Heat Exchanger World Magazine May / June 2024 | Page 14

Industry News
Empowered Ventures acquires Benoure Inc
Empowered Ventures , a 100 % employee-owned holding company based in Carmel , Ind ., is pleased to announce the acquisition of Benoure Plumbing , Heating & Air Conditioning ( Benoure ), a residential and commercial mechanical contractor based in South Burlington , Vermont . Founded by Robert Benoure , Sr . in 1966 and led by President Brad Benoure since 2018 , Benoure has grown to become the largest company in Vermont doing both residential and commercial plumbing , heating , and air conditioning . With over 80 licensed plumbers and HVAC technicians in the field , and a talented back-office staff , Benoure handles all aspects of contracted work consistently , reliably , and with a long-standing reputation based on superb quality . Joining Empowered Ventures reinforces Benoure ’ s commitment to excellent service and quality . With the acquisition , Benoure ’ s employees join the Empowered Ventures ESOP , which owns 100 % of Empowered Ventures and its operating companies . Empowered Ventures brings strategic assistance and resources to support Benoure ’ s continued growth and success . ebm‐papst Inc . expands manufacturing and engineering facility
ebm‐papst Inc . has announced a significant expansion at its manufacturing and engineering facility in Farmington , Connecticut , showcasing the company ’ s dedication to bolstering local production capabilities and fostering workforce growth . Set to kick off this summer , the approximately USD 3M project entails a substantial 14,500-square-foot extension to the existing facility . Central to this expansion is the revitalization of the Tooling Center — the division responsible for crafting equipment used in manufacturing at both locations in Connecticut and Tennessee . One pivotal enhancement includes upgrading the Tooling Center ’ s size and capabilities to better support ebm‐papst Inc .’ s manufacturing needs . Additionally , a new drivethrough dock will be constructed , designed to streamline material handling and truck circulation with convenient side-unloading capabilities , optimizing logistical efficiency . Moreover , the expansion initiative encompasses extensive landscaping efforts to elevate the site ’ s visual appeal and the installation of new lighting for enhanced functionality and aesthetics . These improvements underscore ebm‐papst Inc .’ s commitment to innovation and sustainability . Construction for the Connecticut expansion project is expected to commence later this year , aligning with ebm‐papst ’ s unwavering commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth in North America .
Superior Essex to acquire ownership stake in Essex Furukawa
Superior Essex , a global leader in the magnet wire and communication cables industry and a majority owner of the Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire joint venture with Furukawa Electric , has announced that it has agreed to take over the remaining minority interest held by Furukawa Electric in Essex Furukawa . When the transaction is completed , Superior Essex will become the sole owner of the brand , assets , and operations currently conducted by the global Essex Furukawa joint venture . Superior Essex plans to relaunch its magnet wire business under a new company name in 2024 .
This entity will continue to operate all current facilities of the Essex Furukawa joint venture around the world — which includes the Japanese and Malaysian ( Kuala Lumpur ) magnet wire facilities contributed by Furukawa Electric in October 2020 . The collaboration between Superior Essex and Furukawa Electric in Essex Furukawa began in October 2020 , with the aim of leveraging their combined experience and knowledge to drive innovation and deliver manufacturing excellence , technological advancement , and outstanding customer service . Over the course of the joint venture , the two companies successfully pushed
the boundaries of technology , establishing market leadership
positions in North America , Europe , and Asia .
APM Steam provides heat exchanger assessment , testing services
APM Steam recently released a press release emphasizing its Heat Exchanger Assessment and Testing
Services for the maintenance of steam systems at colleges and universities . The comprehensive
exam is intended to enhance energy efficiency , operational integrity , and safety in facility steam systems . The exam offers services like confirming operational effectiveness , assessing structural integrity via pressure testing , estimating costs for actions and repairs , evaluating potential energy savings , and providing a detailed report . The services include documenting heat exchangers , including tag numbers , types , models and manufacturers , locations , and applications ; identifying and verifying isolation valves and ports for cleaning ; pressure testing to
verify bundle integrity ; providing a comprehensively detailed final report ; quotes for heat exchangers that need cleaning or repair ; and energy savings calculations , the news release reports . Heat exchangers help transfer energy between different sources of liquid or steam . Certain components are susceptible to scale build-up from hard or untreated water , which leads to energy loss , longer heating times , and leaking tubes . Undetected leaks can also lead to issues like failure of traps or valves or fluctuations in pressure and temperature .
14 Heat Exchanger World June 2024 www . heat-exchanger-world . com