HARMONY, Pa. — Steamfitters Local 449 and the United Association (UA) hosted an HVAC-R Expo at the newly opened Steamfitters Technology Center outside of Pittsburgh, April 13-14. The event aims to bring together tradespeople with more than 60 companies from the industry to showcase and learn about the latest technology.
The technology center, which opened in January 2017, features a donated 200-ton WMC Magnitude magnetic bearing water-cooled chiller from Daikin Applied. This chiller technology is an innovation that can help building owners save up to $4 million over the life of the chiller. Its oil-free design and compressor technology yields sustainable efficiency that requires new knowledge and skill among tradespeople who support building owners.
“Daikin is deeply committed to investing in the next generation of HVAC,” said Kirk Thorne, executive vice president of sales, marketing, and aftermarket for Daikin Applied Americas. “Our donation of chiller technology extends beyond supporting the building’s HVAC needs; it’s a clear signal of how our industry can better prepare HVAC tradespeople to serve customers in the future. Our efforts with the UA and the Thermaltech team in Pittsburgh are aimed at creating better outcomes and developing more advanced expertise within the HVAC trade.”
“Industry partnership is a critical element to our ability to educate, develop, and grow our technicians and attract more into the field to support future HVAC needs of building owners in Pittsburgh,” said Ken Broadbent, business manager, Steamfitters Local 449. “Showcasing our new Technology Center gives us the platform to also shed light on the opportunities for both experienced technicians as well as those who might be looking to start their new trade career.”
Working as a team, the United Association, Daikin, and Daikin’s sales representative Thermaltech, seek to educate the next generation of HVAC technicians on the latest chiller and HVAC technology. Daikin and Thermaltech team members also provided training as part of the expo.
Publication date: 4/23/2018
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