TYLER, Texas - Trane and Ferguson have entered into a new distribution agreement that will significantly expand Trane’s distribution capacity in California and Nevada.

Under the agreement, Ferguson Heating and Cooling will distribute Trane residential and light commercial products in the California and Nevada market area previously covered by Western Air Systems and Controls. Western Air, a long-time Trane distributor recently acquired by Ferguson, has been combined with certain Ferguson Air Cold Supply operations to form Ferguson Heating and Cooling. As a result, Trane’s distribution now includes Western Air’s original four branches, plus 14 additional distribution locations and an 80,000-square-foot headquarters and warehouse building in Pomona, Calif.

“This agreement represents an immediate and dramatic boost to our business, expanding our market presence more than four-fold in the nation’s leading HVAC market,” said Louis Cook, vice president of Trane Sales. “The combination of Western Air’s distribution capacity with Ferguson distribution operations offers us more market coverage and warehouse locations than we’ve ever had before, and helps create a new competitive advantage for us. At the same time, Ferguson is filling its need for a premium HVAC line in that market, and our customers are gaining greater access to our quality products, customer service, and technical support. It’s a win for everyone.”

“Ferguson is committed to growing its HVAC business across the country,” said Jerry Allen, Ferguson’s HVAC/R Business Group vice president. “Both Ferguson and Trane are customer-driven companies and are aligned with their focus on delivering quality products and services. This partnership will enable us to provide the highest level of service to customers in this market.”

Trane’s other California-based distributor, Specialty A/C Products Inc., is maintaining its distribution territory, serving San Francisco and surrounding areas. No other distributor in that area will carry the Trane product line.

“It’s business as usual for Specialty A/C Products,” Cook said. “We will continue to do everything we can to support Specialty’s business and deliver quality products and services to its customers.”

For more information on Trane, visit www.trane.com. For more information on Ferguson, visit www.ferguson.com.

Publication date:11/12/2007