Both Rheem Mfg. Co. and Fujitsu General Ltd. will soon expand their heating and cooling product offerings in their respective markets, thanks to a recently announced strategic collaboration between the two HVAC manufacturers.
As part of this agreement, Rheem will begin offering ductless mini-split systems manufactured by Fujitsu to its U.S. customers under the Rheem and Ruud brands. The manufacturers further expect the relationship to expand to other product categories in the future, which will further include joint development of products as well as collaborative operational opportunities. Additionally, Fujitsu General will introduce a portfolio of ducted HVAC products manufactured by Rheem into its channel.
A WIN-WIN
While ducted central air conditioning systems account for approximately 90 percent of the U.S. residential HVAC market, according to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the demand for ductless cooling systems has grown in the U.S. due to consumers’ interests in systems that provide comfort and energy savings as well as design flexibility.
“With growing demand for ductless mini-split and commercial VRF systems in the U.S. and all of North America, it is very strategic for Rheem to partner with a global leader in these categories,” said Farooq Mohammad, director, product management, air conditioning division, Rheem. “We found our businesses to be extremely complementary, and so an alliance gives us both an opportunity to quickly make an impact with new and expanded HVAC products that specifically address the need for more ductless systems.”
Both manufacturers bring unique technological and operational expertise to the table, Mohammad added, which, through collaboration, will allow both Rheem and Fujitsu to offer better and more advanced products in the market.
“Rheem is pleased to partner with Fujitsu General, a global leader in these categories,” said Mike Branson, vice president and general manager, air conditioning division, Rheem. “We are excited about the potential of this relationship to develop and deliver new and expanded HVAC solutions to the market.”
Hiroyuki Yokoyama, Fujitsu’s corporate senior vice president, said the relationship between Fujitsu and Rheem makes perfect sense.
“Both Fujitsu General and Rheem are known for market-leading, innovative HVAC solutions,” he said. “We look forward to beginning our collaboration with Rheem and the value it will provide to all of our customers and the market.”
The companies expect to begin introducing new products in early 2017, and both plan to showcase some of these products at the 2017 AHR Expo, which takes place Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, 2017, in Las Vegas. Rheem will exhibit in booth C1336 and Fujitsu will exhibit in booth N10113.
“We hope our contractor partners will see this as a great benefit to their businesses, as well,” Mohammad said. “Eventually, our relationship will expand to other product categories to expand our high-performance, energy-efficient product offerings for contractors and their customers. Our contractors can expect the same level of service and support that we offer on products we manufacture ourselves.”
“HVACR contractors will have the benefit of offering a variety of products to their customers from two different brands that offer superior reliability, training, and support,” said Matt Peterson, president and COO of Fujitsu General America. “As the partnership evolves into new-product development, contractors will have new heating and cooling solutions to offer and grow their business in the future.”
Information courtesy of Rheem Mfg. Co. and Fujitsu General Ltd. For more information, visit www.rheem.com or www.fujitsugeneral.com.
Publication date: 10/3/2016
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