boilers

Company’s ProTools™ App Recognized as a Top Boiler App of the Year

Reinforcing its reputation for excellence in product design, Weil-McLain^® was recognized for its exceptional manufacturing of HVAC technology in the 20th annual Dealer Design Awards Program sponsored by The Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration (ACHR) News magazine. An independent panel of HVACR contractors acted as judges in the contest that had more than 100 entries.

Weil-McLain’s ProTools™ App was the silver winner in the Contractor Services & Software product category, cementing its position as one of the top boiler apps of the year. The ACHR News is the leading trade magazine in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration industries, providing readers with coverage of energy management solutions, HVACR equipment and component selections, refrigeration, refrigerants and more.

“These awards give us a unique opportunity to recognize the outstanding research and development efforts that go into many of the products serving the HVACR industry and the awards issue gives our readers an opportunity to read about innovative installation and service solutions,” said Sarah Harding, publisher of The ACHR News.

“Weil-McLain is dedicated to helping spotlight contractors’ hydronic expertise and streamlining customer visits to provide clients with a premium and differentiated experience,” added Dave DeVries, director of product management with Weil-McLain. “This prestigious recognition bestowed upon our ProTools App is a testament to the remarkable skills of our software engineering team. We take great pleasure in being acknowledged in the services and software category and for developing one of the premier boiler apps of the year.”

Available for iOS and Android devices, the ProTools App allows contractors and other heating professionals to conveniently access information on Weil-McLain boiler setup, maintenance and troubleshooting. From reviewing fault codes for troubleshooting and accessing how-to videos to viewing product manuals and schematics, quickly finding parts and working virtually with Weil-McLain’s Tech Support team to problem-solve issues as they occur on the jobsite, the app has become a one-stop resource for boiler installation and maintenance. Technicians can also utilize the app’s connectivity with the ECO^® Tec Series 2 residential gas boiler to access features that include a user-friendly dashboard, fault and warning lookup, software update options and a “clone to phone” setting that copies settings from one boiler to another to make installation easier.

Winning entries in the Dealer Design Awards were featured in the July 24, 2023, issue of The ACHR News, which is distributed nationally to over 27,000 HVACR contractors, wholesalers and distributors, and other industry professionals. For more information and further coverage, visit www.achrnews.com or www.weil-mclain.com.

Leading U.S.-based manufacturer of boilers and water heaters, celebrating its 75^th anniversary in 2023, showcases reliable, innovative products at energy and comfort industry event in Atlantic City May 21-24

Laars® Heating Systems, a leading U.S. designer and manufacturer of boilers, water heaters, and pool heaters celebrating its 75^th anniversary in 2023, will showcase its high-performing and efficient products at the Eastern Energy Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey, May 21-24.

“As the premier event for the energy and comfort industries, the Eastern Energy Expo is a great opportunity for heating and HVAC professionals to experience the reliable and high-quality products Laars has been known for since 1948,” said Chuck O’Donnell, director of marketing for Laars Heating Systems. “We are driven by a commitment to our customers and continue to deliver solutions that help them thrive and succeed as our industry evolves.”

Representatives from Laars will be available at Booth #825 during the Eastern Energy Expo with hands-on demonstrations of the following products:

• Laars® FT Series Floor Combi Boiler featuring a built-in low loss header for an easy install, and industry-best DHW delivery from a combi floor boiler.
• Laars® FT Series Wall Combi Boiler with built-in mini-indirect tank technology providing up to one gallon of stored hot water on standby.
• Laars® LT Series Tankless Water Heater, ideal for residential or light commercial applications with a high temp output setting (180 degrees) and the ability to cascade up to 16 units.

The Eastern Energy Expo brings together wholesale and retail liquid fuel marketers, motor fuel distributors, diesel and biodiesel distributors, propane marketers and HVAC service professionals to experience informative business presentations, technical education programs, a two-day trade show and memorable networking opportunities.

For more information about Laars Heating Systems, visit http://www.laars.com.

For more information about Bradford White Corporation, visit https://www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com.

Leading U.S.-based manufacturer of water heaters and boilers offers contractors specially discounted access to the powerful messaging platform that is modernizing how business gets done

Bradford White Water Heaters, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, announces a new partnership with the powerful messaging platform Podium that helps contractors grow their business through better communication with their customers.

With premium access to Podium’s suite of messaging tools, Bradford White contractors can text customers to gather online reviews, connect with leads and send promotional campaigns, all from a single easily accessible inbox.

“At Bradford White, we do everything we can to help our contractors be more successful,” said Carl Pinto, Jr., senior director of marketing communications for Bradford White. “Podium makes connecting with existing and prospective customers as easy as sending a text. With their customizable, intuitive tools, contractors can streamline communications and distinguish themselves from competitors who continue to rely on clunky and outdated options.”

Texting is the only marketing channel with a 98% open rate and offers customers a convenient, personal 1:1 connection that is more effective than advertising. On average, Podium users see monthly online reviews double and build lasting relationships with customers five times faster.

Podium allows contractors to send custom review requests that link customers directly to Google reviews or industry-specific websites. The Podium platform also routes leads from all channels into a single easy to use inbox, increasing efficiency and conversion rates.

Bradford White For the Pro® contractors are eligible for an exclusive Podium discount.

For more information about Podium for Bradford White contractors, visit https://www.podium.com/bradford-white/.

For more information about Bradford White Water Heaters, visit https://www.bradfordwhite.com.

Viessmann and Carrier align; Uponor rebuffs Aliaxis.

Are we seeing a renewed “trend” toward consolidation in the PHVAC industy? Inflation, fuel prices, war, supply chain, electrification, and economy woes are all factors for potential wholesale changes. Over the past month, there has been heavy movement in the industry to suggest such a thing. In a week that saw big movement, we learned recently that two major players in the PHVAC industry have been active in talks.

The first, just officially confirmed, Carrier will acquire Viessmann Climate Solutions, the largest segment of Viessmann Group, in a cash and stock transaction valued at €12 billion, subject to working capital and other adjustments. According to the release, Viessmann Climate Solutions provides Carrier with an iconic, premium brand in the highest growth segment of the global heat pump and energy transition markets. In addition, Carrier announced plans to exit its Fire & Security and Commercial Refrigeration cabinet businesses.

“The acquisition of Viessmann Climate Solutions is a game-changing opportunity,” said Carrier Chairman & CEO David Gitlin. “Climate change, sustainability requirements and geopolitical factors are driving an unprecedented energy transition in Europe. Accelerated by government regulations and incentives, the transition creates a significant, long-term growth opportunity.

“Viessmann Climate Solutions is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this opportunity with its premier brand, highly differentiated distribution channel and innovative product offerings. With 70% of its business consisting of heat pumps and related accessories, solar PV, batteries and services, Viessmann Climate Solutions is a critical leader in Europe’s energy transition. We look forward to welcoming its 11,000 team members to the Carrier family and Max Viessmann, CEO of Viessmann to the Carrier Board of Directors at closing, which is expected around the end of 2023.

But a recent announcement from Viessmann found on LinkedIn read, “the new transatlantic partnership underlines the importance of international, cross-border collaboration in the fight against global climate change. Both companies are fully committed to take more responsibility for a sustainable energy transition in the building sector, focusing on our purposes: Viessmann Group’s purpose is to co-create living spaces for generations to come. Carrier’s vision is to create solutions that matter for people and our planet. We both regard the climate goals in North America and Europe as a once-in-a-century opportunity to make a positive impact, by actively shaping sustainable climate and energy solutions for future generations.

“The Viessmann Group will continue to remain an independent family business in full ownership of the Viessmann entrepreneurial family. Today, the Viessmann Group—excluding its Climate Solutions business area—generates a total revenue of EUR 1 billion in sales—including non-consolidated entities—with around 4,000 employees. Looking ahead, the clear goal and ambition of the Viessmann Group is to grow to a size that is larger than the Climate Solutions business area today, latest by the end of the decade.”

How does this affect contractors? The Hub’s Eric Aune, who is an ardent Viessmann installer, was sent this message: By combining Viessmann Climate Solutions and Carrier, we are co-creating one of the leading climate solutions companies in the world. Through the combination of both companies, we are forming a resilient, fast-growing innovation leader in a highly competitive market environment. All partners and customers of Viessmann Climate Solutions will significantly benefit from this new partnership:

1. Viessmann Climate Solutions’ premium integrated offering will be complemented by electrified products and services from Carrier and its sub brands (heat pumps, battery storages, cooling and ventilation solutions as well as after-sales-services, digital and value-added solutions). This will lead to a wider product range for you.
2. Viessmann Climate Solutions will get better access to suppliers via the global network of Carrier, especially its subsidiary Toshiba Carrier Corporation in Asia. This will lead to a faster delivery for you, in the long run. Thereby, you can significantly shorten your time to installation completion—a decisive component for the decarbonization of the building stock both in Europe and beyond.
3. The iconic brand of Viessmann will be continued. All your respective contact persons at Viessmann will remain in charge. The Climate Solutions Executive Board and leadership team of Viessmann Climate Solutions, led by CEO Thomas Heim will continue to run the business. Viessmann Climate Solutions will become a major driver of Carrier’s growth strategy in Europe. Its headquarters will remain in Allendorf, Germany. The Viessmann Group will become one of the largest shareholders in Carrier. Consequently, Viessmann Group CEO Max Viessmann will become a new member of the Board of Directors of Carrier.

Meanwhile, according to an industry insider close to Mechanical Hub, Putin’s iron grip on the fuel supply in Europe could be a contributing factor to sell now. And, will Viessmann alter its path to market? One observer asked, “Will it be through the DCNE wholesale network?” We will see how things shake out in the next few weeks to months.

PEX Power

On the piping side, there have been tremors of a major shake-up in the PEX world. But all for naught, it turns out. Mechanical Hub has learned that Belgian company Aliaxis, a manufacturer of advanced fluid management solutions—with IPEX already a part of the company—had approached Uponor in its interest to sell. According to information acquired by Mechanical Hub, Aliaxis had announced a non-binding intention to make a tender offer to acquire all shares in Uponor.

Finland’s Uponor said on Wednesday (4/26/23), it rejected an unsolicited offer from Belgian rival Aliaxis, adding that the suggested price of 25 euros per share did not reflect the company’s value and long-term prospects.

According to Reuters and from sources within Uponor, the company’s board unanimously rejected the offer, but said it would consider any further proposals made by Aliaxis or any other party, if it was in the best interest of its shareholders.

Aliaxis last Monday made a $2 billion unsolicited offer to buy Uponor, seeking to form a global water management group, and the following Monday raised its stake in the Finnish company to 10.6%.

Oras Invest, Uponor’s largest shareholder with about 25.7% of the company’s shares, said on the day Aliaxis made its unsolicited offer that it had no intention of accepting it.