OKLAHOMA CITY — LSB Industries Inc. announced that Richard Aldridge has been appointed president of its ClimateMaster Inc. subsidiary, a geothermal heat pump manufacturer and the largest business in LSB’s Climate Control segment. Aldridge previously served as vice president of operations for the Climate Control Business.
Aldridge will assume executive management responsibility of ClimateMaster, which includes oversight and strategy formation for manufacturing operations, product development, and sales and marketing.
“Rick’s lengthy career and experience with large, world-class competitors in the HVAC industry has made him a tremendous asset to our Climate Control operations. Since joining LSB in 2012, he has been integral in driving changes to improve quality, safety, and efficiency resulting in reduced costs and increased customer satisfaction for the Climate Control Business,” said Barry Golsen, president and CEO of LSB. Aldridge will report to Steven Golsen, president and chief operating officer of LSB’s Climate Control Business.
Aldridge succeeds Daniel Ellis who will become chief technology officer of the Climate Control Business with responsibility for developing alternative new technologies and systems configurations for LSB’s Climate Control product lines.
Steven Golsen said, “Our ClimateMaster brand heat pumps are considered to be at the forefront of heat pump technology, and hold industry leading market shares. As a result, we believe this business is well-positioned for significant growth in the coming years. Given Rick’s background and track record of success in positions of increasing responsibility, we believe that under his leadership, ClimateMaster should be able to realize its potential to deliver higher revenues and profitability, which should translate into increased value for LSB shareholders.”
Aldridge has more than 25 years of experience in the HVAC industry. Prior to joining LSB Industries in 2012, he spent 11 years in executive positions with Ingersoll Rand where he planned and implemented the deployment of lean manufacturing, directed the company’s efforts in leveraging technology in the development and execution of its pricing strategies, and led six sigma initiatives for its global product management organization. Prior to working at Ingersoll Rand, Aldridge was with GE Appliances for three years, most recently serving as director, refrigeration cost and quality. Prior to that, he spent 10 years at Trane, a business unit of Ingersoll Rand, in the company’s variable air volume (VAV) business, most recently in the position of product development manager. Aldridge holds a number of technology patents.
Steven Golsen continued, “We believe Rick’s extensive background with lean manufacturing and global product sourcing should accelerate ClimateMaster’s ongoing initiatives to streamline its cost structure and deliver margin improvement. Additionally, we expect that his experience with engineering, design, and new product development should enable ClimateMaster to advance its innovation efforts and strengthen its reputation as a technology leader.”
For more information, visit www.climatemaster.com.
Publication date: 2/16/2015
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