Armstrong International, a global leader in thermal utility management, is pleased to announce the expansion of its Three Rivers, Michigan, manufacturing campus. The company broke ground on a 29,000-square foot industrial heat pump manufacturing wing, supported through a grant awarded by the United States Department of Energy’s (DOE) Heat Pump Defense Production Act Program.
“Accelerating electric heat pump manufacturing is crucial to strengthening the domestic supply chain and providing consumers with efficient heating and cooling technology,” said Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, these investments will reduce our nation’s dependency on fossil fuels, while creating good-paying jobs and helping families and businesses save money on their energy bills.”
The grant, awarded by the DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, will enable Armstrong to significantly bolster its manufacturing capabilities, specifically to produce specialized industrial heat pumps designed for applications exceeding 100kW of heat and temperatures above 180°F. The heat pumps will particularly benefit manufacturers in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, paper, and personal care products industries.
"We are truly honored to have been selected for this grant, and we view it as a validation of our commitment to innovation and offering sustainable solutions to the highly technical issues companies face when implementing their decarbonization strategies," said Kurt Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer of Armstrong International. "The DOE funds will play a crucial role in expediting the production and adoption of our High-Temperature Industrial Heat Pumps in the United States, as well as our Circular Thermal℠ approach to decarbonization."
The opportunity to receive DOE funding originated from the Department's competitive grant application process, where Armstrong International showcased its dedication and commitment to promoting energy efficiency and decarbonization in the light industrial sector. Armstrong was ultimately selected along with eight other projects to boost manufacturing of electric heat pump (air-to-air, geothermal, and air-to-water) and key components (compressors and refrigerants) at 15 sites in 13 states across the country.
“This expansion marks a significant milestone for Armstrong International in our growth as a global leader in advancing thermal decarbonization solutions,” Kurt added. “It underscores our commitment to driving sustainable, technical solutions within the industrial sector, aimed at improving energy efficiency and assisting in the global energy transition.”