United States: Fujitsu General Limited has issued a press communiqué stating that it has entered into a strategic collaboration with Atlanta-headquartered Rheem that will expand the heating and cooling product portfolios for both companies.

Ducted central air conditioning systems, the communiqué said, account for approximately 90% of the United States’ residential HVAC market (source: AHRI). However, in recent years, the communiqué added, the demand for ductless cooling systems — pioneered by Japanese manufacturers — has grown in the United States due to consumers’ interests in systems that provide comfort and energy savings, and meet special add-on installation requirements, such as sites where duct-work is not feasible.

As part of the agreement, Rheem, the communiqué revealed, will begin offering ductless mini-split systems, manufactured by Fujitsu General, to its United States customers under the Rheem and Ruud brands. The communiqué further said that the relationship will expand to other product categories in the future, and will include joint development of products, as well as collaborative operational opportunities. Additionally, Fujitsu General, the communiqué said, will introduce a portfolio of ducted HVAC products, manufactured by Rheem, in its channel.

The companies, the communiqué informed, expect to begin introducing new products in early 2017.

“This relationship between Fujitsu General and Rheem makes perfect sense,” said Hiroyuki Yokoyama, Corporate Senior Vice President of Fujitsu General Limited. “Both Fujitsu General and Rheem are known for market leading, innovative HVAC solutions. We look forward to beginning our collaboration with Rheem and the value it will provide to all of our customers and the market.”

Mike Branson, Vice President and General Manager of Rheem Air Conditioning Division, added: “In recent years, the demand for ductless mini-split and commercial VRF systems has risen dramatically in North America. Rheem is pleased to partner with Fujitsu General a global leader in these categories. Our businesses are extremely complementary. We are excited about the potential of this relationship to develop and deliver new and expand HVAC solutions to the market.”

The communiqué mentioned that Rheem and Fujitsu plan to showcase some of these products at the 2017 AHR Expo, which takes place from January 30 to February 1, 2017, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.