Water Heaters

Acquisition will expand residential and commercial single-room AC solutions

Rheem has announced its intent to acquire Friedrich Air Conditioning, a 138-year-old manufacturer of premium air conditioning products, from Monomoy Capital Partners.

Friedrich is a manufacturer of room air conditioning, dehumidification and air purification products for residential and commercial applications. It is a recognized industry leader in high-end air conditioning solutions designed for single-room use in hotels and multi-family buildings.

Founded in 1883, the company is based in San Antonio with manufacturing in Monterrey, Mexico and distribution centers in Texas and New Jersey.

“Friedrich has steadily innovated its residential and commercial offerings and grown its market share,” said Mike Branson, President, Global Air at Rheem. “They will bring a unique air conditioning product portfolio along with specialized products to the Rheem family of brands. Friedrich’s product offerings, company history and industry expertise make this acquisition a perfect fit for Rheem. Together, we will harness the power of our talented workforce and enhance our ability to deliver reliable and energy-efficient products that our customers and contracting partners expect.”

Upon the close of the acquisition—which is subject to additional regulatory approval—Friedrich will be a standalone business unit within the Rheem Global Air business.

Top water heating manufacturer joins non-profit service organization for shared focus on education and workforce development

Bradford White Corporation announces a partnership with Plumbers Without Borders, a grassroots non-profit organization working to increase global access to safe water and sanitation.

The partnership affirms Bradford White’s commitment to impactful engagement within the industry and supports Plumbers Without Borders’ ongoing contributions to professional training, promoting careers in the trades and maintaining the industry’s commitment to the highest standards of quality for products and services.

“Plumbers Without Borders is a unique organization that demonstrates the generosity and goodwill of the hard-working men and women in our industry,” said Carl Pinto, Jr., senior director of marketing communications for Bradford White. “Our company has always been dedicated to social leadership and to strengthening the plumbing and water heater industry. Helping uplift the work of Plumbers Without Borders not only supports their noble work around the world, it’s an investment in showcasing the essential nature of the work we do every day.”

Plumbers Without Borders was founded in 2010. The organization connects volunteer plumbers and other skilled tradespeople with projects around the world that are establishing safe plumbing and sanitary systems and promoting related health and safety education. Plumbers Without Borders selects partners based on quality, service, craftsmanship and training.

“It’s an honor to partner with Bradford White Corporation,” said Domenico DiGregorio, president and co-founder of Plumbers Without Borders. “Our mutual respect for quality, craftsmanship, professional training and workforce development creates a great platform for advancing our collective work toward improving lives and health around the world by increasing access to safe water and sanitation.”

The new floor-standing FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater is the only residential combi boiler that delivers uninterrupted home heat and on-demand hot water simultaneously.

Laars Heating Systemsannounces the launch of its powerful, ultra-high efficiency floor-standing FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater, the only residential combi boiler that simultaneously supplies abundant home heat and endless hot water without interruption.

“Home heat and hot water are critical to health and comfort in our daily lives,” said Chuck O’Donnell, director of marketing for Laars Heating Systems. “The Laars floor-standing FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater, like the rest of the FT Series of products, is built to meet the needs for space heating and domestic hot water reliably, efficiently and economically.”

The FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater includes a unique, integrated domestic hot water mini-indirect tank that delivers stable hot water on demand. Advanced smart technology coordinates uninterrupted space heating with domestic hot water demand and ensures continuing hot water supply for multiple heating events.

With industry-leading capacity, the FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater can deliver six gallons per minute of hot water in the first minute and 5.2 gallons per minute continuous delivery at a 70°F temperature rise. Other features include domestic hot water recirculation compatible; built-in low loss header for ease of installation; robust stainless-steel fire-tube heat exchanger; top piping connections for flexible installation; and large front access for service and maintenance.

“The Laars floor-standing FT Series Combination Boiler and Water Heater offers a unique combination of performance, efficiency and convenience,” O’Donnell said. “Based on extensive feedback from heating professionals, multiple features have been incorporated that make installation and service straightforward and accessible, and also provide options for homeowners.”

For more information, visit http://www.laars.com.

Bradford White Corporation subsidiary recognizes the experienced executive’s contributions to the company and industry with promotion to senior VP and general manager post

Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of commercial, residential and industrial water heating and storage applications, has named Rich Simons senior vice president and general manager of Laars® Heating Systems Company.

“I’ve often said that Rich is the epitome of a general manager, because he can bring insight and ideas to every facet of the Laars Heating System’s business,” said Bruce Carnevale, president and CEO of Bradford White Corporation. “His broad knowledge base, tireless work ethic and industry experience have made him an invaluable part of our corporate leadership team.”

Simons, a graduate of Case Western Reserve University and the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business, joined Laars in 2016 as vice president and general manager. His responsibilities encompass the overall operation of the business as well as its strategic direction and financial results. Simons has more than 30 years of experience in the boiler industry.

“The opportunities that we are taking to deliver innovative customer solutions have never been better and we are excited about our future,” Simons said.  “It’s about our customers and our people, and as a member of the Bradford White family, I am very proud of what we have accomplished. I believe we embody a customer commitment that is second to none as one of the industry’s premier boiler manufacturers.”

In January, Simons was appointed to the board of directors of the American Boiler Manufacturers Association.

“When Rich arrived at Laars, his priority was to spend time with our customers and manufacturers’ representatives so he could truly understand their needs and learn about any challenges they were experiencing,” Carnevale said. “Under his leadership, the Laars team has brought new products to market in record time and implemented improvements across the major functional areas of the company.”