LAWNSIDE, NJ, April, 23, 2024 – Heating, air conditioning and plumbing brands continue to answer the call for expanded training. One of those is Rheem, which just opened a 6,200 square-ft Innovation Learning Center (ILC) at its facility in Lawnside, NJ. Connected to the IBC headquarters and distribution center, the new state-of-the art ILC features Rheem’s largest “HOT” (Hands On Training) Room in the U.S., a product showroom and a classroom designed to provide an interactive learning experience for more than 30 in-person participants at one time.
IBC was established in Vancouver, BC in 1999 with the express purpose of improving the world of hydronic heating. Rheem acquired IBC in 2019.
The ILC will offer training on all air and water, residential and commercial products across the Rheem family of brands. Customized, comprehensive training will be available for a full line-up of equipment, from tank-type, tankless and point-of-use electric water heaters as well as commercial boilers and volume water heaters.
“The HOT room will offer the largest hands-on instruction in the Rheem Water Division, enabling us to provide in-depth training for contractors and plumbers to help us excel in an evolving market,” said Tom Wujcik, VP of Sales, U.S. Water Heating, Rheem. “As our industry shifts to decarbonization, contractors and plumbers will require a new set of skills, making this investment all the more important.”
The ILC will serve as an immersive environment with the latest audio-visual technology, as well as tools and utility connections to allow for demonstration installations and diagnostic training. Contractors and plumbers will have opportunities to earn Continuing Education Credits and develop related skill sets.
Rheem now operates seven Innovative Learning Centers across the U.S., and expects them to collectively host training for more than 50,000 participants in 2024.
In October 2023, Rheem celebrated the grand opening of a redesigned Innovation Learning Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. STORY HERE.