NIBCO - Experts & Thought Leaders

NIBCO INC. has announced the promotion of Joe Choflet to the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Joe's responsibilities In his new role, Joe Choflet will continue to lead wholesale, retail, specialty, and international sales. He will oversee product marketing for plastic and metal fittings and valves. Choflet will continue to report to Ashley Martin, President and COO of NIBCO. “Joe’s natural leadership skills, combined with his energy and extensive industry knowledge, make him an excellent candidate for this role that will be an integral position for NIBCO's future growth and success,” said Ashley Martin. Joe's experience Joe Choflet joined NIBCO in 2017 as Director of Wholesale Sales West. He previously held the positions of Vice President of Retail Sales, and Vice President of Sales, before being promoted to his current role.  Before joining NIBCO, Joe Choflet held various positions at Wesco Distribution. Choflet holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and an MBA from Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Indiana.

The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) returned to Chicago for a lively week of learning, reconnecting, perusing, and demoing everything new coming to market in HVACR. Notable topics included all things decarbonization from equipment on the floor to discussions in education programming refrigerant regulation updates, the heat pump resurgence, and the unveiling of many new products that are shaping the path forward for HVACR.  Driving business “The industry showed up for business in Chicago,” said Show Manager Mark Stevens. “Throughout the year we’ve followed discussions regarding regulation rollouts, decarbonization trends, and various other tracks about the way we conduct business as an industry." "It was evident in the halls that the professionals in attendance are primed to create solutions and drive business forward.”  Networking trends are rising  Podcast Pavilion hosted 20 podcasters covering the latest topics happening across the industry It was clear to anyone filling the halls on the morning of the show that attendance was strong, welcoming 48,034 attendees there to interact with the 1,875 exhibitors spread across North and South Halls. Maximizing 527,520 square footage of space for booth displays, attendees gained access to all the latest the industry has to offer, including new products, technology, skill learning, and demonstration.  Additionally, Podcast Pavilion hosted 20 podcasters covering the latest topics happening across the industry. Podcasts were recorded and will be released by each respective podcaster in the coming weeks.  Strengthening social relationships Inside exhibitor booths, industry tradesmen, women, and influencers hosted events, competitions, and meet-ups, opening exciting channels of content creation and networking opportunities.  “The network transformation is resulting in incredible visibility and partnership for professionals,” said Nicole Bush, Director of Marketing. “There is a true line of two-way communication between the professionals in the field and the manufacturers creating products and technology. Having an in-person forum like AHR Expo to strengthen the social relationships formed online is proving to be immensely beneficial to our industry.”  Industry learning and connection  It’s encouraging to see the growth in the education program with topic variety and expertise" The 2024 Education Program highlighted topics within the industry to address pain points, opportunities, and applications to increase efficiencies, business, and relationships. “It’s encouraging to see the growth in our education programming, not only with topic variety but also with the expertise signing on to provide insight,” said Special Projects Manager Kimberly Pires. “There is a deepened connection between what’s being discussed in sessions and what’s being applied on the show floor and this continues to benefit attendees with a true understanding of current information in the industry.”  Education program In 2024, the education program featured 120 free sessions, 153 new product presentations in New Product Theaters located in South Hall, and seven panels in the AHR Panel Series.  In the 2024 State of the Industry Panel topics included decarbonization including gas bans, grid capacity, heat pumps, and dual-fuel options; building automation and AI as it relates to energy conservation and future planning; refrigerant updates including sell-through periods, EPA regulation, recovery and reclamation, etc.; workforce development, virtual training, bridge programs and more.  Opportunities for professionals Representatives will delve into creating programming and bridge opportunities to attract professionals to the skilled trades In the panel titled, How Do We Address the Workforce Development, Recruitment, and Retention Gap?, representatives from Lincoln Tech, a postsecondary vocational institute with locations across the US, joined a discussion featuring Jose De La Portilla of Rheem Manufacturing, Alison Neuman of Johnson Controls, Bryan Orr of HVAC School & Kalos Services, and Dominick Guarino of National Comfort Institute, Inc.  They will delve into creating programming and bridge opportunities to attract professionals to the skilled trades and prepare them for a lifelong career in HVACR.  Other popular sessions The group discussed how to promote the industry and build a successful culture to retain, train, and onboard to better prepare for fieldwork, and supportive technology, as well as identify weaknesses, gaps, and opportunities.  Other popular sessions included topics featuring heat pumps, business strategy and growth, emotional intelligence adeptness, building automation, controls and AI, social media and industry growth, smart solutions, A2Ls, compliance, codes, and standards, as well as various other niche topics, providing something for every job role represented in the industry.  AHR heads to Orlando for 2025 Honored to continue to provide the best all-industry meeting place and forum to learn" In 2025, AHR head south to Orlando. Save the date for February 10-12, 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center. Hotel blocks are expected to open for attendees late-Spring and registration will go live in early Summer.  “Each year we come away from the show with vigor for what the industry has in store,” continued Stevens. “We are honored to continue to provide the best all-industry meeting place and forum to learn, discuss, prepare, and calibrate goals for the future of HVACR. We hope to see everyone in Orlando.”  Heard around the industry  Heard around the halls throughout the week was excitement for learning and possibilities relating to the future of HVACR. Attendees and exhibitors alike were energized by great conversation and partnership planning. We’re overwhelmed with the sense of accomplishment from our stakeholders. See below for a roundup of reflections on our time in Chicago.  “The positive energy at AHR was inspiring, and we are excited about the relationships forged during the expo. As we wrap up, we look forward to continuing these connections and partnerships in the coming months. Cheers to the success of AHR Expo 2024, and here's to the growth and innovation that lies ahead,” Kuul Evaporative Technologies.  Manufacturers and experts An amazing day at the AHR Expo meeting people from around the world and networking with the best HVAC team" “We had the opportunity to visit key manufacturers and industry experts, such as Bell & Gossett, GRUNDFOS, Taco Comfort Solutions, Armstrong Fluid Technology, NIBCO INC., and more, at the AHR Expo last week in Chicago. What a great show!” Liberty Supply.  “Last week it was incredibly busy at the AHR Expo in Chicago. This was my first time in a show in the US, and the truth is that it has been a fantastic experience,” Adrián P. “What an amazing day at the AHR Expo meeting people from around the world and networking with the best HVAC team worldwide,” Bruno Friedmann, Germany.  Interviews and engagements “We had the best time at AHR Expo 2024 in Chicago!! Going to trade expos is one of our favorite parts of doing the podcast. We get to interview guests in person, attend speaking events with our trade besties, and (the best part of it all) meet some of our amazing Power Women of the Trades Podcast listeners!” Power Women of the Trades Podcast.  “Great turnout and awesome customer/prospect engagement,” James Carpenter, Account Manager, R.W. Beckett Corporation. “Can't wait for next year. Great job in Chicago,” KCC Companies.  Applications and technologies “What a show! It was great to connect with our representative partners, HVAC professionals, contractors, and engineers who visited the Desert Aire booth to discover our latest dehumidification technology solution (SwimAire), from indoor pools to controlled environment agriculture and a variety of other applications. We hope to see you again soon or at AHR Expo 2025 in Orlando!” Desert Aire LLC. “Invaluable event! See you in Orlando next year,” Klima Control Air Conditioning Supply. “Enjoyed all the conversations and introductions! Great seeing so many channel partners in this industry,” Rich Hargrave, vcita.

NIBCO INC. has announced the promotion of Allen Stanley to vice president, of fittings manufacturing and distribution, and Rudy Smith to vice president, of valve manufacturing. Both Stanley and Smith will report to Ashley Martin, president and COO, of NIBCO.  “Allen and Rudy have long careers with NIBCO and the knowledge and expertise that they both bring to these roles will be valuable for the success of our organization,” said Martin. “Join me in congratulating them on their well-deserved promotions.” Prior roles of Stanley In this new role, Stanley has responsibility for the Stuarts Draft, Virginia manufacturing operations and the Demand Planning department, along with his current responsibilities for the U.S. distribution centers, world headquarters logistics, and all plastic manufacturing facilities. Stanley began his career in 1997 at NIBCO as an executive manager at the Atlanta Distribution Center Stanley began his career in 1997 at NIBCO as an administrative manager at the Atlanta Distribution Center. He held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility including operations manager at the Elkhart Distribution Center, manager, distribution and transportation, and most recently, director, plastic fittings manufacturing and distribution. Prior roles of Smith  Stanley holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. He also earned his master’s degree in marketing from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. In his new role, Smith will have responsibility for NIBCO’s Blytheville, Arkansas, facility, along with the company’s Nacogdoches, Texas, McAllen, Texas, and Reynosa, Mexico facilities. Smith began his career at NIBCO in 1996 in logistics at NIBCO’s world headquarters. Two years later, he was promoted and transferred as operations manager of NIBCO’s Nacogdoches facility. He held various roles from production superintendent, plant superintendent, plant manager, and most recently, senior plant manager at Reynosa, prior to his new role. Rudy holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Rice University, in Houston, Texas.

AHR Expo 2024 was abuzz with activity, befitting a dynamic industry in the throes of change.  Industry developments such as electrification and the refrigerant transition render business opportunities on the AHR Expo show floor, where exhibitors display a determination to meet the challenges and thrive in the process. Walking from booth to booth during the three-day show in Chicago, I saw the best the HVAC industry has to offer, up close and personal. Innovation and adaptability are the watchwords as the industry journeys into 2024 and beyond. Refrigerant Transition Top of Mind  Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment The technology transition is well underway for OEMs seeking to meet a pending AIM Act deadline at the end of the year. OEMs are choosing to embrace either R-32 or R454-B refrigerant to replace legacy R-410A, which is being phased out. Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment, while R-32 offers advantages such as higher capacity, higher efficiency, and easier cradle-to-cradle management. Arkema Arkema is the only producer of R-32 refrigerant in the United States. The newer refrigerant is being embraced as HVAC OEMs seek to meet the deadline of Jan. 1, 2025, to use lower-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants in their products. The technology transition is just part of the AIM Act implementation that will also limit allocation and require refrigerant management. Chemours Chemours is a manufacturer of R-454A, R-454B, and R-454C refrigerants. At AHR, they presented hourly education sessions on a variety of subjects. The refrigerant transition will impact everyone in the industry, including refrigerant producers, equipment manufacturers, contractors, and end users. R-454B refrigerant provides identical performance in HVAC systems compared to the previous refrigerant (R-410A). There is less need to redesign equipment; just adding sensors for leak mitigation can address the mild flammability of A2L refrigerants. Because of the 2025 deadline, 2024 will be the “year of new products” in the HVAC market. OEMs pioneering Innovation  Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets Innovation in the HVAC market is led by companies such as Carrier, which has introduced 100 new products each year for the past eight years. Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets, and providing flexibility for customers. New products include the AquaSnap 30RC air-cooled chiller and the AquaEdge 19MV chiller with low GWP refrigerant to meet pending regulatory requirements.  Copeland Copeland, recently divested from Emerson, also emphasizes innovation, including 12 research and development (R&D) facilities, 1,700 engineers, and more than 3,000 patents. At a press conference at AHR Expo, the 100-year-old company announced it is a “new” company owned by Blackstone Private Equity.  Products featured Among the featured products at AHR are Copeland’s oil-free centrifugal compressor with Aero-lift bearing technology; and Copeland’s CC200 case controller, specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of the current retail grocery refrigeration environments. Copeland also pledges to play a role in educating the market about new trends and the transition to new refrigerants.  Emphasizing a Smaller Footprint  Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency Daikin Daikin highlights the Atmosphera, a single-zone ductless split system (using R-32) that can reduce carbon emissions by 80% (compared to R-410A). Also, Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency. Products emphasize a smaller footprint and less weight than their predecessors. Rebel Applied is a packaged rooftop unit that continually adjusts operation to address the building load, consuming less energy. Trailblazer HP is an air-to-water heat pump chiller with a reversing function that allows the product to switch between cooling and heating based on temperature requirements.  Friedrich Air Conditioning Friedrich Air Conditioning features the Breeze universally flexible inverter heat pump, a ducted mini-split for upgrading traditional equipment. It works with any furnace or air handler, has side discharge, is 40% smaller, and is cold weather capable to minus 13. Friedrich's new Vert-I-Pak is a line of M1-compliant single package Vertical Heat Pumps (available in 9K, 12K, 18K, and 24K Btu), supporting decarbonization efforts with heat pump operation down to 10°F. High Efficiency for Commercial and Residential Johnson Controls Johnson Controls exhibits their highly efficient residential and commercial HVAC solutions designed for Department of Energy (DOE) 2023 compliance and helping customers achieve Net Zero goals through decarbonization. On display was the York High-Efficiency 18 SEER2 Side-Discharge Heat Pump with up to 30% smaller footprint than vertical-discharge equipment. Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning's Aircore 700 single split system is aimed at light commercial and residential. Midea Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit Midea, known for selling consumer products, has kept a low profile in the professional sector, selling products that are either OEMed for Carrier or private-labeled by a contractor company. Seeking to promote the Midea brand, the Chinese company is staking its claim on the trade market with an emphasis on performance: The company exceeded performance in the Department of Energy’s “ColdClimate Heat Pump Challenge:” Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pump awareness Results of a survey conducted by Midea show that more than half of homeowners are not fully aware of heat pumps and their function. Awareness lags among contractors, too: 70% of contractors indicate they do not know that the current’s advanced heat pumps can generate 100% heat output to a minimum temperature of minus 4 F. Wide Selection of New Products Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US emphasizes all-electric heat pump solutions. The Deluxe Wall-mounted H2i sumo System connects with an outdoor unit, and the intelli-HEAT dual fuel system can determine the best source of heat – electric or gas – on cold days. Among commercial products, Heat2OHeat Pump Water Heaters are designed to produce high-volume domestic hot water for commercial facilities in any climate. LG Electronics LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and building management solutions for residential and commercial applications. Home electrification products include the LG R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc system; the LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater the LG Electronics Home 8 Energy Storage System, and ThinQ, LG’s mobile app. LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit The LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit features a customizable picture frame that doubles as a cooling and heating vent. Also, LG’s Medium and High-Temperature Hydro Kit Systems use a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger to produce chilled or heated water. LG’s Split Compact M3 DOAS with Multi V S is suited to light commercial use where single-phase power is available and as an HVAC solution for outdoor air treatment. Easier Access for Technicians  Rheem Manufacturing New equipment at the Rheem Manufacturing booth at AHR Expo includes true multi-zone operation, smaller footprints, lighter weights, and components that are positioned for easy access by technicians. An LED in the control cabinet displays a fault code that identifies the problem to service technicians. The Resolute and Renaissance lines are commercially packaged heat pump units. The company is emphasizing the transition from R-410A to R-454B refrigerant by the end of 2024. Aeroseal Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant Aeroseal seals ducts by spraying a vinyl acetate polymer substance to increase HVAC efficiency. Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant, and a 30% tax deduction is available through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).  Airzone Airzone is a Spanish company that controls inverters and VRFs (variable refrigerant flow units). Their communication gateway controller incorporates protocols from various manufacturers, and the Easyzone is an easy-to-install zoning system.  Infinitum Infinitum manufactures a motor system that leverages a printed circuit board as a stator, making the motor system lighter weight and also smaller, quieter, and more efficient. The Aircore EC uses a standard printed circuit board manufacturing process to eliminate bearings. The component is used in blowers by OEMs Lau, Acme, Canarm, and Peerless, whose products are displayed at the booth.  Bell & Gossett Bell & Gossett debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve sustainability Bell & Gossett, a Xylem brand, debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve the sustainability of commercial buildings and reduce complexity in the design process. Combining pumps and smart motors are the e-1510 end-suction pump, e-80 vertical in-line pump, and TECHNOFORCE e-HV packaged booster system.  NIBCO Simplifying the job of an HVAC installer is the PressACR copper press connection system from NIBCO, which connects copper pipes without brazing, which involves soldering and high temperatures, thus a fire hazard. The patent-pending groove design and crimp pattern support the higher-pressure requirement of an HVACR system. Pipes are pressed together using PressACR jaws and adapter jaws in a variety of sizes. NIBCO also displayed its Webstone brand of residential and commercial valves.  Control Products Provide Data  Resideo Resideo displayed home system products, including the Honeywell Home T10+ thermostat with RedLINK 3.0; sensors enable temperature balancing for hot and cold spots. Pro-IQ Services provides software tools designed for the connected home, including insights on heating, cooling, water, and indoor air quality devices to help contractors track customers. Professional-grade water damage prevention, the First Alert L2 WiFi Water Sensor and Switch provide alarms if there is a water leak.  Schneider Electric The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management Schneider Electric seeks to be “digital partners for our customers,” working with Fortune 500 companies seeking to achieve ESG (environment, social and corporate governance) goals. They help customers establish where they are currently vis-à-vis their goals and then deploy science-based key performance indicators (KPIs) to direct them to where they want to be. The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management, including two products for the small and medium building (SMB) market. Energy measurement Schneider measures energy usage through power meters, indoor air quality, and energy spent to achieve efficiency, compiling data according to what the customer wants to achieve. They sell through a national sales team, direct branch business (20 branches), and 200 system integrators (EcoXperts). Their customers include QSR (quick-service restaurant chains) that control climate centrally with data compiled in the cloud.  Siemens Siemens displays solutions for smart, adaptable buildings for a sustainable tomorrow, including the Building X system and the Sustainability Manager application, providing an understanding of a building’s performance and tracking it against sustainability and compliance targets. The Building X Lifecycle Twin tracks operational building performance via a “digital twin,” providing an augmented reality (AR) headset through which one can view equipment with information superimposed on the screen. Uponor  Uponor seeks to leverage the capital cost of heating systems to deliver heating and hot water. They make pipes and connectors and other technologies, including the AuqaPort, which improves water quality and energy savings in domestic hot water (DHW) applications. They seek to future-proof buildings by combining energy efficiency and comfort. Water recirculates and provides hot water on demand using 40% less piping. A “radiant roll-out mat” is preconfigured piping that can be rolled out to simplify installation.