Taco has announced the launch of its innovative Manager Development Program (MDP), a transformative global initiative designed to cultivate leadership and foster professional growth. Developed in partnership with DDI and DiSC, the program reflects Taco’s dedication to investing in the development and success of its people. “At Taco, our employees are at the heart of Read more
Industry News
Taco has announced the launch of its innovative Manager Development Program (MDP), a transformative global initiative designed to cultivate leadership and foster professional growth. Developed in partnership with DDI and DiSC, the program reflects Taco’s dedication to investing in the development and success of its people.
“At Taco, our employees are at the heart of everything we do,” said Cheryl Merchant, CEO of Taco Family of Companies. “By nurturing our team’s talents and equipping them with essential tools, we not only unlock their full potential but also drive our collective success and growth as a global organization.”
The MDP is designed to meet the unique needs of managers while aligning with Taco’s strategic vision. With a focus on clarity and effective communication, the program ensures that content is accessible and actionable, thereby enhancing overall interactions and interpersonal skills.
“Taco is committed to advancing global employee development through cutting-edge programs and key alliances,” said Victoria McCoy, EVP of Global Human Resources at Taco. “Our collaboration with DDI and DiSC marks a significant shift from traditional learning and development practices to a more strategic approach that aligns with our organizational goals. Together, we’ve crafted a program that embodies Taco’s values, culture, and objectives, ensuring a unified leadership strategy worldwide,” concluded McCoy.
In essence, the MDP integrates modules that aim towards developing self, managing others and leading the organization. By providing a cohesive leadership framework across all regions, the program helps Taco forge meaningful connections and empowers its employees to reach new heights.
For additional information about the MDP or to explore career opportunities at Taco, please visit the Careers page at www.tacocomfort.com/careers.
Acquisition extends a long-term strategy for market growth and channel expansion. Atlanta—Rheem has announced its intent to acquire Nortek Global HVAC (NGH), a leading manufacturer of air conditioning products, from Madison Industries. NGH is based in O’Fallon, Missouri with manufacturing in Saltillo, Mexico, and a distribution center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. “Nortek Global HVAC has Read more
Acquisition extends a long-term strategy for market growth and channel expansion.
Atlanta—Rheem has announced its intent to acquire Nortek Global HVAC (NGH), a leading manufacturer of air conditioning products, from Madison Industries. NGH is based in O’Fallon, Missouri with manufacturing in Saltillo, Mexico, and a distribution center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
“Nortek Global HVAC has a history of delivering market leading innovations going back over 100 years. Like Rheem, NGH has a collaborative culture with an unwavering commitment to the customer,” said Mike Branson, President Global Air at Rheem. “NGH has a remarkable team that brings unique products, operational capabilities, and market channels to complement Rheem’s expanding Air and Water businesses.”Upon the close of the acquisition—which is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals—NGH will join Rheem’s Global Air division.
Pressure and Chlorine Ratings Revised Recent revisions led by the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) Building & Construction Division resulted in improvements to the latest edition of the ASTM Standard, F2389 Standard Specification for Pressure-Rated Polypropylene (PP) Piping Systems, which establishes requirements for polypropylene (PP-R and PP-RCT) piping system components including pipe, fittings, valves, and Read more
Pressure and Chlorine Ratings Revised
Recent revisions led by the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) Building & Construction Division resulted in improvements to the latest edition of the ASTM Standard, F2389 Standard Specification for Pressure-Rated Polypropylene (PP) Piping Systems, which establishes requirements for polypropylene (PP-R and PP-RCT) piping system components including pipe, fittings, valves, and manifolds. The standard applies to hydronic heating and cooling, chilled water, water service lines, hot-and-cold water distribution, irrigation systems, and other related fluid transport applications.
PP-R and PP-RCT pipes and fittings discussed in the recently updated ASTM Standard F2389-24a are available in diameters from 16 mm to 710 mm, also known as nominal diameters 3/8 to 28 inches. Photo courtesy of PPI.
Originally issued in 2004, revisions to the latest edition of the standard published in July 2024, F2389-24a, include:
- Pressure-temperature ratings used for PP pressure pipe systems are clarified and harmonized by adding new definitions for “design stress” and “design coefficient” and then applying requirements for these factors in a new Section 5.6.1.
- Oxidative stability (i.e., chlorine resistance) classifications are revised from CL-TD and CL-R to Classes 0, 1, 3, and 5 for consistency with other pressure pipe standards (e.g., ASTM F876).
- Marking requirements are also revised.
According to Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI’s Building & Construction Division, “As a result of these recent revisions, pressure ratings will be more consistent throughout the industry and classifications for resistance to hot chlorinated water will be consistent with other piping materials.”
MacNevin continued, “Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile piping material that is used in a wide range of applications. Two types of PP are used for pressure piping systems: PP-R (polypropylene random copolymer) and PP-RCT (polypropylene random copolymer with modified crystallinity and temperature resistance). With their high temperature and pressure capabilities, PP-R and PP-RCT pipes are suitable for demanding pressure piping applications, such as plumbing, hydronics, and chilled water in commercial high-rise buildings or data centers.”
PPI is the non-profit North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry, including several manufacturers of PP pipes and fitting systems. PPI formed the Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee in 2018 to collaborate on industry standards such as F2389, coordinate research programs, develop technical publications, and create educational information about these systems. The recent revisions to F2389 are the latest result of cooperation between PPI member firms, intended to help to grow this market in a technically correct and responsible manner.
The revised standard is available directly from ASTM at: www.astm.org/f2389-24a.html.
Additional information and data about the use and installation of PP is available from the PPI Building & Construction Division at www.plasticpipe.org/buildingconstruction.
Fourth New York City Location Highlights Midea’s Commitment to Industry Training and Consumer Education Midea, the world’s leading air treatment brand, has opened its first showroom in Brooklyn, marking its fourth showroom in New York City and the latest in Midea’s strategic expansion to propagate the education and adoption of heat pump technology among consumers Read more
Fourth New York City Location Highlights Midea’s Commitment to Industry Training and Consumer Education
Midea, the world’s leading air treatment brand, has opened its first showroom in Brooklyn, marking its fourth showroom in New York City and the latest in Midea’s strategic expansion to propagate the education and adoption of heat pump technology among consumers and industry professionals across the United States.
The grand opening event was graced by notable attendees including Dina Rabiner, VP of Economic Development and Strategic Partnerships at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and Yeraida Medrano, ICF/Con Edison Senior Account Manager, who shared their insights on Midea’s role in advancing sustainable HVAC solutions. The new showroom is operated by WOTEC HVAC Inc. and located at 1150 Metropolitan Avenue.
Midea’s showrooms go beyond traditional sales spaces by offering a unique educational experience tailored to both industry professionals and consumers. These showrooms serve as interactive environments where visitors can explore the practical applications of Midea’s advanced heat pump technologies. Each location showcases a range of heat pump solutions, including Cold Climate Heat Pumps, Packaged Window Heat Pumps, EVOX ducted systems, multi-zone heat pumps and domestic water heating systems, making it an ideal setting for gaining firsthand knowledge about heat pump innovations.
The showrooms are also dedicated to fostering technical expertise within the HVAC industry by hosting weekly training sessions for contractors and installers as well as installation demos and product consultations. The flagship Queens showroom is a designated site for Con Edison’s ongoing education programs that provide training courses on the standards for decommissioning old HVAC systems and the requirements for Con Edison incentives. Midea was also chosen to be the designated brand used for instruction at The Electrical and HVAC/R Training Center, the largest professional training school in New York.
Kai-Ki Wong, formerly the assistant chief plan examiner at the New York City Department of Buildings, and now a consultant working in the showrooms, emphasized the value these showrooms offer: “At our Queens showroom, we’ve brought together a team of experts to provide comprehensive consultations to both industry professionals and consumers. My role is to be the guide on HVAC system design and ensure that installations meet New York’s building codes. Midea’s showrooms are not only about showcasing products but also about empowering visitors with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about the most innovative heating and cooling solutions available.”
By October, Midea plans to have opened nine showrooms across New York and Chicago. Contractors and companies interested in becoming a Midea heat pump distributor, or consumers interested in upgrading to innovative Midea heating and cooling solutions, should call 1-888-MIDEA NA (1-888-643-3262).
For more information about Midea’s products and the new Brooklyn showroom, visit www.mideacomfort.us.
Up to 25% of water in the real estate sector is wasted; water management industry leader urges decision-makers to adopt a technology-driven approach that will reduce waste WINT Water Intelligence, a leader in cutting-edge water management, leak detection and water damage mitigation solutions, challenges stakeholders and governmental institutions to prioritize the management of water in Read more
Up to 25% of water in the real estate sector is wasted; water management industry leader urges decision-makers to adopt a technology-driven approach that will reduce waste
WINT Water Intelligence, a leader in cutting-edge water management, leak detection and water damage mitigation solutions, challenges stakeholders and governmental institutions to prioritize the management of water in real estate and address some of the most unnoticed sources of water waste.
Commercial buildings and institutional facilities consume 17% of the public freshwater supply in the United States and are also significant sources of waste. Up to 25% of that water is ultimately wasted due to the lack of proper monitoring and management of water.
A strategic approach to water management using artificial intelligence (AI), signal processing technology and deep data insights can help organizations reduce waste, cut costs, mitigate risk and meet sustainability goals.
WINT joins the concerns of experts gathering in Sweden Aug. 25–29 for World Water Week, an international conference on global water use, where trailblazers from all over the world share new ideas, learn from each other and collaborate on innovative solutions.
“Water is an essential resource, but we don’t have an unlimited supply,” said Yaron Dycian, chief product and strategy officer for WINT. “The global water system is under increasing stress. Water cooperation is the key to long-term water security and ensuring everyone has access to adequate supplies of clean, safe water. At WINT, we’re committed to working with thought leaders and decision-makers to develop and implement innovative strategies and technological solutions for the world’s water supply.”
According to the United Nations World Water Development Report, droughts affect more than 1.4 billion people. As of 2022, roughly half of the world’s population experienced severe water scarcity for at least part of the year, while one quarter faced ‘extremely high’ levels of water stress, using over 80% of their annual renewable freshwater supply.
Inefficient management of water supplies in the built environment contributes significantly to water stress and raises organizations’ carbon footprint. According to “The Carbon Impact of Water” report:
- On average, every cubic meter of water consumed generates 23 pounds of carbon emissions.
- Just one leaky toilet wastes more than 1 million gallons of water and generates 46 tons of carbon emissions in a year – as much as a typical passenger car.
“To ensure ESG policies and water sustainability are widely addressed, some oversight and regulation can be useful,” Dycian said. “It can help create clarity and ensure the right goals are put in place. Yet as with any government intervention, we strongly urge a minimalistic approach that will help guide the market while not creating overbearing requirements that can stifle innovation.”
WINT is partnering with organizations around the world to advance proactive water management technology throughout buildings’ lifecycles and helps its customers reduce water consumption by an average of 20%-25%. Last year WINT saved in total 652 million gallons of water for over 400 leading global enterprises which would have resulted in the release of 22,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. WINT’s AI-powered technology can:
- Monitor water flows to identify leaks and inefficiencies.
- Enable automatic and remote shut-off of water supply at the source of the leak to prevent water damage.
- Provide complete visibility to water usage across all water systems within the building.
- Detect sources of water waste and eliminate them.
- Accurately measure water consumption in real-time.
- Present detailed reports and dashboards that provide deep analytics on water and carbon footprint.
WINT equips contractors, developers and property management teams with holistic solution for managing water throughout the lifecycle of a building, from construction to operation. It is used globally by customers including Suffolk Construction, HP, PepsiCo, the Empire State Building, as well as many other leading enterprises, general contractors (GCs) and facility owners.
The WINT enterprise-grade water management platform includes portfolio-wide water monitoring and analysis for operation in large and mid-sized facilities. Green buildings who deploy WINT can add multiple credits to their overall LEED, BREEAM or NABERS sustainability score to increase their overall ranking towards certification.