NORDYNE Introduces Line of Maytag-branded HVAC Products

NORDYNE has secured the rights to manufacture and market HVAC equipment under the Maytag brand, one of the most familiar and widely respected consumer brand names. NORDYNE’s Maytag-branded products will include an “ultra-premium” line, featuring the best standard warranty in the industry: the first-ever industry warranty on labor – 10 years – and a 10-year warranty on parts. “Consumers equate the Maytag brand with dependability, reliability and worry-free performance,” says David LaGrand, NORDYNE’s president and chief executive officer. “Given NORDYNE’s emphasis on product quality, the addition of the Maytag brand really completes our brand strategy.” The ultra-premium products sport a distinctive look – for instance, the air conditioner and heat pump feature a stainless steel full metal jacket and complementing black paint scheme. These high-efficiency units (12-14 SEER and 80-92% AFUE) will be marketed to high-end consumers. The Maytag brand carries the NORDYNE Quality Pledge: the company will replace the entire unit should a heat exchanger or compressor fail within the first five years of purchase. “In many other product categories, such as appliances and automobiles, consumers have shown that they are willing to trade up to a higher quality product with a distinctive design and superior features,” says Dennis Kloster, NORDYNE’s Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Residential and Light Commercial. “We are confident that consumers appreciate the quality and reliability that Maytag represents.” In addition to the ultra-premium line, NORDYNE will also offer a deluxe line (10 SEER and 80/90 AFUE) of Maytag-branded products. These products will be marketed to contractors for sale to middle-market consumers. The 10-year parts warranty on these products will be superior to others in this category. “During the past five years, NORDYNE has increased its market share by focusing on well-recognized consumer brands,” Kloster asserts. “Since consumers only buy HVAC systems every 10 or 15 years, traditional heating and air conditioning brands don’t carry a lot of consumer name recognition. Consumers want a reliable product from a name they can trust.” “Maytag is widely known as a major appliance brand, but we are always seeking ways to strengthen and increase the presence of the Maytag brand in consumers’ homes,” said Steven D. Benton, vice president of corporate development for Maytag Corporation. “NORDYNE’s proposed offering of a Maytag branded product is designed to deliver the reliability and dependability that consumers expect from Maytag.” NORDYNE will begin production of the Maytag units this summer. The company will maintain a two-step distribution chain and is currently selecting distributors and contractors to carry the Maytag brand. NORDYNE provides a full line of heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment, replacement parts and related products and services residential and light commercial structures. Maytag is a registered Trademark of the Maytag Corporation and is used under license to NORDYNE Inc. For more information, visit NORDYNE’s Web site at www.nordyne.com or call 1-800-4AC-HEAT.