Rheem, a leading global HVACR and water heating manufacturer, celebrated the grand opening of its cutting-edge Innovation Learning Center (ILC) in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The ribbon-cutting event, inclusive of speeches given by Rheem leadership, Senior Vice President and General Manager Rheem U.S. Air Conditioning Division Kevin Ruppelt and Fort Smith-based Rheem Director of Operations Andrew Welch, followed by remarks from Mayor George McGill and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and lab, and company-wide picnic, marked this momentous occasion on Thursday, Oct. 12.

“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,” Ruppelt said. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and innovative spirit that defines Rheem.” 

The Fort Smith Innovation Learning Center highlights Rheem's ongoing commitment to education, innovation, and quality. This $5 million investment in the local community boasts an impressive 10,000-square-foot facility designed to cater to the diverse training needs of both Rheem's air conditioning division and water heating division specialists.

“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,” Welch said. “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 comprehensive 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 classrooms within the ILC have been meticulously designed to provide interactive learning experiences, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for seamless live audio and video streaming. Rheem has a specialized hands-on classroom that comes 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, learning, and development of the trade industry and in the Fort Smith community. Rheem’s Fort Smith facility has been a cornerstone of its U.S. air conditioning business unit and HVAC equipment manufacturing for more than five decades. This substantial commitment seamlessly aligned with Rheem's overarching 10-year strategy to invest in fostering growth, leading through innovation, and fulfilling its commitments to its customers.