The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC) welcomed PHCC members, chapter executives, and corporate partners to Washington, D.C., May 16-17, to meet with lawmakers and educate them on energy, economic, and workforce policies that are important to the industry and consumers. Before heading to Capitol Hill as industry experts, members first heard from political expert Charlie Cook, who was the keynote speaker Read more
HVACR
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC) welcomed PHCC members, chapter executives, and corporate partners to Washington, D.C., May 16-17, to meet with lawmakers and educate them on energy, economic, and workforce policies that are important to the industry and consumers.
Before heading to Capitol Hill as industry experts, members first heard from political expert Charlie Cook, who was the keynote speaker for the event. Cook spoke on the current political landscape, lessons from the 2022 midterms, and predictions for 2024.
After hearing from Cook, the group was briefed by PHCC Legislative Affairs Director Mark Valentini, PHCC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chuck White, and a panel of other industry lobbyists. Panelists included Jim Collura, vice president and director of government affairs for the National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI); Steve Rossi, vice president of advocacy for the American Supply Association (ASA); and Robert Wolfer, manager of government relations for Bradford White Corp (PHCC Strategic Partner). That evening, the group attended a reception in the historic Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building. This reception was held in conjunction with the Heating Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) and the Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Members of Congress stopped by to network with members of PHCC and these other industry groups.
The next morning during breakfast, attendees heard insights from a second Washington Insider panel consisting of Craig Brightup, chief executive officer of the Brightup Group LLC; Matt Kiessling, senior director of state affairs for the American Gas Association (AGA); and Christopher Lindsay, vice president of government relations for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO – PHCC Supporting Sponsor). After a quick stop for a picture on the Capitol steps, they headed to their respective meetings. In total, 71 PHCC members from 27 different states had 111 meetings with elected officials and their staffs. At a closing roof-top reception that evening, members spoke in-depth about how much they valued the in-person meetings on Capitol Hill, in addition to getting to participate in the rest of the sessions as a part of this two-day event.
“The 2023 PHCC Legislative Conference was an extremely valuable event for all who attended,” said PHCC—National Association President Dave Frame. “Besides the very beneficial one-on-one meetings with legislators, the conference was a great opportunity for PHCC members to connect with each other and with others in the industry supply chain. Together, we are able to accomplish so much more on behalf of our members, the industry, and society.”
The conference was sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Federated Insurance. Next year’s event will be May 21-22, 2024.
Rebrand to Copeland Reflects 100-Year Legacy of Leadership in HVAC and Refrigeration Technology and Solutions Sustainable Climate Solutions Leader Positioned for Next Phase of Growth with Enhanced Focus on Innovation to Transform How People Live and Work Emerson Receives Approximately $9.7 Billion in Upfront, Pre-Tax Cash Proceeds and $2.25 Billion Seller’s Note; Retains 40% Common Read more
Rebrand to Copeland Reflects 100-Year Legacy of Leadership in HVAC and
Refrigeration Technology and Solutions
Sustainable Climate Solutions Leader Positioned for Next Phase of Growth with Enhanced Focus on Innovation to Transform How People Live and Work
Emerson Receives Approximately $9.7 Billion in Upfront, Pre-Tax Cash Proceeds and $2.25 Billion Seller’s Note; Retains 40% Common Equity Ownership
Blackstone (NYSE: BX) and Emerson (NYSE: EMR) announced that private equity funds managed by Blackstone (“Blackstone”) have completed the previously announced acquisition of a majority stake in Emerson’s Climate Technologies business in a transaction valuing the business at $14.0 billion. This closing marks a significant milestone in the HVAC and refrigeration (HVACR) industry leader’s journey to advance the next generation of climate technologies.
The new standalone business will be named Copeland – building on the brand’s 100-year legacy, global recognition and influence across the HVACR industry. As a standalone company focused on serving the global HVACR market, Copeland’s product portfolio includes market-leading compressors, controls, thermostats, valves, software and monitoring solutions for residential, commercial and industrial customers. Copeland had fiscal 2022 net sales of $5.0 billion.
“Copeland has long been a pioneer in the HVAC and refrigeration industries with unmatched capabilities in engineering, design and innovation,” said Ross B. Shuster, Chief Executive Officer of Copeland. “With the focus that comes from being a standalone company, and the support of our shareholders, Blackstone and Emerson, we plan to extend the company’s leadership position in the industry and develop new and integrated climate technology solutions. The Copeland business is made up of over 18,000 talented team members, who are aligned and committed to developing technologies and solutions that drive decarbonization at scale, accelerate the global trend of electrification and deliver greater value for our customers and end users.”
Copeland is poised to build on its iconic brand and trusted expertise to shape the future of climate technology. The company’s products, expertise and innovation play a key role in improving the energy efficiency of heating and cooling solutions – including the rapidly growing market for electric heat pumps and climate-friendly refrigerants, which are seeing strong demand and global adoption given their potential to reduce the environmental impact and carbon emissions of HVAC systems.
“Copeland has grown into the market leader in supplying critical components for residential, commercial and industrial climate control solutions, and we are thrilled to support its next phase of growth as a world-class standalone company,” said Joe Baratta, Global Head of Blackstone Private Equity. “Leveraging Blackstone’s long track-record of successful large-scale corporate partnerships, we look forward to working with the Copeland and Emerson teams to accelerate the company’s profitable, long-term growth. We’re confident in the runway ahead to advance Copeland’s industry leading position by delivering even more innovative, energy-efficient solutions to support its customers’ carbon reduction efforts.”
“We are pleased to complete this significant transaction, an important milestone in Emerson’s portfolio transformation into a cohesive global automation leader,” said Lal Karsanbhai, President and Chief Executive Officer of Emerson. “The upfront proceeds from this transaction allow Emerson to advance our portfolio in attractive, higher-growth automation markets, while our remaining non-controlling investment enables Emerson to benefit from Copeland’s future upside under Blackstone’s ownership, until we exit the business. With our focused portfolio, we are bringing comprehensive automation products, software and solutions to a diverse set of end markets, driving operational excellence and enhancing value creation for Emerson shareholders.”
Copeland will continue to operate from St. Louis, while maintaining a global footprint to serve customers in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Africa.
Learn more about Copeland’s sustainable solutions at Copeland.com.
As we move into the first quarter of 2023, the trade show circuit is in full effect, and the Mechanical Hub team will be present at all of the events, starting with World of Concrete next week. The buzz is strong moving from the post-COVID drag to in-person connection again that includes all shows from Read more
As we move into the first quarter of 2023, the trade show circuit is in full effect, and the Mechanical Hub team will be present at all of the events, starting with World of Concrete next week. The buzz is strong moving from the post-COVID drag to in-person connection again that includes all shows from January through March.
World of Concrete (January 17-19, Las Vegas) — This show has been serving the concrete and masonry construction industries for nearly 50 years. Why does Mechanical Hub attend? Tools baby! The leaders in the tool industry—that delve into the concrete side of things—are all there and great conversations and connections can be made there. And, it’s Vegas. I’m sure you can find something fun to do there, right?
KBIS/IBS (January 31-February 2, Las Vegas) — Since co-locating back in 2014, this really is a can’t-miss show. Combing the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and The International Builders’ Show (IBS) was a huge boon to both of these prior individual shows. Combing forces is like watching Hanna-Barbara’s Wonder Twins “activate” in the form of a leading national trade show every year. Finding the latest in kitchen and bath trends with the latest and greatest from the building world? Um, yes please.
AHR Expo (February 6-8, Atlanta) — If I could count the amount of steps I have amassed over the years walking this show floor, I probably would have worn more comfortable shoes from the beginning. This is the largest annual U.S. HVACR trade show and you will not be disappointed with how much there is to see and do at this event—from seeing the latest technology and products visiting with manufacturers at their booths to the educational tracks offered. BTW, Mechanical Hub’s two podcasts will be broadcasting from the AHR Podcast Pavilions, so if you’re at the show, be sure to stop by and say hello. (Appetite for Construction Podcast Monday, Feb. 6 at 5:00 pm, pavilion 2; Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 4:00 pm, pavilion 1. Make Trades Great Again Podcast Monday, Feb. 6 at 2:00 pm, pavilion 2; Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 11:00 am, pavilion 1; Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 1:00 pm, pavilion 2.)
WWETT Show (February 20-23, Indianapolis) — Man, we love going to this show as well. So many connections made, such a great time. The Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show—a mouthful so let’s just call it WWETT—is the world’s largest annual trade show for wastewater and environmental service professionals. This show offers educational programs, live demos, the latest in drain cleaning technology, and the opportunity to connect with fellow industry showgoers. For those that can remember that far back, this was the old pumper and dumper show.
ISH Messe Frankfurt (March 13-17, Frankfurt, Germany)—Guten tag from Deutschland! The Mechanical Hub team will be making the jump over the pond to attend one of the world’s largest biennial (every two years) PHVACR trade show. The focus of this year’s ISH is marketable solutions for a sustainable future. Currently, the organizers are expecting around 2,000 companies to present their solutions for renewable sources of energy, sustainable water usage and clean air at the leading international trade event for the HVAC and water sector.
ISH 2023 will offer the ISH digital extension, a virtual presence that will open in parallel to the live event in Frankfurt and will also remain open for one week longer until March 24, 2023.
Pre-COVID, ISH was so popular, more space was allotted to the already mammoth 12 building campus. According to the ISH website, the show is the largest exhibition venue in the world for product innovations, and it occupies an area equal to approximately 39 football pitches. Thank goodness for Ted Lasso, because we now know that pitches mean soccer fields. We’ll need to brush up on our German for sure as the MH team will be traveling the countryside after the show, visiting with some key clients.
Hope to see you on the road!
Service Experts Career Academy (SECA) is partnering with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to offer a debt-free path to a lifelong career as an HVAC technician or plumber. The SECA program is training dozens of apprentices across the country to meet the growing demand for HVAC technicians and plumbers. According to Read more
Service Experts Career Academy (SECA) is partnering with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to offer a debt-free path to a lifelong career as an HVAC technician or plumber. The SECA program is training dozens of apprentices across the country to meet the growing demand for HVAC technicians and plumbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 401,100 job openings for HVAC technicians are expected every year for the next decade. After a positive response to the HVAC training program, SECA and NCCER will also train aspiring plumbers beginning January 2023.
Service Experts welcomes any applicants interested in starting their professional careers debt-free. While trade schools, four-year colleges, associates degrees and other hands-on training programs can cost $7,000 or more annually, SECA pays HVAC apprentices throughout all four years of the training program, while giving them virtual, hands-on and ride along learning opportunities.
“We are opening our doors to anyone interested in taking that first step,” says Tom Essing, a SECA technical trainer in Michigan. “Whether you have prior experience or are a fresh mind with no experience at all, we want good, quality people who are enthusiastic about learning and are looking for a fulfilling career.”
“The construction and maintenance workforces are aging and it’s important we recruit and train the next generation of craft professions,” said NCCER President and CEO Boyd Worsham. “It will take all of us working together to make a real impact on the industry as we strive to fill the skills gap.”
In a traditionally male-dominated field, SECA is making strides by reaching out to women who might be interested in HVAC technician training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women only make up 1.5 percent of HVAC professionals and 2.1 percent of plumbers in 2021; however, nine percent of students in SECA are women.
“I’ve always had trouble finding a job that I could grow in. Thankfully the apprenticeship program has allowed me to do just that and get my certification in HVAC,” said Kailey Scott, a current apprentice in SECA. “In this field there are no limits, and I’m more than excited to exceed beyond my limits thanks to this program.”
“When I started working in HVAC, it was a male-dominated field, and now it’s changing to be more diverse,” says Essing. “It’s positive to see this shift and we look forward to continuing to support anyone interested in the HVAC field.”
In addition to paying apprentices, SECA offers a comprehensive employment benefits package made to support each student and their families on day one of their training. According to Essing, SECA wants to attract recruits away from other jobs by offering them the rounded benefits of a career, including two weeks of paid time off, a 401(k) plan with company matching and health insurance programs. Students also get a $1,000 tool kit with hand tools, gauges, electric beaters and more that is theirs when they complete the program. SECA graduates can also take advantage of Service Experts locations spread across the country. Service Experts serves over 90 locations across America, and certified program graduates have the opportunity to work with any Service Experts location, from San Francisco to Miami.
The pay, opportunities and benefits aren’t the only way that SECA accommodates aspiring HVAC technicians.
“Going virtual has helped get everyone together, all at the same time,” says Ken Benedetto, a SECA technical trainer in New York. “Having virtual class in the morning has been a huge benefit, students are ready to learn before they start their day.”
After completing their SECA training and earning their NCCER credentials, program graduates can earn more than many fields that require a four-year college degree, without having to navigate their lives around repaying expensive school loans.
“If you are looking for a career that will support you for your entire lifetime and give you four years of schooling without debt, jumpstart your future with Service Experts Career Academy,” said Jim Hughes, SECA director.
If you know Fieldpiece, you know we’re always working hard to help HVACR pros do their job easier, faster and better. We want to bring you higher efficiency and increased productivity, and we’re proud to say that our hard work has paid off in the form of industry accolades and game-changing patents. Two of our Read more
If you know Fieldpiece, you know we’re always working hard to help HVACR pros do their job easier, faster and better. We want to bring you higher efficiency and increased productivity, and we’re proud to say that our hard work has paid off in the form of industry accolades and game-changing patents.
Two of our most recognized patents techs rave about are our Rapid Rail® Sensor Technology and RunQuick® Oil Change System.
Rapid Rail® Sensor Technology
Let’s start with our Rapid Rail® Sensor Technology. This advanced technology is featured in the Job Link® System Premium Pipe Clamp Probe, JL3PC; and in the two largest pipe clamps in the industry, measuring up to 41/8” – the Large Pipe Clamp, TC48 and the wireless Job Link® System Large Pipe Clamp, JL3LC. Previous technology measured temperature with readings affected by the ambient air and moisture. Rapid Rail® Sensor Technology perfected the process – only giving accurate readings.
With two sensors, one on either side of the pipe clamp tool, the electrically conductive pipe itself completes the circuit on both sides, giving the tech a stabilized and accurate reading within five seconds. And, as the tech adjusts the system with the clamp attached, they can instantly see temperature changes as they happen in real time.
RunQuick® Oil Change System
Our second most notable patent is for the RunQuick® Oil Change System. This allows techs to change the oil on a vacuum pump without turning off the pump or losing vacuum. In less than 20 seconds, a tech can swap out the old oil and add in new oil.
During an evacuation, once oil has become cloudy, that means it could be saturated with moisture or contaminants. This signals that it needs to be changed or you’ll experience longer system evacuation times. Fieldpiece pumps equipped with the RunQuick® Oil Change System like the Fieldpiece Vacuum Pumps, 10 CFM VPX7, 8 CFM VP87 and 6 CFM VP67 also include a large oil viewing window that allows techs to see the oil condition, so they know when it’s time for a quick change. The days of not changing oil to avoid the mess or the hassles are things of the past.
Add any of these innovations to your tool bag to get ready to work more efficiently and more effectively. Visit www.fieldpiece.com