full and part loads. Their flexibility to be used in air cooled, water cooled or evaporative cooled chillers operating across a wide range of applications such as comfort cooling, low temperature process, ice storage and heat recovery, has resulted in over 130,000 compressors being installed around the world.

Over the years, Turbocor compressors have been recognized with multiple industry awards, including the Alliance to Save Energy’s Innovative Star of Energy Efficiency award, the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute’s 2022 Product of the Year and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate and Ozone Protection Award.

Globally, Danfoss Turbocor is continuing to grow its footprint, with an expanded facility in Haiyan, China opening next year, and the establishment of a configuration center in Nordborg, Denmark, at Danfoss’ corporate headquarters. The Nordborg site currently handles sales and service for Turbocor’s European customers; a new production facility is scheduled for completion in 2026.

At its headquarters in Tallahassee, Fla., Danfoss Turbocor continues to build collaborations with local institutions. In 2021, the company began a five-year partnership with FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, providing $750,000 of scholarships and research grants to first-generation or underrepresented minority students, to develop engineering talent in the local community and help students achieve their career goals. The company has also partnered with Tallahassee Community College on workforce development programs, such as its CNC machinist apprenticeship.

Soon, the company will celebrate another milestone: its new 167,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Tallahassee is scheduled for completion in early 2024. The new facility will increase current manufacturing capacity to meet a fast-growing demand from American and international markets for high efficiency compressors for cooling and heating. The expansion is projected to create significant additional jobs in the Tallahassee area.

In a savvy move that would pay off more than he could have predicted, Craig Childress, a tradesman from Boston University, made the strategic decision to check extra luggage before jetting off to Tampa for the Elite Trades Championship Series (ETCS) Plumbing National Championship sponsored by SharkBite Plumbing Solutions —a rigorous showdown between the crème de la crème of American tradespeople, including plumbers, competing for the first time for their share of cash and prizes.

Childress’s foresight was spot on. Not only did he clinch the title in the Plumbing National Championship, but he also emerged as the groundbreaking crossover victor in the HVAC National Championship’s pro division—a first in the event’s history.

The spoils of his double triumph? A hefty $50,000 in prize money, complemented by a pair of weighty trophies. In the aftermath of his double win, with his wife Rachel by his side, an elated Childress reflected on the magnitude of his achievements: “Professionally, this is the most absurdly wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me,” he remarked, still processing the whirlwind of success. “It’s been an unbelievable journey. I’m incredibly grateful.”

The ETCS is more than just a trades competition. It’s a showcase of finesse, knowledge and dedication among the nation’s elite apprentices and seasoned pros, all vying for a slice of the $300,000 prize pool, bolstered by various sponsor contributions, including SharkBite’s support of the trade.

The ETCS Plumbing Championship is a mission to elevate the profile of plumbing. By framing pipework as a competitive sport, the championship aims to flush away old stereotypes and draw a new generation into the fold. It’s a call to action for young craftsmen and craftswomen: plumbing is not just a job—it’s a vocation that pays well but demands smarts, skill and a steady hand. In showcasing the sheer expertise these challenges demand, the championship underscores the critical role plumbers play in keeping our modern world running. The city of Tampa Bay became the stage where these virtues were on full display.

Plumbing may not spark viral hashtags or trend on TikTok, but the Plumbing National Championship is changing the conversation around this foundational trade. Think of it as the Olympics of U-bends and pipe wrenches: a high-stakes arena where plumbing pros from across the nation lock horns, armed with nothing but their tools and talent. Each plumber dives into a gauntlet of real-world challenges, turning the spotlight on the unsung skills that keep our faucets flowing and toilets flushing.

The competitive but fun event also celebrated other top-tier talents, with David Shanor and Joe Jaspers nabbing the second and third spots respectively in plumbing, and Dagner Espinoza and Lee Morris Jr. rounding out the HVAC podium.

However, for Childress, his moment of victory was as personal as it was professional. After both championship wins, he shared the moment with his 12-year-old daughter via video chat. Her pride in her dad was the cherry on top of an already sweet victory, moving Childress to the brink of tears.

The gripping tale of the ETCS SharkBite Plumbing National Championship will hit the airwaves soon. According to the Plumbing Nationals Instagram feed, CBS Sports Network will broadcast the 2023 Plumbing National Championship on December 29, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET, allowing viewers nationwide to witness the drama of Childress’s remarkable pipe dream come true. The HVAC National Championship will be televised Friday, December 15 at 8 PM ET, also on CBS Sports Network.

Ariston Thermo announced changes to its corporate identity in the United States and a move to new headquarters in Rhode Island.

The company formally changed its name to Ariston USA. Formerly known as Ariston Thermo USA, the change reflects its identity as part of a global organization synonymous with change, innovation, and sustainability.

Ariston USA also announced it relocated its headquarters to the Innovation and Design District in Providence, R.I. As a business within the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) campus in the district, Ariston will be part of a building that creates a culture for innovation. CIC Providence offers shared and private workspaces that allow businesses to focus on cultivating new ideas and create new opportunities. Ariston USA was previously headquartered in New Bedford, Mass.

“Our new site is developed through state and local investment and created to promote technology, design and innovation,’’ said Andrea Monti Guarnieri, Ariston USA’s President and CEO. “Our office in the CIC building features a modern, open work environment to foster collaboration and teamwork.”

The office address is 225 Dyer St., 1st floor, Providence, R.I., 02903

“These moves provide an optimized environment for our current employees and improve our ability to find and attract future talent, setting Ariston USA on the path toward future, sustainable growth,’’ Monti Guarnieri said. “We look forward to continuing to create our future together with our partners as we remain true to our core values and our vision of sustainable comfort for everyone.”

Ariston designs, manufactures, and sells products under the brand names of HTP, Ariston and American Standard Water Heaters. The brands are recognized by homeowners, plumbing contractors, property owners and managers for providing reliable, energy-efficient, and innovative products to the market.

For more information, visit the Ariston Group website at www.aristongroup.com.