Industry News

Going to AHR in Orlando Feb 10-12? Make sure to mark you calendars to attend this can’t-miss seminar, “AI and Plumbing: How Smart Applications Can Lead to Smooth Waters Ahead,” with special guest panelists Susan Frew, professional keynote speaker and tech wizard; John Mullen, Director of Technical Services/RPA Technical Liaison, IAPMO; and Mary-Anne Bowcott, owner at Westcom Plumbing and Gas Ltd.

This panel will be moderated by Mechanical Hub’s John Mesenbrink and Tim Ward.

Time: 11:00 am ET, Monday, February 10

Location: W314

For more Info: https://ahr25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=18

The new production area reduces manufacturing processing time to one day and doubles yearly production capacity

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently completed an advanced manufacturing investment to expand its press jaw production at its world headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 30,000-square-foot workspace was held for its employees and invited guests.

The new pressing production area incorporates flexible robotic systems, new milling machines and high-capacity part fixtures. Each machine has the capability to run all pressing parts instead of select components for increased efficiency. These new machines, combined with new in-house capabilities, will reduce lead time by 30 days and double the annual production capacity of jaw sets. This enables customers to receive needed jaws faster for quicker job completion.

“This investment in new equipment and an improved workflow means we can quickly produce a press jaw set made in America that keeps us competitive in the marketplace,” said John Ruese, VP of Product Strategy & Development, RIDGID. “What makes this manufacturing space special is how it brings together the best of both worlds. We’ve incorporated state-of-the-art machinery, while maintaining our commitment to quality through hands-on assembly and inspection by our skilled team members. This balance ensures we continue delivering the exceptional quality that RIDGID is known for around the world.”

This is the latest RIDGID investment into their 27-acre campus that includes their world headquarters, as well as a 463,000 square foot manufacturing facility, state-of-the-art technology lab, customer training center, and an authorized service center.

RIDGID celebrated 25 years as the industry leader in pressing in 2024 and markets the only press jaws manufactured in the United States. The brand first introduced press technology to North America in 1999 and has continued to help professional tradespeople utilize the platform to drive jobsite efficiencies. This commitment has led RIDGID to become the most recognizable name in pressing, with a product portfolio of innovative solutions that help tradesmen and women achieve fast, secure, and flame-free connections. Their most recent pressing innovation was introduced last fall, the RP 251 Press Tool, a compact press tool that delivers powerhouse performance with total access.

A. O. Smith will showcase two new tankless water heaters for the first time at the upcoming 2025 AHR Expo, set to kick off on Feb. 10 in Orlando, Florida. The Adapt™ NC Tankless and the Adapt™ SC Tankless will join the Adapt+™ Tankless Water Heater with X3® Scale Prevention Technology as part of the Adapt line. This expansion will add to the existing product family, offering more options for a variety of customer needs. AHR Expo attendees are invited to visit A. O. Smith’s booth and see the new technology first-hand.

Visitors can also check out other A. O. Smith products at the booth, including the newest member of the Voltex® residential heat pump water heater (HPWH) family—the Voltex® MAX. The Voltex® AL and Voltex® 120V HPWHs, as well as the Emerge™ X Commercial HPWH, will also be on display at this year’s show. Additionally, visitors can stop by the booth to learn more about A. O. Smith’s industry-leading commercial water heating technology, including the Cyclone® XL, Cyclone® LV and the Cyclone® Flex, expected to launch later this year.

Booth 701

AHR Expo

February 10-12, 2025

Orange County Convention Center – West Building

9800 International Dr., Orlando, Florida

Danfoss will highlight its latest innovations and broad portfolio of solutions for the HVAC/R industry at the annual AHR Expo, February 10-12 in Orlando, Fla. At booth #1301, visitors can discover how Danfoss can help their customers reach decarbonization goals under the theme, “Transition Forward.” With an expected 50,000 attendees and 1,800 exhibitors, the premier annual event for the HVAC/R industry provides an invaluable opportunity to showcase the company’s technologies that enable customers to build heat pumps, data centers, rooftop units, Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS), chillers and refrigeration systems that reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption.

Reflecting the growing push toward decarbonization and Danfoss’ ESG goal of becoming their customers’ preferred partner to help meet their decarbonization goals, Danfoss HVAC/R solutions offer sustainable solutions to end users looking to reduce their carbon footprint along with their energy and maintenance expenses.

The BOCK HGX56 CO2 T compressor, VZH-VI variable speed scroll compressor with injection, and EKE110 controller will be on display at the Danfoss booth, #1301, at AHR Expo.

On display will be the newest technologies, including:

• VZH VI variable speed compressor range with injection
• The latest Turbocor^® oil-free and magnetic bearing compressors
• Danfoss’ CO2 solutions for food retail
• X-Gate gateway solution for integrating multiple devices into building management systems
• The Danfoss Advanced Active Filter AAF 007, now expanded to 100/150A module, for higher efficiency in harmonics
• MyDrive^® Harmonics software solution for mitigating harmonic distortions in HVAC systems
• EHW194 hose for data center cooling systems

Also on display will be the new BOCK HGX56 CO₂ T compressor, winner of the Expo’s Innovation Award in the Refrigeration category. The latest Danfoss innovation for sustainable refrigeration, the HGX56 CO₂ T is a transcritical semi-hermetic CO₂ (R744) compressor, ideal for industrial refrigeration, cold storage, ice sports facilities and heat pumps, including process and district heating applications. The expansion to 6-cylinder capacity allows for a wider spread and faster uptake of large CO₂ heat pumps and industrial refrigeration systems, along with lower system complexity and investment costs. As an award category winner, the HGX56 CO₂ T compressor is a finalist for Product of the Year, which will be announced at the Expo.

Visitors to the Danfoss booth will also be able to see demonstrations of Alsense and Alsmart HVAC/R automation solutions, the VLT^® HVAC FC 102 Drive NEMA 4X, condition-based monitoring (CBM), TurbocorCloud^® software, and more.

AHR Expo will mark the start of the celebration of the 30^th anniversary of Danfoss Turbocor. Founded in 1995 in Australia by a group of engineers and later acquired by Danfoss as a wholly owned company, the pioneer in oil-free compressor technology has grown to 350 employees with operation centers in the U.S., Denmark and China. Over 140,000 Turbocor compressors have been installed globally as more customers seek to lower their carbon emissions and energy consumption.

“Danfoss is set to showcase its cutting-edge innovations in decarbonization and energy efficiency at the AHR Expo,” said Vikas Anand, vice president of sales for North America at Danfoss Climate Solutions. “Our primary focus is to support our customers on their decarbonization journey and transition to low-GWP refrigerants. Expo attendees will have the opportunity to explore our extensive range of HVAC/R solutions that are driving the industry toward a more sustainable & energy efficient future.”

“At Danfoss, we are committed to providing reliable and innovative solutions that address current challenges and future opportunities,” said Hannes Leichtfried, vice president of sales and marketing for North America at Danfoss Drives. “Our U.S.-based production ensures localized support and high-quality products that maximize energy efficiency and decarbonization. This local presence, combined with our global expertise, helps our customers achieve their sustainability goals while navigating market complexities.”