Industry News

The trusted manufacturer announces $10,000 donation and two $3,500 scholarships to support Women in Plumbing and Piping

Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, announced today a partnership to support Women in Plumbing and Piping (WiPP), an organization dedicated to empowering and advancing the role of women across all levels of the plumbing and piping industries.

The partnership includes a $10,000 donation from Bradford White Corporation’s Industry Forward® charitable giving program to advance the organization’s ongoing mission and key pillars that support workforce development. Additionally, the Bradford White Women’s Network is offering two $3,500 scholarships as part of the Women in Plumbing and Piping Scholarship Program. The scholarship program is specifically designed to support and encourage women pursuing careers in the plumbing and piping industries.

“Bradford White is committed to supporting the essential skilled trade industries and educating the public on the value of a career in those fields,” said Rebecca Owens, senior communications manager for Bradford White. “We are thrilled to partner with WiPP to support their program and the opportunities they are offering to women in the industry, and helping them foster shared experiences through networking, education, and mentorships. Our partnership helps them build the next generation of talent that will continue to provide the critical services that keep us all comfortable, healthy and safe.”

The Women in Plumbing and Piping Scholarship Program is open to all active members of Women in Plumbing and Piping who are enrolled or plan to enroll in an accredited trade or vocational school or related program, and who demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in the plumbing and piping industries.

“We’re grateful for this partnership and generous donation,” said Kim Gill, executive director, WiPP. “Bradford White has demonstrated a profound commitment to the hard-working people who are the foundation of the industries we serve, and their mission aligns seamlessly with our commitment to fostering diversity, providing educational opportunities and promoting professional growth within the plumbing and piping fields.”

Each $3,500 Bradford White Women’s Network scholarship may be applied to tuition at a trade or vocational school, educational fees, textbooks, or class supplies.

Applicants must submit an essay between June 3 and July 15 with the prompt, “Why I Am Choosing a Career in the Trades.” Essays will be evaluated based on clarity of expression, grammar, demonstration of passion for the trade, depth of insight into the industry, and the persuasiveness of the argument regarding long-term commitment.

For more information, visit www.womeninplumbandpipe.org/scholarships.

For more information about Bradford White, visit www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com.

New research and insights report uncovers industry shifts and trends for legal and home services across consumer preferences, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the digital marketing landscape

Scorpion, the leading provider of digital marketing and technology solutions for local businesses, today announced the launch of its new insights report: The Scorpion Pulse. Results show that with advancements in technology, especially generative AI, consumers expect businesses to give timely, same-day responses, be transparent, and make search and discovery easier than ever.

Looking at the latest digital marketing trends and insights for the home services and legal industries, the spring 2024 report found that 70% of consumers favor home services companies that accommodate multiple contact options such as phone, text messaging, and online chat. In the legal industry, 66% of consumers expect a response within 24 hours of submitting an inquiry, a metric that is amplified in certain practice areas such as criminal defense.

“The ability to adapt quickly to changes in customer expectations, technology, and market dynamics is critical to success for legal and home services professionals. The Scorpion Pulse reveals that consumers today expect immediate responses and seamless interactions, making it crucial for home services and law firms to be proactive and highly responsive,” said Jamie Adams, Chief Revenue Officer at Scorpion. “Local businesses are facing significant challenges, including, the rising cost of online advertising, increased competition, and economic conditions impacting consumer demand. This report gives businesses the insights they need to make informed marketing and advertising decisions, leverage new technology like AI to their advantage, and optimize their digital marketing campaigns effectively, based on our proprietary data and research.”

Published data from Scorpion illustrates key insights that those in the home services and legal industries must understand to help grow their businesses.

For Home Services Businesses: Getting Inside the Minds of Today’s Consumers. Speed isn’t the only thing that matters. Today’s home services customers demand transparency and quick solutions straight from reliable sources.

• 54% of consumers will decide on a home services provider within four hours of researching options.
• Transparency and word of mouth are important for consumers with 67% checking at least three different review sources before making a decision and 64% only considering providers with at least a 4 out of 5 star rating.
• The top three qualities consumers look for in a home services provider are affordability (58%), dependability (56%), and knowledgeability (35%).

For Legal Providers: Consumers Are Doing Their Due Diligence. Potential clients are becoming more meticulous in their research for law firms. They want fast responses, good reviews, and tech-driven experiences.

• Two-thirds of people expect law firms to respond within one day of reaching out to them. A critical insight is that 45% of people make a decision on an attorney within 3 days.
• Due diligence is increasingly important with 40% of consumers saying they read at least 7 reviews when deciding on an attorney to work with.
• Consumers are also seeking technology-driven legal experiences including digital document sharing (48%), online billing (47%), and the use of client portals (40%).

In AI We Trust. Consumer understanding, acceptance, and adoption of AI is growing. The intersection of AI and traditional Search on Google and other search engines is changing how people see, trust, and use AI-generated results.

• When it comes to AI search results on Google and other search engines, 75% of consumers feel it improves the experience of looking for and researching local businesses.
• 67% note having some experience using AI with top categories being education and research, gaming and entertainment, and shopping.
• 33% of consumers say they trust AI-generated search results, depending on the source those results come from.

To see the full report and gain valuable insight on navigating digital marketing, the future of search, and AI in home services and legal, please visit scorpion.co/pulse.

• Expansion fueled by market adoption from the pioneer in oil-free technology
• Expansion adds 145,000 square-feet to Tallahassee facility, doubling manufacturing capacity
• Increased capacity will allow Danfoss Turbocor to support demand for energy-efficient, low carbon emission air-conditioning

On May 29, 2024, Danfoss Turbocor® celebrated the opening of its new 145,000 square foot production facility, driven by market growth and adoption of oil-free, magnetic bearing technology. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by over 100 people, including customers, community members, Danfoss President and CEO Kim Fausing and descendants of Danfoss founder Mads Clausen. The additional facility will host state-of-the-art manufacturing for TTS/TG/TH lines for Danfoss Turbocor compressors, doubling current capacity with the ability to expand even further. The $62 million investment will also create jobs in the Tallahassee area.

Reflecting Danfoss’ goal to become carbon neutral by 2030, the new factory will utilize low-carbon Turbocor compressors and a heat recovery system to reduce carbon emissions and energy usage.

Danfoss leadership was on hand in Tallahassee to officially open the new Turbocor factory. L-R: Kristian Strand, President, Danfoss Commercial Compressors; Mads Clausen, 3rd generation of Danfoss founder Mads Clausen; Ricardo Schneider, President, Danfoss Turbocor; Kim Fausing, CEO, Danfoss; Jurgen Fischer, President, Danfoss Climate Solutions; Mads Peter Clausen, 3rd generation of Danfoss founder Mads Clausen.

“The increased production will help meet the growing market demand for cooling and heating high-efficiency compressors in North America, Europe and Asia,” said Fausing. “The oil-free high efficiency compressor technology is a key enabler for meeting the decarbonization goals of commercial buildings, cities and countries. Currently, North America is the largest market and region for Danfoss, with 34 sites, and we couldn’t be prouder of this latest chapter in Turbocor’s growth.”

Turbocor compressors use magnetic-bearing technology instead of oil and provide a low-carbon and ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) cooling option for commercial air conditioning and heat pumps. From innovation to market adoption, Danfoss has been the leader and pioneer of oil-free compressors in the HVAC/R industry and is committed to continuing the development of the technology in order to reduce the carbon footprint of key vital infrastructure like data centers, hospitals, hotels and airports.  The development of the technology reflects Danfoss’ commitment to decarbonization and green growth, with solutions that reduce carbon emissions, lower energy consumption and enable electrification.

In November 2023, Turbocor celebrated its 10^th anniversary of being a wholly owned Danfoss company. Initially founded in 1994 and later becoming a joint venture with Danfoss in 2004, the company has made its mark 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.

“This investment is not only a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers but underscores the importance of local manufacturing,” commented Ricardo Schneider, President of Danfoss Turbocor.  “As part of Danfoss’ green growth strategy, we are regionalizing our supply chains in order to manufacture products closer to our customers, improve service and decarbonize our operations. Expanding our capacity in Tallahassee is key to our growth strategy in North America.”

Attendees received a guided tour of the new factory.

Locally, Danfoss Turbocor provides scholarships, research support and workforce development training to students at two and four-year colleges in Tallahassee. Its proximity to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University further strengthens the relationship between Turbocor and the community by enabling the company to benefit from ongoing research and providing internship and employment opportunities for students.

“The journey to this moment has been paved with the hard work and dedication of our employees, leaders, customers, and the local community,” said Schneider. “By eliminating the need for oil, we are not only reducing maintenance costs but also contributing to a cleaner, greener future. Turbocor compressors are not just a product; they are a commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible manufacturing.”

The California Heat Pump Partnership brings together leading state agencies, manufacturers, utilities, and other market actors to support the state’s heat pump and climate targets.

Yesterday, the California Heat Pump Partnership (CAHPP) officially launched with its first convening to bring together state agencies, manufacturers representing more than 90% of the U.S. consumer heat pump market, utilities, and other market actors to help achieve the state’s goal to install six million electric heat pumps by 2030. Launched with a shared vision to catalyze a sustainable, decarbonized future, the public-private partnership will drive forward a clean energy economy and advance California’s climate objectives by propelling widespread heat pump adoption through cross-sector collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Caption: Members of the California Heat Pump Partnership Credit: California Energy Commission.

“California knows how to scale clean energy. We’ve done this with electric vehicles, solar, wind, and battery storage—and now it’s time to take the benefits of heat pump technology mainstream,” said California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild. “Heat pumps provide Californians a way to both cool and heat their homes with no pollution. The California Heat Pump Partnership will help government and industry leaders do the barrier-busting necessary to ensure heat pumps are accessible to all Californians.”

“The Building Decarbonization Coalition is uniquely positioned to manage the partnership, and bring together state and industry leaders to rapidly grow the heat pump market in California,” said Terra Weeks, Director for the CAHPP. “Scaling this technology will usher California into a new era of clean electric heating and cooling, and propel the state toward a carbon neutral future.”

The CAHPP will develop a blueprint outlining how to address technical, market, and policy barriers for achieving the state’s heat pump targets. The partnership will also deploy a statewide consumer marketing campaign through The Switch Is On, an initiative launched by the Building Decarbonization Coalition, to educate, inspire, and make switching to electric appliances easier for communities, contractors, and all those who live and work in buildings.

“As California moves toward a carbon-neutral future, it’s crucial to foster close coordination between state and market leaders to achieve our building decarbonization goals,” said California Public Utilities Commission President Alice Reynolds. “The Heat Pump Partnership is a vital step in supporting California’s transition to clean electric heating and cooling. By aligning key stakeholders in the clean energy transition, we can minimize costs and maximize benefits for all Californians, driving us towards a more sustainable future.”

“California has advanced climate and air quality solutions through innovation and collaboration between government, communities and industry to ensure equitable outcomes,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph. “The heat pump partnership is the latest example of how state agencies and other climate leaders are working together to face the growing threat of extreme heat and the need to decarbonize with action, urgency and a commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable Californians.”

California currently has about 1.5 million heat pumps deployed and is on pace to install less than 200,000 heat pumps a year. To close the gap of 4.5 million heat pumps by 2030, heat pump adoption will need to nearly quadruple with about 750,000 units installed annually. Large-scale coordination efforts like the CAHPP are crucial to align major players in the clean energy transition and support California’s climate goals.

Scaling heat pump adoption in the world’s fifth largest economy will also act as a global market signal, with the potential of transforming the world’s green economy.

“As a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, Carrier is committed to supporting the installation of six million heat pumps in California’s buildings by 2030,” said Kyle Gilley, Vice President of Government Relations at Carrier. “Electrification continues to be a solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and we are proud to be contributing to a greener tomorrow with our high quality, energy efficient, sustainable heat pump systems.”

“The California Heat Pump Partnership represents the public-private collaboration that we need to accelerate the adoption of advanced heat pumps, such as those that utilize inverter technology,” said David Calabrese, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Daikin. “As a global leader in providing heat pumps, we are committed to working with the California government, its utilities, the environmental community, and our industry to help meet the state’s six million heat pump target and ensure that this technology is accessible to all Californians.”

The partnership also builds on an agreement made last year by ten of the world’s largest manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of heating and cooling equipment for buldings to rapidly scale the heat pump market. That agreement outlined commitments to help create manufacturing capacity, enhance efficiency, and incorporate load flexibility to decarbonize California’s buildings.

“As a leading manufacturer serving the California market with efficient electric space, water heating and pool heat pumps, Rheem is committed to supporting the state’s goals to install six million electric heat pumps by 2030,” said Chris Day, Vice President, Global Product Strategy, Marketing and Training at Rheem. “The objective of the Partnership and Market Advisory Board is to scale heat pump installations through collaboration with the entire supply chain and channel partners. I am excited about the ability of the Partnership to focus the state on the most important policy and market levers to drive heat pump adoption and Rheem’s role in enabling wide-scale building decarbonization.”

“Our company is pleased to participate and contribute its more than twenty years of heat pump water heating expertise to the California Heat Pump Partnership as the state of California embarks on its ambitious goal of installing six million new heat pumps and heat pump water heaters by 2030,” said Joshua C. Greene, Corporate Vice President for Government, Regulatory, and Industry Affairs at A. O. Smith. “Through the leadership of Governor Newsom and the California Energy Commission, these combined efforts will help emphasize the co-benefits that heat pump technology offers—decarbonizing the built environment to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and lowering utility costs that will save consumers money.”

“Decarbonizing the built environment is within reach and comes with improved air quality, lower energy use, and more personal comfort,” said Dana Fischer, Senior Director of Regulatory Strategy at Mitsubishi Electric. “Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC U.S. is ready to  U.S. is ready to do our part in achieving ambitious heat pump goals in California. Together we can make changes for the better.”

The California Heat Pump Partnership members include:

• Heat pump manufacturers, including A. O. Smith, Bradford White, Carrier, Daikin, Fujitsu General America, Inc., Johnson Controls, Lennox, LG, Mitsubishi Electric, Rheem, and Trane Technologies
• Distributor: Ferguson
• Electricity providers, including Pacific Gas and Electric, Edison International, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, and Ava Community Energy
• Policymakers representing the California Energy Commission, California Air Resources Board, California Public Utilities Commission, and the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
• Innovation leader: Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator

The California Heat Pump Partnership (CAHPP) is a groundbreaking alliance that brings together leaders in the public and private sectors to rapidly scale California’s heat pump market.