ATLANTA — Rheem celebrated the grand opening of its Innovation Learning Center (ILC) in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on Oct. 12.

The ribbon-cutting event included remarks by Rheem leadership, including Kevin Ruppelt, senior vice president and general manager of Rheem's U.S. air conditioning division; Andrew Welch, Rheem's director of operations; and Fort Smith Mayor George McGill. Those were followed by a 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.”

According to the company, the Fort Smith Innovation Learning Center highlights Rheem's ongoing commitment to education, innovation, and quality. The $5 million investment in the local community is designed to meet the training needs of specialists in Rheem's air-conditioning and water-heating divisions.

“We are committed to being active participants in the Fort Smith community. The 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 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, workshops, and other events, the company said.

The classrooms within the ILC have been designed to provide interactive learning experiences and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for seamless live audio and video streaming, the company said. There is a specialized classroom 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 and development of the trades in the Fort Smith community, the company said.