General News

MILWAUKEE, WI- Milwaukee Tool continues to rapidly expand its Hand Tool offering with the introduction of several new locking tools that dramatically increase productivity for the user. Featuring a patent pending Torque Lock™ adjustment system, the new Milwaukee® Locking Pliers and Locking C-Clamps deliver an innovative solution for adjusting the size of the gripping jaws while secured to material. This gives the user the ability to produce maximum locking force with a much faster and controlled set up.

“As we spent time on the jobsite investigating this category, we found that many users were modifying their locking tools by welding a loop on the back end of the thumb screw. This created a way to setup their tool faster and produce the necessary holding force with a screwdriver,” says Ryan Schwoegler, Product Manager for Milwaukee Tool. “Inspired by this inventive user modification, our TORQUE LOCK™ Locking Tools feature a thumb screw with a more convenient geometry for hand force and a unique screwdriver through-hole design to produce maximum locking force.”

Each tool also features hardened jaws for more gripping power on jobsite material, and is made from chrome plated forged alloy steel for maximum durability and rust protection. A traditional release lever design provides further jobsite functionality and convenience for increased productivity.

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the new products confirm Milwaukee’s commitment to best-in-class durability and their relentless commitment to provide innovative solutions to the end user that will increase productivity.

Locking Pliers

• 48-22-3420     10″ TORQUE LOCK Curved Jaw Locking Pliers
• 48-22-3510     10″ TORQUE LOCK Straight Jaw Locking Pliers
• 48-22-3507     7″ TORQUE LOCK Straight Jaw Locking Pliers
• 48-22-3420     10” TORQUE LOCK Curved Jaw Pliers
• 48-22-3506     6” TORQUE LOCK Long Nose Pliers
• 48-22-3610     10” MAX BITE™
• 48-22-3607     7” MAX BITE™
• 48-22-3710     10” MAX BITE™ Gripped
• 48-22-3707     7” MAX BITE™ Gripped

Locking C-Clamps

• 48-22-3521     11″ TORQUE LOCK Locking C-Clamp Swivel Jaws
• 48-22-3522     6″ TORQUE LOCK Locking C-Clamp Swivel Jaws
• 48-22-3531     11″ TORQUE LOCK Locking C-Clamp Regular Jaws
• 48-22-3532     6″ TORQUE LOCK Locking C-Clamp Regular Jaws

About Milwaukee Tool

Since the company began in 1924, Milwaukee Tool has led the industry in both durability and performance by providing the best in professional, heavy duty tools and accessories. With an unwavering commitment to the trades, Milwaukee® continues to lead with a focus on providing innovative, trade-specific solutions. Whether it is through their leadership in LITHIUM-ION technology, as seen in the M12™, M18™ & M28™ Systems, time-saving accessories or innovation new Hand Tool and Test Instrument product lines, Milwaukee is dedicated to delivering a steady stream of advanced solutions for the trades that offer increased productivity and unmatched durability. Milwaukee Tool is a Brookfield, Wisconsin-based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI) (HKEx stock code: 669, ADR symbol: TTNDY). For more information on the full line of Milwaukee products, please call 1-800-SAWDUST or visit www.milwaukeetool.com.

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (Hiller), the region’s premier provider of residential and commercial service and repair, receives Nashville Business Journal (NBJ) ’s 2016 Best in Business Award for the largest employee category.

On Thursday, March 10, at the Best in Business Awards Luncheon in Downtown Nashville, the award was presented via live announcement to Jimmy Hiller, owner and CEO of Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. Hiller was selected from a pool of hundreds of submissions and three finalists in the 500+ employee size category. This award marks the second Best in Business win for Hiller after their previous win in 2011 in the 101-500 employee company size category.

The Best in Business Award honors companies that “set the gold standard for growth, service, quality, innovation, and execution of a superb business strategy”, according to the Nashville Business Journal. Hiller was an ideal recipient of this year’s award for its focus on high-quality service, dedication to customer satisfaction, recent technology advancements, and tremendous growth over the past 26 years.

“At Hiller, we care about our customers, our employees, and our community”, said Jimmy Hiller, founder and owner of Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. “So it is especially meaningful”, he continued, “When we receive awards like the Best in Business Award – that come from our community – and recognize our efforts.”

Launched in 1990 out of a duplex in Antioch, Tennessee, with a single employee, Hiller has grown to include over 420 trucks, 12 locations, and more than 600 employees across the southeast. In the past decade alone, Hiller has experienced over 900% growth in revenue.

“I believe we obtained this level of growth”, remarked Hiller, “By putting the customer first, always doing our best, and trying to do what’s right for our neighbors.”

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, provides residential and commercial service and repair throughout Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, and Northern Alabama. Hiller, recently named the fifth fastest-growing private company in Middle Tennessee, employs over 600 people across 12 locations, boasts a fleet of 420 “happy face” trucks, and proudly services over 35,500 loyal customers. For more information about Hiller, visit http://www.happyhiller.com or e-mail press@happyhiller.com.

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The 2016 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), held January 25 to 27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., welcomed 60,926 registered attendees to the world’s largest HVACR marketplace.

Despite havoc from Winter Storm Jonas, including flight cancellations across the country and travel bans in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, the 2016 AHR Expo was successful in welcoming tens of thousands of contractors and engineers, OEMs, distributors and plant managers from all facets of the global HVACR industry.

In total, 469,540 square feet of exhibit space was occupied by 2,063 exhibitors, 334 of which participated in AHR Expo for the first time in 2016. This year’s 18,254 exhibitor personnel addressed 42,672 visitors, based on a preliminary attendance count by the show’s management company, International Exposition Company.

“A lot goes into making this show such a valued platform for today’s professionals to come together, but I’m proud to be part of making it all happen,” said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company. “Based on early feedback, we’re already working on several aspects of next year’s show to accommodate more attendees and to make the experience even more worthwhile.”

The 2016 AHR Expo show floor encompassed a compelling 20 football fields’ worth of exhibits throughout Florida’s largest convention center. Many exhibiting companies, including Beloit, Wisc.-based Regal Beloit America, Inc., which develops systems for converting power into motion in climate solutions and other market applications, returned as well-seasoned AHR Expo participants.

When asked about the value in attending AHR Expo, many exhibitors shared common sentiments. Both Lindsey Ford, manager of multi-channel communications at Rheem, remarked on how an influx of international attendees has positively affected both networking and sales efforts.

“Rheem has been exhibiting at AHR Expo for years – it’s a great networking opportunity that sets the tone for the year,” said Ford. “The show has become much more international lately, allowing us to establish relationships and connections around the world. Admittedly, it’s sometimes easier to use technology, but you can’t put a price on the face-to-face interaction you get by attending.”

Lindsey Simpson, business development associate at Rinnai America Corporation, noted the importance of keeping up with industry standards and trends.

“We work in an industry that is rapidly changing, particularly in recent years,” said Simpson. “It’s tough to stay on top of the Department of Energy standards. Yes, a lot of us are in competition with one another, but on the other hand, we have to work together to meet these standards to better the world we live in. By exhibiting at AHR Expo, we get names, faces and a better understanding of who’s on our team.”

While there was no shortage of things to see and discover on the show floor, the thousands of AHR Expo attendees and exhibitors also had the opportunity to engage in a full schedule of educational programs. A mix of exhibitors’ new product and technology presentations, ASHRAE Learning Institute courses, certification exams, PM Live seminars and many free programs offered by endorsing associations and other groups filled the Orange County Convention Center’s many conference rooms. Attendees and exhibitors were able to expand their knowledge on a wide range of topics – from how to commission an economizer, to cyber security measures for intelligent buildings, to the latest advancements in China’s indoor air quality market.

At the close of three action-packed days in Orlando, many 2016 AHR Expo attendees were eager to share their experiences.

“When I first thought about coming here, I thought it was just a bunch of vendors showing things that I may or may not use,” said David Perrotta, president/owner of P P C Contractors in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. “What I’ve learned is that many of the exhibitors are not only willing to talk to you, but are willing to train you and give you very informative demonstrations on their products. You can’t get that over the phone or via email. The in-person meetings are invaluable.”

Next year’s AHR Expo will be held in Las Vegas from January 30 to February 1, 2017.

Wilo USA, a provider of pumps and pump solutions for building services, water management, and groundwater, is pleased to announce Doug Ryan as the new Regional Sales Manager for the Southwestern region of the United States.

Ryan is a 30 year veteran in the pump industry who has centered his career around effectively managing and growing pump sales. He is responsible for overseeing the sales operation within the Southwest region, which includes servicing the needs of customers, developing sales strategies and setting targets, and collecting customer feedback and market research.

“Doug’s background and reputation speak for themselves,” says Tim Ruppert, Managing Director of Wilo USA. “He has done and seen it all. Doug’s extensive market experience and industry knowledge are a perfect fit with Wilo’s products.”

As a branch manager, project manager, and sales manager, Ryan’s previous endeavors are proof of his ability to build sales as well as establish consistent growth within the marketplace.

Wilo USA offers high-quality submersible pumps and mixers, as well as a full line of high efficiency, commercial, and well pumps.