Industry News

Agency receives high rankings in national survey of industry leaders for their expertise and results in fields of specialization

Ripley PR, an award-winning global public relations agency specializing in skilled trades, manufacturing, franchising and B2B technology, has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Top PR Agencies for 2024.

To highlight the public relations agencies that are the most recommended in their sector or specialization in the United States, Newsweek partnered with Statista to release the list of America’s Best PR agencies this month.

The final list of 150 agencies is based on a survey of PR agency employees and owners, as well as people who work in the PR, communications or marketing departments of an American company. The agencies with the most recommendations represent 11 client sectors and 13 specializations. Sectors include areas of practice like consumer goods, health care and industrial and manufacturing services. The specializations focus on services such as event planning, media strategy and influencer relations.

“Receiving this award is a particularly humbling experience since we were nominated by professionals who work in the industries we serve, and they supported us throughout the process,” said Ripley PR founder and CEO Heather Ripley. “It’s evidence that our clients trust the expertise of our dedicated team of practitioners who are committed to delivering outstanding results. They work hard every day to make sure our clients receive exceptional service on an individualized level.”

According to the Newsweek and Statista ranking system, Ripley PR received a five-star ranking for its work in the Industrial and Manufacturing sector. The company also received four-star ratings in the following specializations:

• Brand reputation and marketing
• Event planning
• Internal corporate communication and employee engagement
• Media relations and advertising
• Media strategy planning

“The team at Ripley PR is goal-oriented and strives to provide the best possible results for our clients,” Ripley said. “We want to be partners with our clients, and we go out of our way to develop a relationship with them so we can build on our successes together. Our clients recognize that we advocate for them on a daily basis and this honor reinforces that our agency is among the best PR providers for the skilled trades, B2B tech, manufacturing and franchising industries.”

Founded in 2013, Ripley PR offers its clients strategic communications services, including crisis and reputation management, communications strategies, media relations and strategic planning. The agency’s unique combination of expertise and creativity in public relations helps clients build brand awareness, establish a positive reputation, and capture the attention of the news and trade media covering their industries.

For more information visit www.ripleypr.com or call (865) 977-1973.

Events will highlight 2024’s new, innovative products and revamped tour van

Rinnai America Corporation — manufacturer of the number-one-selling brand of tankless gas water heaters in North America — kicks off its 2024 product launch with the unveiling of the newest addition to the ‘Try Rinnai Tour’ fleet, a 26-foot long mobile showroom van equipped with the company’s latest product innovations. The launch events will take place on May 22 and May 23 in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Professional plumbers and contractors will gather for food, music, prizes, and in-person product training. These events will be the first of many in the US and Canadian markets throughout the remainder of the year.

“We understand that our PROs are very busy running their businesses and often can’t leave their market for training,” said Frank Windsor, President, Rinnai America Corporation. “The Try Rinnai Tour has been an extremely effective way to bring our products and services to the trade in their own markets. Rinnai’s brand promise of Creating a healthier way of living is at the forefront of our company’s efforts. By continuing to educate and train PROs on the latest technologies, Rinnai is aiding in providing homes and commercial buildings with energy-efficient hot water options for cleaner and healthier living.”

Originally introduced in 2017, the Try Rinnai Tour will continue to traverse the country, providing in-person product training and educational opportunities for Rinnai’s PROs. The new product assortment will be included in the Try Rinnai Tour van fleet, comprising eight mobile display vans leveraged to introduce and train PROs on Rinnai products.

Rinnai America announced in January 2024 four new product innovations in the water heating category, expanding the company’s product line to include electric solutions in addition to enhancing its highly efficient gas solutions with launches of new tankless water heaters and condensing boilers. California played a significant role in the design of the products as several were developed to meet the specific needs of this important market, including the new Electric Heat Pump Water Heater. New products being highlighted in the training tour, include:

• SENSEI® RX featuring Smart-Circ™ Intelligent Recirculation™ is easier than ever to sell, install, and service with new, advanced capabilities. With industry-leading .98 UEF, the unit offers natural gas, propane gas, and indoor and outdoor capability all in one model, resulting in a 4:1 SKU reduction.
• REHP Series™ Electric Heat Pump Water Heater is one of the most sustainable water heating solutions available. Meeting the highest efficiency standards with up to 4.0 UEF, the REHP Series qualifies for many rebates.
• RCB SERIES™ Commercial Wall-Hung Boiler is a compact building heat source that delivers reliable, energy-saving performance with ground-breaking features that outperform other boilers.
• I-SERIES Plus™ Wall-Hung Condensing Gas Boiler is a new I-SERIES Plus line of solo and combi condensing gas boilers that offers unmatched value and performance with an expanded product line that features Smart Sense adaptive gas valve technology.
• Rinnai Central™ App provides PROs the ultimate water heating management experience with quick access to key tools and controls for Rinnai units, including the new I-SERIES Plus and SENSEI RX.

Over the past few years, Rinnai has invested significantly in product innovation, opening its state-of-the-art innovation center in Peachtree City, Ga. The company’s innovation team, comprised of engineers, product directors, and lab technicians, worked in tandem to develop the products being launched by Rinnai in 2024.

To learn more about Rinnai’s products, built for the PRO, by the PRO, please visit www.rinnai.us.

The new distribution center will serve all of the company’s branch locations in the Upper Midwest as well as direct-to-customer deliveries

Exotec®︎, a global warehouse robotics provider, announced that First Supply, the largest Wisconsin-based wholesaler of HVAC, Builder, Plumbing, Lighting, Waterworks, Industrial PVF, Pump, Well and Septic supplies, has partnered with Exotec to install cutting-edge warehouse robotics at its new 308,000-square-foot distribution center in Western Wisconsin.

Like many companies experiencing strong growth, First Supply was challenged with changing its operating model to reimagine the possibilities of its supply chain. This included finding a solution to manage a growing variety of stock-keeping-units (SKUs), effectively utilize available space, and reduce labor-intensive manual picking practices. By automating its warehouse with Exotec’s Skypod System, First Supply aims to improve productivity, optimize resource utilization, and ultimately better serve its customers.

First Supply’s Skypod system will consist of over 43,000 storage bins, 36 robots, three picking stations, and three induction work stations. Anticipating continuous growth, First Supply has designed the distribution center to easily scale its storage capacity by up to 30% in the system by adding bins and robots. The system will make use of Exotec’s smart conveying technology, Skypath, to feed six packing stations and a sortation loop with 12 outbound destination lanes. The distribution center will support all of the company’s branch locations in the Upper Midwest, as well as effectively supplying direct-to-customer deliveries.

“As a 127-year-old, 5th generation company, First Supply is committed to innovating how our employees experience work daily. Our rich history has laid the groundwork for success in distributing innovation and fostering partnerships in our communities, with our customers, and among our partners,” says Katie Poehling Seymour, President & CEO at First Supply. “We’re transforming our supply chain, focusing on optimizing inventory management through enhanced technology and refined procedures, exemplified by our new distribution center.”

First Supply has chosen to deploy Exotec’s Skypod system in its distribution center, with the goal of innovating its current operations to prioritize its workforce and enable further business growth. First Supply is excited to enhance efficiency while also being able to make the warehouse a more enjoyable workplace for its employees.

“We believe in working smarter, not just harder. Robotics provide us with an efficient means to store and retrieve items, enhancing efficiency and enabling us to swiftly adapt to the evolving demands of our business,” Poehling Seymour highlights. “We foresee a bright future for our company, driven by human connections in our operations while collaborating with companies like Exotec to accelerate our innovations.”

“First Supply is among the first US companies in their industry to adopt cutting-edge robotics solutions for their warehouse,” states Stanislas Normand, Managing Director of Exotec, North America. “This not only demonstrates their capability for innovation but also establishes the gold standard for the industry in building customer-centric supply chain operations.”

About First Companies
Established in La Crosse, WI, First Companies is a regional distributor with 52 locations, including: 28 First Supply distribution branches, 5 First Waterworks branches, 1 Central Distribution Center, 14 Gerhard’s Kitchen, Bath and Lighting stores, and 4 Kohler Signature Stores by First Supply in the upper Midwest. Founded in 1897, First Companies employs over 650 people, is a family-owned, single source provider of HVAC, Builder, Plumbing, Lighting, Waterworks, Industrial PVF, Pump, Well and Septic supplies. For more information, visit: FirstSupply.com

About Exotec
Exotec is a global warehouse robotics company powering the world’s largest brands. The company combines the best of hardware and software to offer elegant warehouse robotic systems that drive operational efficiency, add resiliency, and improve working conditions for warehouse operators. 50+ industry-leading brands including Gap Inc, Carrefour, Decathlon, and Uniqlo trust Exotec to improve their operations across 100+ sites worldwide. Learn more at Exotec.com.

Cutting-edge greenfield plant produces STERLING brand bathing and showering products to meet growing demand and enhance customer experience

Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath products headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, officially opened the doors to its new manufacturing facility in Casa Grande, Arizona, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event hosted by company leadership. Among those in attendance were Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, some of the new Kohler associates filling more than 400 full-time administrative and production positions, state and local officials, and Kohler customers.

The facility produces STERLING brand bath and shower fixtures and is approximately one million square feet on 216 acres with room for future expansion. The multi-million dollar capital investment features an innovative manufacturing facility, ancillary warehouse, distribution center, office space, and cafeterias. The site also includes a best-in-class showroom for customers and visitors to view leading-edge products.

“Arizona is a recognized hub of excellence for manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability, all of which are enhanced by the addition of Kohler’s new state-of-the-art facility,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “As one of the world’s most recognized brands known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Kohler strengthens Arizona’s rapidly growing manufacturing industry.”

Kohler Co. held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event on May 14 at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Casa Grande, Arizona, that supports growing customer demand for the company’s STERLING bath and shower fixtures. The manufacturing facility, warehouse, and office space on 216 acres comprises a total of approximately 1 million square feet, with room for future expansion, and will bring more than 400 new full-time jobs to the local market. The ceremony was attended by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Kohler Chair and CEO David Kohler, company leaders and associates, state and local officials, and Kohler customers. Participating in the ribbon cutting were: (left to right) Tracy Jaeger, VP & GM of Bathing & Showering – Kohler Co.; John Bishopp, Plant Manager – Kohler Co.; Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland; Governor Katie Hobbs; David Kohler, Chair & CEO of Kohler Co.; Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainable Living Officer – Kohler Co.; Norb Schmidt, President of Kitchen & Bath North America – Kohler Co.; Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority; Heath Holtz, Chief Operations & Supply Chain Officer – Kohler Co.; and David Mortenson, Chairman – Mortensen.

“We welcome our new associates to Kohler Co. and look forward to being an active participant in the greater Casa Grande community, contributing to its growing economy and quality of life, providing good-paying jobs and benefits, and offering opportunities for career development and advancement,” said Norbert Schmidt, President-Kitchen & Bath North America for Kohler. “The new plant provides the capacity to support our strong growth projections for STERLING to better serve our customers with the highest level of quality and delivery. We thank our loyal customers and partners who have been crucial in helping to build our STERLING business to what it is today.”

The plant incorporates smart factory elements and production technology that create durable and stylish baths, shower receptors, and bath/shower walls. The company will also track key sustainability measures to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, water use, solid waste, as well as energy efficiency.

In March, Kohler was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to begin award negotiations for up to $51.2 million, matched by company investment, to demonstrate a commercial scale decarbonization solution at the Casa Grande plant.

Kohler is pursuing an electric boiler and microgrid system and expects the upgrades to prevent at least 7,865 MT CO2e from being released annually. This represents a reduction of at least 90% of the pressing process emissions by eliminating CO2e emissions from natural gas boilers. Kohler will incorporate electric boilers, install a 21MW solar array microgrid, utilize long-duration energy storage (LDES) batteries with 68MWh of storage, and install 12MW of HVO-capable KOHLER industrial backup generators. The LDES batteries coupled with advanced microgrid controls eliminate all possible solar curtailment scenarios and enable the facility to run the boilers on renewable energy while performing solar smoothing, thereby reducing carbon emissions.

Additionally in 2023, Kohler supported a multi-year project led by Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Arizona State University, and Bridgestone to convert high water use crops to low water use crops to alleviate water stress on the local aquifers.

“The City of Casa Grande welcomes Kohler Company with open arms and is pleased that the organization has invested in us for the long-term. A global force in kitchen and bath, Kohler has established itself as a highly successful forward-thinking organization that cares for and contributes to its local communities,” said Craig McFarland, Mayor of Casa Grande. “We are proud to have Kohler as an integral member of our community.”

“Kohler’s new facility is a significant win for Casa Grande and Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Kohler’s sustainable manufacturing facility showcases Arizona’s attractiveness as a premier global destination for advanced manufacturing. We’re grateful an iconic company like Kohler is investing in our state while creating hundreds of skilled jobs in rural Arizona.”

“In opening this massive factory in Casa Grande, Kohler is capitalizing on the advantages Greater Phoenix offers in serving its customer base in the western U.S.,” said Chris Camacho, Greater Phoenix Economic Council President & CEO. “This globally recognized brand has found a home for manufacturing, warehousing and office space, and we’re thrilled to officially welcome them into the market.”