Rheem Manufacturing Co. of Atlanta, a privately held maker of HVAC and water heating equipment, has officially opened a $5 million training center in Fort Smith as part of a wider investment in the growth of the trade industry.
The Fort Smith Innovation Learning Center includes more than 3,700 SF of showroom and classroom space, along with more than 7,000 SF of conference rooms and office space for HVAC and plumbing contractors, wholesalers, specifiers, engineers and others to engage with Rheem’s residential and commercial systems.
The center includes a specialized hands-on classroom that comes equipped with tools and utility connections, allowing for demonstration installations and diagnostic training.
The center is also is equipped with technology to facilitate conferences, seminars, workshops and other events.
“We are committed to being active participants in the Fort Smith community,” Andrew Welch, the company’s director of operations, said in a news release. “The skills and knowledge gained here will not only benefit our employees but will also be a driving force in strengthening our local economy. We hope to inspire our local young people to see a future for themselves and their families by working in manufacturing and skilled trades.”
Rheem last year announced it would invest $20 million in an expansion of its production facility in Fort Smith. The project at the 50-year-old plant is expected to create 100 jobs and increase production capacity.
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