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    1. Manufacturer News

    Rheem Dedicates Redesigned Innovation Learning Center in Fort Smith

    Dec. 15, 2023
    Launch of $5M training facility features Rheem’s leaders, state and local officials, showcases impact of investment for the trade and local communities.
    ATLANTA, Oct. 12, 2023 –Rheem, a leading global HVACR and water heating manufacturer, celebrated the grand opening of its cutting-edge Innovation Learning Center (ILC) in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The ribbon-cutting event, included remarks by Rheem leadership, Senior Vice President and General Manager Rheem U.S. Air Conditioning Division Kevin Ruppelt and Fort Smith-based Rheem Director of Operations Andrew Welch, followed by remarks from Mayor George McGill and an
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    exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and lab, and company-wide picnic.

    “Today, we not only celebrate the opening of this Innovation Learning Center, but we also commemorate a significant milestone for Rheem, the state of Arkansas, and the city of Fort Smith. This center, spanning over 3,700-square-feet of showroom and classroom space, along with over 7,000-square-feet of conference rooms and office space, stands as a beacon of progress and learning,” said Ruppelt. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and innovative spirit that defines Rheem.”

    The Fort Smith Innovation Learning Center highlights Rheem's ongoing commitment to education, innovation and quality. This $5 million investment in the local community boasts an impressive 10,000-square-foot facility designed to cater to the diverse training needs of both Rheem's air conditioning division and water heating division specialists.

    “We are committed to being active participants in the Fort Smith community. The

    Terry McIver
    A ribbon cutting officially opened the learning center.
    A ribbon cutting officially opened the learning center.
    skills and knowledge gained here will not only benefit our employees but will also be a driving force in strengthening our local economy,” said Welch. “We hope to inspire our local young people to see a future for themselves and their families by working in manufacturing and skilled trades.”This multifunctional center serves as an immersive environment, inviting HVAC and plumbing contractors, wholesalers, specifiers, engineers and others to directly engage with Rheem's comprehensive range of residential and commercial HVAC systems, as well as water heating products. The ILC is equipped with cutting-edge technology to facilitate various training sessions, conferences, seminars,
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    workshops, and other events.

    The classrooms within the ILC have been meticulously designed to provide interactive learning experiences, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for seamless live audio and video streaming. Rheem has a specialized hands-on classroom that comes equipped with tools and utility connections, allowing for demonstration installations and diagnostic training.

    The launch of the ILC was part of a larger Rheem investment, more than $20 million, in supporting the growth, learning and development of the trade industry and in the Fort Smith community. Rheem’s Fort Smith facility has been a cornerstone of its U.S. air conditioning business unit and HVAC equipment manufacturing for more than five decades. This substantial commitment
    Terry McIver
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    seamlessly aligned with Rheem's overarching 10-year strategy to invest in fostering growth, leading through innovation and fulfilling its commitments to its customers.

    For more information on Rheem’s training, please visit www.rheemtraining.com.

    Terry McIver
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    Terry McIver
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    About the Author

    Terry McIver | Content Director - CB

    A career publishing professional, Terence 'Terry' McIver has served three diverse industry publications in varying degrees of responsibility since 1987, and worked in marketing communications for a major U.S. corporation.He joined the staff of Contracting Business magazine in April 2005.

    As director of content for Contracting Business, he produces daily content and feature articles for CB's 38,000 print subscribers and many more Internet visitors. He has written hundreds, if not two or three, pieces of news, features and contractor profile articles for CB's audience of quality HVACR contractors. He can also be found covering HVACR industry events or visiting with manufacturers and contractors. He also has significant experience in trade show planning.