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Interview
Heatcraft Talks NatRefs Executives Parke Adamson and Michael Lehtinen describe the company's efforts to expand the commercial market for transcritical CO2 and ammonia/CO2 cascade refrigeration — By Elise Herron
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arke Adamson, vice president and general manager of Heatcraft’s Kysor/Warren subsidiary, and Michael Lehtinen, Kysor/Warren’s marketing director, recognize that natural refrigerant technology has to be both cost-effective and environmentally beneficial to be adopted worldwide.
To that end, Heatcraft’s efforts to upgrade the North American commercial market with climatefriendly transcritical CO 2 and ammonia/CO 2 cascade refrigeration systems include developing state-of-theart technology, educating end users and monitoring global regulations. R&D investments the company has made are starting to pay dividends, its natural refrigerant installation count is growing, and its “Sleep Well” training program is demystifying natural refrigerant technology for contractors and end users. In an interview with Accelerate Corporate, Adamson and Lehtinen talk about Heatcraft’s commitment to, and leadership in, natural commercial refrigeration.
Accelerate Corporate: Why has Heatcraft gone in this direction? Parke Adamson: The short answer is we see natural refrigerants as the end game for commercial refrigeration. Using natural gases minimizes the impact on the environment. They are compliant with any proposed regulations that we see coming in the future.
AC: How do natural refrigerant solutions fit into Heatcraft’s broader goals as a company, from a business and environmental perspective? PA: Natural refrigerants are key products for Kysor/ Warren. We continue innovating, expanding our technology leadership position, and we continue to file patents to extend our intellectual property lead in this market. Customers can count on us to design, produce and deliver products that exceed their expectations.
AC: How much potential does Heatcraft see for natural refrigerant-based systems in North American supermarkets in the next five or 10 years?
Parke Adamson, Kysor/Warren
Michael Lehtinen: Over the last 18 months we saw substantial growth in the natural refrigerant marketplace. Over the next five years we'll see double-digit growth if everything continues the way it is in the supermarket industry.
Accelerate Corporate
September 2017