THE HISTORY OF BRADFORD WHITE CORPORATION
THE HISTORY OF BRADFORD WHITE CORPORATION
THE HISTORY OF BRADFORD WHITE CORPORATION
A LEGACY OF
EXCELLENCE
IN THE INDUSTRY
1881
YEAR ESTABLISHED – One of America’s oldest and most respected names in the industry, Bradford White, began as the Pennsylvania Range Boiler Company.
PENNSYLVANIA RANGE
BOILER COMPANY'S
CONTRIBUTION TO
THE WAR EFFORT
1941
Pennsylvania Range Boiler Company did its part to support the war effort by converting its operations to manufacture pressure vessels for the Maritime Commission.
COMPANY RECEIVED
MARITIME “M” AWARD
1945
The pressure vessels were used on Liberty and Victory cargo ships and became a critical lifeline to Europe. Pennsylvania Range Boiler Company received the Maritime “M” Award for this contribution.
VITRAGLAS®
INTRODUCED
1951
Our exclusive glass tank lining, Vitraglas®, was launched, setting the standard across the industry for glass-lining protection. Vitraglas® is an enamel tank lining that helps prevent corrosion and extend the life of the water heater.
A NEW FOCUS
ON WATER HEATERS
1959
The Pennsylvania Range Boiler Company was acquired by General Waterworks. The company reorganized and began to focus on its water heating line of products.
The company took on a new name – The Pennsylvania-Bradford Appliance Corporation.
TWO
COMPANIES
MERGED
1968
Pennsylvania-Bradford merged with White Products of Middleville, MI resulting in a new company, Bradford White Corporation. BWC was owned by Fred Pelligrini and Mike DeLuca.
POWER VENT
WATER HEATER INVENTED
1985
Bradford White developed the first power-vented water heater in the industry. This pioneering innovation used a blower fan to force exhaust gases out of the vent pipe, and through-the-wall, allowing for greater flexibility in venting locations and more efficient installations.
NAECA
1987
The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) was passed on March 17, 1987. This law created uniform efficiency standards. To address standby loss and efficiency, industry manufacturers added additional foam insulation to their water heating products to regulate energy consumption.
- Bradford White introduced the M-11 and M-III models in 1986, which provided increased foam insulation thickness to meet the new efficiency requirements.
SLIDING INNER DOOR
INTRODUCED
1988
Bradford White introduced the first and only sliding inner door on residential gas water heating products. The company was the only manufacturer at the time with this technology, which allowed plumbing professionals to easily slide the door open to service the burner or pilot. Easily opening or closing the door allowed for enhanced safety and serviceability.
REORGANIZATION
1989
Mike DeLuca and Fred Pelligrini sold the company to S.A. Brewing Holdings Ltd of South Adelaide, Australia. SABH, was the largest water heater producer in Australia at that time.
A NEW BEGINNING
1992
Under the direction of CEO A. Robert Carnevale and COO Richard L. Milock, the new employee-owned Bradford White emerged as a company dedicated to the wholesale channel and professional installation.
HYDROJET®
INTRODUCED
1993
The revolutionary Hydrojet® Total Performance System was offered in residential models. This exclusive system is a cold-water delivery tube that reduces sediment buildup using a unique series of ‘jet ports’ to maximize the life and performance of water heaters.
CombiCor®
INTRODUCED
1994
Bradford White introduced a water heater that also provided radiant heat for the home.
MET THE HIGHEST
QUALITY STANDARD
Bradford White became the first water heater manufacturer to obtain ISO 9001-1994 certification.
THE NEW
STANDARD FOR WARRANTIES WAS SET
1995
In support of its commitment to quality, Bradford White increased the standard tank warranty from five to six years, setting a new industry standard.
STATE-OF-THE-ART
RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT LAB
1996
Bradford White completed construction on the most advanced research and development lab in the water heating industry.
65-GALLON GAS
WATER HEATER
In response to customers’ requests, Bradford White introduced a new 65-gallon capacity gas water heater.
THE COMMERCIAL
WORKS ACQUIRED
1997
Bradford White acquires The Commercial Works from TCW (Joint Ownership with American Water Heater), purchased its joint venture partner shares to take full ownership of The Commercial Works and solidify commitment as a full line manufacturer of commercial water heating products.
COMMERCIAL
HYDROJET®
Learning from the highly successful Hydrojet® Total Performance System, Bradford White introduced a revolutionary sediment reduction system for commercial water heaters.
ANOTHER
INDUSTRY
FIRST
1998
Bradford White increased standard parts warranty from five to six years at no extra cost to the customer.
PLANT
EXPANDED
1999
Bradford White expanded its manufacturing facility to include steel storage and finished goods facilities.
Located in Middleville, Ml, the plant occupied over 650,000 sq. ft. with the capacity to produce thousands of water heaters per day.
NEW
HEADQUARTERS ESTABLISHED
2000
Bradford White moved its corporate headquarters to Talamore, a historic landmark in Ambler, PA.
CONTINUED
EXPANSION
The manufacturing facility in Middleville, Ml, continued to grow, expanding to 750,000 sq. ft.
THE
SAFEST
WAY
Bradford White launched a national media campaign promoting safe water heater installation by professional plumbing and heating contractors.
HIGH INPUT DIRECT VENT AND POWER DIRECT VENT
WATER HEATERS INTRODUCED
2001
Bradford White continued to increase its full line of water heaters with the introduction of the High Input Direct Vent and the Power Direct Vent water heaters.
STRATEGIC
GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITION
2002
Bradford White acquired Nile Steel Tank Co. in Niles, MI to expand product offering in the commercial/industrial segment. The acquisition allowed Bradford White to support customers directly, instead of having to buy tanks from other suppliers.
Bradford White acquired Aero Environmental Ltd., Canada’s largest manufacturer of oil-powered products for commercial and residential applications. Aero Environmental Ltd. became Bradford White Canada, establishing a physical presence in the Canadian market to support the Canadian customer base.
RAISING THE
EFFICIENCY STANDARD
Bradford White introduced the eF Series®, the highest efficiency commercial gas water heater in the market.
RISING TO
THE CHALLENGE
2003
Bradford White introduced its exclusive Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) compliant Defender Safety System® technology.
Bradford White introduced the PowerStor Series® indirect water heaters. This high-performing line gave customers who heat their homes with a boiler, an efficient hot water solution. Bradford White now offers both a single and double wall indirect water heater option.
TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
ADDED TO BRADFORD WHITE PORTFOLIO
2004
Bradford White became the first major tank water heating manufacturer to offer tankless water heaters to customers. These gas-powered models broadened the company’s ever-growing product portfolio and expanded the list of offerings for customers with diverse and evolving needs.
STRATEGIC
GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITION
2005
Bradford White acquired Laars Heating Systems of Rochester, NH, from Water Pik Technologies, Inc., adding an extensive line of residential and commercial boilers and water heating products to its already broad offering.
The acquisition was part of a strategic decision to further position the company for industrial and commercial products to meet the evolving needs of customers.
BWC invests heavily in technology and new manufacturing of Laars Heating Systems at their facility in Rochester, NH.
BRADFORD WHITE
WON JD POWER AWARD
2006
Bradford White ranked highest in contractor satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Associates. This award catapulted the brand into national recognition.
STRATEGIC
PRODUCT INNOVATIONS
2008
Bradford White launched a series of innovations in 2008 including the Ultra Low NOx Eco-Defender®, PowerStor Series®, EcoStor® Solar Series and Combi1® Series water heaters. These innovative products focused on enhanced customer benefits such as advanced condensing technology, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
NEW
TITANIUM
STABILIZED
STEEL BURNER
Bradford White unveiled a titanium stabilized stainless steel propane burner that resists warping and corrosion and produces a clean flame, reducing maintenance and improving quality.
LAARS NEOTHERM®
LAUNCHED
Laars released the NeoTherm® line of high efficiency condensing boilers and volume water heaters ranging from 80,000 to 1,200,000 BTU.hr.
NEW
PRESIDENT
AND CEO
ANNOUNCED
2009
A. Robert Carnevale, Chairman, announced the promotion of Nicholas J. Giuffre to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCT LAUNCH:
ICON SYSTEM®
Bradford White introduced the ICON System® gas control valve. This innovative technology was integrated into the manufacturer’s gas water heaters to provide precise temperate regulation and enhance the accuracy of diagnostic capabilities. The system included a built-in igniter to enhance safety and efficiency.
This innovation was a direct response to customer feedback and requests and ultimately created a new standard in gas water heater control technology.
MAJOR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
2010
Bradford White began preparing for 2015 in 2010 with a major capital improvement project at the Middleville factory. The initiative laid the groundwork to meet NAECA Ill product efficiency requirements and increase overall production capacity.
WEST COAST
DISTRIBUTION
EXPANSION
2011
To meet growing customer needs, Bradford White opened its first west coast distribution center, EDC (Elsinore Distribution Center), through a partnership with Signature Sales, Inc.
LAARS FACILITY
EXPANSION
Laars expanded its manufacturing facility with the construction of the 13,000 sq foot Laars Customer Center.
NEW
WORLD CLASS
TRAINING CENTER
OPENED
2012
Bradford White’s commitment to training excellence was on full display with the opening of the International Technical Excellence Center (iTEC™), an LEED gold-certified training center facility in Middleville, Ml. The goal of iTEC was to offer hands-on customer training. Today, the technical training team hosts product and sales training events for contractors, engineers, wholesale distributors, and sales representatives from around the world in the live-fire lab at iTEC™. It’s a dynamic environment where customers can enhance their skills and knowledge base. It also showcases the wide range of technologies offered at Bradford White, while fostering future innovations.
LAARS MAGNATHERM® LINE
LAUNCHED
2013
Laars launched the MagnaTherm® line of high efficiency condensing boilers and volume water heaters ranging from 1,600,000 to 4,000,000 BTU/hr.
NEW
INFINITI
LINE LAUNCHED
2014
The lnfiniti® line of tankless water heaters launched using advanced technology to deliver exceptional performance and outstanding efficiency to customers. The units offered consumers endless hot water and easier installation, venting and service for contractors. The Infiniti® Series was comprised of both the proven Infiniti® K models, and the newer Infiniti® L indoor model with a built-in recirculation pump.
LAARS BUILT
NEW R&D LAB
Laars built a new state of the art R&D lab with 30 million BTUs of cooling capacity, 16 test stations, and an environmental chamber that dramatically increased new product development capabilities.
NAECA
COMPLIANT
2015
After years of preparation, Bradford White introduced its NAECA Ill compliant product line. Over 85% of the residential product offering was redesigned.
BRUCE CARNEVALE
NAMED
PRESIDENT AND COO
2017
Bruce Carnevale appointed to President and Chief Operating Officer.
GE HEAT PUMP
ASSETS ACQUIRED
With a forward-thinking mentality, Bradford White acquired the production assets from the heat pump operations of GE Appliances, a Haier Company. The assets were moved to the manufacturing facility in Middleville, MI, positioning the company to take on a leadership role in the heat pump space.
BRADFORD WHITE CANADA OPENED
NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY
Bradford White Canada moved into a new state-of-the-art location in Halton Hills, Ontario where it’s headquartered today. The facility houses the company’s operations, distribution center, and world-class training center.
NEW
CEO ANNOUNCED
2018
Bruce Carnevale promoted to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of Bradford White Corporation.
DEDICATION OF
NEW ROAD IN MI
A. Robert Carnevale Drive established in Middleville, MI to honor previous founder and CEO. The road was part of the plant expansion project, providing access to the highway without disturbing the local community.
PRODUCTION BEGAN
Production began in Middleville on the AeroTherm® Series heat pump water heaters, once again expanding Bradford White’s product offering for customers.
NEW
R&D LAB
2019
Through new investments, the R&D lab was expanded with greater testing and development capabilities. The lab tripled in size, increasing engineering capacity and test stations.
MAJOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
REVAMPS LAARS' MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Laars completed a multi-year installation project of advance manufacturing equipment. Robotic welders, high power laser cutters, automated punch presses, and press breaks were incorporated into Laars ‘manufacturing process.
GLOBAL
PANDEMIC
2020
During the global pandemic, Bradford White was an essential company, providing products needed to support the health, safety, and sanitation of communities around the world. Bradford White outfitted products for field hospitals including Chicago's McCormick Center and NYC's Javits Center.
Bradford White outfitted products for field hospitals including Chicago’s McCormick Center and NYC’s Javits Center.
KELTECH®
2021
Bradford White completed the acquisition of Keltech® to provide customers with an expanded offering of commercial electric solutions. Keltech® was known for its robust commercial electric tankless water heating solutions.
30TH ANNIVERSARY
OF BRADFORD WHITE'S
COMMITMENT TO THE PRO
2022
Bradford White celebrated its 30th anniversary, reaffirming the company’s foundational commitment to the wholesale distribution channel and professional contractors.
LAUNCHED CHARITABLE
GIVING PROGRAM
INDUSTRY
Launched signature charitable giving program, Industry Forward®, to address skilled labor challenges and build awareness of the importance and value of the plumbing and HVAC industry.
20TH ANNIVERSARY
OF BRADFORD WHITE
CANADA
Bradford White Canada celebrated its 20th anniversary of the rebranding of Aero Environmental oil water heating products to US branded Bradford White Water Heaters.
MICROBAN®
PARTNERSHIP
Bradford White continued to introduce advanced technologies, announcing an exclusive partnership with Microban®. The company then introduced Vitraglas® + Microban® formula to line every tank-type water heater with antimicrobial technology, offering customers more protection than ever.
BRADFORD WHITE
LAUNCHED
Bradford White Connect™, a mobile app and connected software to monitor HPWH, launched, empowering customers to monitor and manage their heat pump water heaters right at their fingertips.
LAARS CELEBRATED
75TH ANNIVERSARY
2023
Laars celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of Laars Heating Systems Company.
NEW
AQUISTION
2024
Bradford White acquired Electro Industries, Inc. based in Minnesota to offer customers an electric boiler solution.
ENERGY STAR®
AWARD
WINNER
Bradford White was recognized for the fifth straight year as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year.
TWO NEW
ACQUISITIONS
Bradford White acquired Heat-flo, based in Uxbridge, MA. The acquisition of Heat-flo expanded the company's portfolio to become the leader in stainless steel indirect water heating solutions.
Bradford White acquired FloLogic, based in Morrisville, NC, a manufacturer of premium leak detection and automatic shut-off solutions. The acquisition enhanced the corporation's smart technology offerings and brought new solutions to its core customer base.
LAARS LAUNCHED
E-THERM® COMMERCIAL
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER
Laars launched its line of E-Therm® commercial heat pump water heaters.
NEW
AQUISITION
2025
Bradford White acquired Bock Water Heaters, the industry leader in oil-fired water heating, and a manufacturer of a broad range of commercial and specialty water heating and storage products. The company has two manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin.
