Rheem® Invests $20 Million in Fort Smith Operations, Creates 100 Jobs

ATLANTA, Ga. (November 7, 2022) – Rheem®, a leading global manufacturer of water heating and HVACR products, is investing over $20 million in its 50+ year-old Fort Smith facility to ensure it continues as a world-class headquarters for its U.S. air conditioning business unit and the manufacturing of HVAC equipment. Rheem considers this investment a key element of its 10-year strategy: “INVEST to grow, INNOVATE to lead and DELIVER on commitments.”

“We are excited to expand our operations in Fort Smith,” said Andrew Welch, Director of Operations, Rheem Air Conditioning Division. “This expansion demonstrates our committed partnership with the state and rewards the Fort Smith community — enabling our continued growth and leadership.”

Founded in 1925, Rheem produces HVAC equipment, as well as water heaters, commercial and residential boilers, and commercial refrigeration solutions. Today, Rheem encompasses more than 40 brands worldwide, including Rheem, Ruud, SureComfort, Russell, Witt, Kramer, ColdZone and Friedrich. The owner, Paloma , remains committed to investing in the business for future growth and expansion.

“We are excited to see Rheem grow and succeed in Fort Smith,” Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said. “Rheem is creating both corporate and manufacturing jobs that spur economic development and raise the quality of life for employees and their families.”

As part of this investment, Rheem plans to hire 100 production and office personnel in addition to creating additional production capacity and making facility and grounds improvements. Improvements will include a new Innovation Learning Center (ILC), which will allow training distributors and contractors to work with Rheem products and learn about product improvement. The improvements will also include a new entrance and traffic flow patterns to improve safety, access, and congestion.

“Rheem continues to be a leader in Fort Smith and Arkansas,” said Tim Allen, President, Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce. “We are so pleased to work with them secure this investment into our community.”

Founded in 1925, Rheem® innovates new ways to deliver precise temperatures while saving energy, water and supporting a more sustainable future. Rheem is America’s #1 water-heating brand with products available in more than 80 countries. Paloma Co., Ltd.® of Nagoya, Japan, acquired the iconic Rheem brand in 1988. Today the company’s portfolio of premium brands includes Rheem®, Raypak®, Ruud®, Eemax®, Richmond®, Splendid®, Solahart® and EverHot™ as well as commercial refrigeration brands Russell®, Witt®, ColdZone® and Kramer®, which are part of the Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG®) division and Friedrich, an industry leader in high-end air conditioning solutions.

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, seeks to create economic opportunity by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding, and diversifying local economies in the state, increasing incomes and investment, and generating growth throughout The Natural State. Arkansas is a pro-business environment operating leaner, faster and more focused through a streamlined state government designed to act on corporate interests quickly and decisively. For more information, visit www.ArkansasEDC.com. The Arkansas Department of Commerce is the umbrella department for workforce and economic development drivers. Its divisions and regulatory boards include Division of Aeronautics, Waterways Commission, Wine Producers Council, Division of Workforce Services, Office of Skills Development, State Bank Department, Insurance Department, Securities Department, Economic Development Commission and Development Finance Authority. It was established July 2019 as part of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s wide-sweeping efficiency and transformation efforts to reduce 42 cabinet agencies to 15 while maintaining services for all Arkansans.