News
Ruskin invests $2.2M to expand Missouri R&D lab
January 2, 2019Ruskin has doubled the size of its Grandview, MO research and development lab in a $2.2 million expansion. More than 100,000 square feet was added to the space. The expansion focused on new product innovation, testing standards and cost-saving improvements…
Tulsar projects job creation at Brantford, ON facility
December 31, 2018Control system manufacturer Tulsar Canada has attributed “unprecedented growth” in 2018 to the company’s relocation to Brantford, ON. “It has unquestionably been a good time for Tulsar since moving to the Brant County,” George Micevski, president of the company, said.…
Wilo to consolidate Georgia facilities
December 28, 2018Wilo will consolidate its Thomasville, GA facilities into existing Cedarburg, WI locations. The company said in a statement that the decision was based on “current market conditions” and bolstering efficiencies. Jeff Plaster, CEO and managing director of Wilo USA LLC,…
Feds announce apprenticeship grant program for women
December 21, 2018The federal government has launched a grant program for women in the trades. Registered apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades who have successful completed their first or second year/level can receive $3,000 per year or level, up to a maximum…
Haier Ductless adds manufacturers reps for Western Canada, Ontario, Atlantic Canada
December 20, 2018Haier Ductless has partnered with three manufacturers representatives across Canada. The representatives include: Martech, headquartered in Edmonton, AB, for Western Canada; Tiny, ON-based MET Sales; and Fredericton, NB-based Thomas Industrial Sales Ltd. for Atlantic Canada. www.haierductless.com
First Co. partners with Ontario distributor
December 19, 2018Total HVAC Solutions and First Co. have added Ontario-based Marks Supply Inc. to their distributor-roster for the province. The company has nine distribution locations. Those interested can contact Mike Goll at 226.646.4578 or e-mail mgoll@markssupply.net. www.markssupply.ca www.firstco.com
MCEE 2019 to showcase new products, draw big crowd
December 18, 2018The plumbing, HVAC/R, hydronics, electricity and lighting industries are set to converge in Montreal this spring. MCEE returns to Place Bonaventure in Montreal, QC from April 24 to 25 for it’s 2019 show. The trade show is expected to feature…
People on the move: Wolseley, Taco and RectorSeal
December 17, 2018Wolseley Canada Inc. has appointed Kim Forgues to the position of vice president, human resources. Forgues was most recently the partner and head of HR practice at Odgers Berndston. Prior to that, she held HR leadership roles with D+ H…
Mining for heat: Quebec startup unveils novel technology
December 13, 2018It isn’t cheap to grow strawberries in Quebec. The bitter temperatures common in one of the country’s coldest provinces put pressure on energy-guzzling greenhouses for more than eight months in a year. For two growers in Neuville, QC, cyrptocurrency mining…
Net-zero waterfront community proposed for site of decommissioned coal plant
December 12, 2018Just off the shore of Lake Ontario, demolition machines chip away at the extensive concrete foundations that once rested beneath a massive coal-fired power plant. The arduous work is part of an ambitious plan by a consortium of developers to…
Baxi expands North American operations, appoints sales director
December 11, 2018Baxi S.p.A is extending its operations in Canada. The Italian company announced plans to transfer all North American business and support to its North American factory operations. Baxi North America, headquartered in Utica, NY, will now be exclusively distributed through…
United Technologies to spin off Carrier in company split
December 10, 2018United Technologies Corp. on November 26 announced the completion of its Rockwell Collins acquisition and plans to separate into three independent companies. Otis, a manufacturer of elevators, escalators and moving walkways, is to become the second independent business after UTC’s…
Electrical Safety Authority releases bulletin
December 7, 2018Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority has issued a bulletin on electrical equipment near combustible gas equipment. The bulletin provides clarification on equipment covered by Rule 2-324, which states the clearance between arc-producing electrical equipment and a combustible gas relief device or…
Delegates embrace learning opportunities at CIPHEX West
December 6, 2018By Kerry Turner and Jillian Morgan CIPHEX West two-day trade show ran November 7 and 8 and drew almost 3,000 visitors who checked out more than 200 manufacturer’s offerings. In addition, delegates were able to sit in on seminars addressing…
Watts begins production of BLÜCHER brand at Texas facility
December 5, 2018Watts Water Technologies, Inc. has expanded manufacturing capabilities for its BLÜCHER brand in North America and Europe. The company will produce the brand’s stainless steel trench drains at its facility in Fort Worth, TX. Watts has also invested in new…
Beedie launches grant program for students entering trade school
December 4, 2018BC-based Real estate developer Beedie will hand out grants to a cohort of 50 students in the province’s Lower Mainland in May 2019 as part of its recently-launched $50 million social-profit enterprise. Beedie Luminaries aims to help students facing financial…
Danfoss acquires industrial automation control products supplier
December 4, 2018Danfoss has acquired Pennsylvania-based AAIM Controls Inc., a supplier of custom-designed regulation and control automation solutions. With the purchase, Danfoss hopes to enter the industrial refrigeration market as a systems provider. “By adding electronic regulation and control automation to our…
Calgary, AB environmental group awarded by CIPH
December 3, 2018A Calgary, AB-based environmental charity is the latest to earn a National Water Wise Award from the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH). Green Calgary champions environmental leadership in homes, workplaces, schools and communities in the city. CIPH awarded…
Nortek earns U.S. patent for hot gas reheat method
December 3, 2018Nortek Global HVAC has been granted a U.S. patent for a method of controlling and stabilizing hot gas reheat circuits in air conditioning systems. Four of the company’s employees are listed as inventors: James Downie, controls department manager; Richard Reed,…
Built Green Canada, Green Builder Coalition release water rating program
November 30, 2018A new water-rating program is coming to Canada. Built Green Canada has partnered with the Green Builder Coalition to launch the Water Efficiency Rating Score (WERS), which it said will be “Canadianized in the coming months” WERS uses a scoring…
“Bad and Ugly” cross connection photos awarded
November 30, 2018The American Water Works Association Western Canada Section (WCSAWWA) has handed out the awards for its 2018 Bad and Ugly Cross Connection Control photo contest. Justin Bage, backflow tester, and Tayte Sutherland, cross connection control inspector, took home prizes for…
Union Gas presents $20K incentive to City of Guelph, ON for use of HVAC system
November 29, 2018The City of Guelph, ON has received a $20,572 utility incentive from Union Gas Ltd. for specifying the use of energy recovery HVAC dehumidification equipment in the Victoria Road Recreation Centre. Manufactured by Seresco Dehumidifiers, the NP-50 Protocol HVAC dehumidifier…
NRC calls for public review of 2020 national plumbing, building code changes
November 28, 2018The National Research Council of Canada has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the national construction codes. Public consultation will inform the 2020 revisions to the National Building Code of Canada, National Fire Code of Canada and National…
Toronto Mr. Rooter franchise owners awarded by company
November 27, 2018A Greater Toronto Area Mr. Rooter Plumbing franchise has been presented the corporation’s Franchisee of the Year Award. Owners Derek and Pam Moreland accepted the award at the Mr. Rooter annual convention. It is presented to franchisee owners that have…
Federal Liberals commit $67M to harmonize national building codes
November 26, 2018The federal government is proposing to turn the taps on $67.5 million over the next half-decade to develop and harmonize building codes coast-to-coast. In the fall economic statement, released November 21, Ottawa committed the funding to the National Research Council.…
Saskatchewan tables prompt payment legislation
November 23, 2018Saskatchewan is the latest province to introduce prompt payment legislation. The province tabled the Builders Lien Amendment Act on November 20, which sets out timelines for providing payment on construction projects. It also establishes an interim adjudication process that can…
Noritz adds new distributor for western, eastern Canada
November 22, 2018Nortiz has partnered with distributor Reliable Parts to stock and distribute its warranty and replacement service parts throughout Canada. Reliable Parts has distribution centres in Mississauga, ON and Calgary, AB. The Mississauga centre will service Eastern Canada with next-day deliver…
ASHRAE president, president-elect address federal natural resources committee
November 21, 2018Sheila Hayter, ASHRAE president, and Darryl Boyce, president-elect, testified before the Standing Committee on Natural Resources at the House of Commons of Canada November 20, 2018. Hayter and Boyce provided testimony focused on the technical tools, standards and guidelines ASHRAE…
People on the move: Spectrum Brands Inc., Ouellet Canada, Lixil and more
November 20, 2018Ouellet Canada has tapped Paulo Dos Santos for the position of territory manager, Ontario. Santos worked in the electrical market for distributors and manufacturers, and has experience in product specifications at engineering offices. Walter Surface Technologies,…
Solution on the horizon for hydronics “crisis” in Alberta
November 19, 2018Radiant heating systems can now be installed in Alberta without adhering to former insulation requirements set forth in section 9.36 of the National Model Energy Code for Buildings. The provincial building administrator and provincial plumbing/gas administrator have developed a Standata…