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Latest Rheem Manufacturing news & announcements

DEJONG Expands With New Slovakian Facility For Hot Water Tanks

DEJONG, operating as a stand-alone business unit within Rheem® Global Water, has begun construction on a new manufacturing facility in Prešov, Slovakia. The future manufacturing site will have an eventual capacity of one million tanks per year and serve as a strategically located hub to meet the growing demand for hot water tanks across Europe. DEJONG DEJONG is a globally renowned manufacturer of stainless-steel hot water tanks DEJONG is a globally renowned manufacturer of stainless-steel hot water tanks and works closely with customers to co-develop multiple applications, including heat pumps, boiler configurations and solar systems. DEJONG is headquartered in The Netherlands, where it operates its Dutch production location and its European Technology Center. “DEJONG selected Eastern Slovakia because of its skilled and multi-lingual workforce, experienced builders and the presence of well-developed rail and roadways,” said Lee Fletcher, Plant Manager of DEJONG Slovakia. New flagship facility in Slovakia In recent months, DEJONG Slovakia has made significant steps to lay the foundation for its flagship facility. The multi-phased expansion is on track for the first products to roll out in 2026. “We are proud to support DEJONG in the development of their new facility in Prešov. This investment is key to Rheem’s growth strategy in Europe and together we will continue to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for heating systems to our customers,” said Arno La Haye, Managing Director, Rheem Europe. Rheem acquired DEJONG in 2022 A presence in Slovakia allows DEJONG to further extend its leadership in the European market Since Rheem’s acquisition of DEJONG in 2022, the company has doubled production capacity and invested in long-term growth. A presence in Slovakia allows DEJONG to further extend its leadership in the European market. Based in Gorredijk, the Netherlands, DEJONG is committed to sustainable products and optimizing manufacturing processes. Founded in 1859, the company leads through innovation with products that reduce dependance on carbon fuel sources. Rheem Manufacturing Founded in 1925, Rheem Manufacturing is a global leader committed to delivering innovative products that save energy and support a more sustainable future. Rheem is the only manufacturer in the world that produces heating, cooling, water heating, pool & spa heating and commercial refrigeration products, and is America’s #1 water-heating brand with products available in more than 80 countries.

Rheem Expands With Nortek Global HVAC Acquisition

Rheem Manufacturing (Rheem) announced the completed acquisition of Nortek Global HVAC (NGH) from Madison Industries. NGH, founded in 1919, is a globally renowned manufacturer of heating and cooling products serving the residential and manufactured housing markets. NGH now part of Rheem’s Global Air Division With this acquisition, Nortek Global HVAC (NGH) is now part of Rheem’s Global Air Division. “Like Rheem, NGH has a people-first culture, a true commitment to its customers, and a long history of delivering market leading innovations,” said Mike Branson, President, Global Air at Rheem, adding “We’re confident that NGH will make a significant contribution to our expanding Air and Water businesses.” Nortek Global HVAC (NGH) Headquartered in O’Fallon, Missouri, USA, Nortek Global HVAC (NGH) also operates a manufacturing facility in Saltillo, Mexico, and a distribution center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, USA.

Rheem Honors 9/11 Day With Meal Packs For Hunger Relief

Rheem®, the Atlanta-based manufacturer of water heating and HVAC products, joined forces with the 9/11 Day Meal Pack to honor the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.   "We are proud to support 9/11 Day and its mission to inspire the spirit of unity, service and shared humanity throughout the country and in our own backyard," said Dipa Homer, Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources and Communications, Rheem. 9/11 Day Meal Pack Program Dipa Homer adds: "The 9/11 Day Meal Pack Program provides our team the opportunity to honor those impacted by the events of 9/11, while also solidifying Rheem’s commitment to the Atlanta community by directly serving those at risk of hunger or struggling to feed their families." In partnership with 9/11 Day, Rheem employees volunteered for this Day of Service by packing meals for those at risk of hunger. The program works in partnership with local Feeding America-affiliated food banks, and other hunger relief organizations, to receive and distribute meals through its networks of pantries, faith groups, and schools. Volunteers from Rheem, and other companies across metro Atlanta, packed more than 200,000 meals yesterday. 9/11 Day Meal Packs The anniversary of 9/11 has become America’s largest day of service, recognized under federal law Rheem is focused on creating a lasting legacy by encouraging employees to take part in its philanthropy program, Heart of Comfort® and supporting ongoing efforts, such as the 9/11 Day Meal Pack. This is the second year Rheem has honored the 9/11 anniversary and National Hunger Action Month by participating in 9/11 Day Meal Packs. The anniversary of 9/11 has become America’s largest day of service, recognized under federal law.  Meal Pack events The observance, widely known as “9/11 Day,” now engages more than 30 million Americans, many of whom participate by volunteering, donating to charities and performing other acts of service. “The 9/11 Day observance and our Meal Pack events are only possible because of the generosity and support of organizations like Rheem and its employees,” said David Paine, President and Co-Founder, 9/11 Day. 

Insights & Opinions from thought leaders at Rheem

Post-Pandemic HVAC System Improvements

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted how we view indoor air quality and HVAC systems. Consequently, HVAC systems have undergone several improvements in the post-pandemic world. Systems today tend to have better filtration, increased ventilation, and advanced air-cleaning technologies, such as UV-C light and bipolar ionization. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How have HVAC systems improved (including better indoor air quality) in the post-pandemic world?  

How Can The HVAC Market Embrace Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy is derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Examples include sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. The use of renewables provides environmental benefits (such as lower greenhouse gas emissions), economic advantages, sustainability, and better energy security. As a significant consumer of energy, HVAC is well-positioned to promote greater usage of renewable energy sources. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can the HVAC market better embrace renewable energy?

Energetic AHR 2024 Highlights Innovation In The Face Of Regulation

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. 

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