News

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9/22/2009 - SENATOR VALESKY (D-ONEIDA) VISITS ECR FACILITY IN UTICA New Legislation makes ECR’s freewatt® home heating system eligible for New Metering in New York Utica, N.Y. – September 22, 2009 – Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) visited and toured the ECR International manufacturing facility in Utica, N.Y. to discuss legislation passed August 27, 2009 expanding New York State’s net metering law to include residential micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) technology, like ECR international’s freewatt home heating system. The newly signed legislation requires electric corporations to permit net energy metering for micro-CHP generating equipment and to provide for the interconnection of micro-CHP systems to the electric system in the same manner as other eligible technologies. freewatt combines an ENERGY STAR-rated, high-efficiency natural gas furnace or boiler with a Honda co-generator to produce heat and electricity for homes. Unlike traditional home heating systems, freewatt can produce nearly 5,000 kilowatts of electricity each year. Net metering enables customers to use the excess electricity they generate to offset their consumption over a specific billing period. Essentially, their electric meters will turn backward when they generate electricity in excess of their demand, resulting in a credit on their utility bill. “The inclusion of micro-CHP as an eligible technology in New York State’s net metering law is extremely significant,” said Michael Paparone, president and CEO of ECR International. “Net metering will allow micro-CHP homeowners to offset the cost of electricity they purchase from a utility by selling any excess power they generate back to the utility. We estimate this will save them approximately $1,000 per year depending on their specific utility’s rates.” The previous law permitted net energy metering for residential solar, farm waste, non-residential solar and residential and/or farm service wind electric generating systems. The amended law, which was signed into legislation by New York State Gov. Paterson on Aug. 27, also requires electric corporations to permit net energy metering for micro-CHP generating equipment and to provide for the interconnection of micro-CHP systems to the electric system in the same manner as other eligible technologies. “Net metering for micro-CHP technologies, like freewatt, is now available in 16 states,” Paparone said. “This has occurred in less than three years, which signifies rapid acceptance of the technology. It also indicates that these states understand the importance of giving their residents as many energy-efficient choices as possible.”

9/10/2009 - ECR International Announces Support of Revised New York State Net Metering Law Residential micro-combined heat and power technologies now eligible for net metering in New York ECR International today announced its support of the legislation, signed into law Aug. 27 by Governor Paterson, which expands New York State''''s current net metering law to include residential micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP). Micro-CHP technologies, like ECR''''s freewatt system, combine an ENERGY STAR-rated, high-efficiency natural gas or propane furnace or boiler with a Honda co-generator to produce heat and electricity for homes. "The inclusion of micro-CHP as an eligible technology in New York State''''s net metering law is extremely significant," said Michael Paparone, president and CEO of ECR International. "Net metering will allow micro-CHP homeowners to offset the cost of electricity they purchase from a utility by selling any excess power they generate back to the utility. We estimate this will save New York State homeowners approximately $1,000 per year." The previous law permitted net energy metering for residential solar, farm waste, non-residential solar and residential and/or farm service wind electric generating systems. The amended law also requires electric corporations to permit net energy metering for micro-CHP generating equipment and to provide for the interconnection to the electric system of micro-CHP systems in the same manner as other eligible technologies. "I am very pleased that this new law will encourage economic investment in skilled New York jobs, which includes our local residents who work at ECR International in Utica as well as those New Yorkers who work at the facility in Dunkirk," Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito (D/WF-Rome) explained. "ECR International has already invested $10 million in upgrading its Utica and Dunkirk facilities retaining and creating 35-40 jobs, with approximately another $5 million in planned further investments that will add 300 more jobs in the next few years as a result of the enactment of this very important measure." The amended law takes effect immediately, but allows New York electric utilities three months to prepare for the appropriate changes. ECR International will be working with the utilities to help establish the procedures required to comply with the new law. "New York State and its residents face significant energy and climate change challenges," said Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, who introduced the bill to the Senate on April 15, 2009. "Energy efficiency continues to be the most cost-effective and the most immediate way to reduce the burden of rising energy and environmental costs, as well as our energy-related carbon footprint." Micro-CHP has been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of its 2009 Climate Choice technologies. According to the EPA, Climate Choice is a new partnership program that recognizes emerging technologies that have the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions once they are more widely adopted.

5/29/2009 - ECR International Hosts Plant Tour Members of the Radiant Panel Association and REXperience show attendees toured ECR International’s Assembly facility as part of the RPA REXperience 2009. Tour participants were served breakfast and heard Mike Paparone, ECR’s CEO talk about a little about ECR’s history and more about their new vision. ECR is becoming the recognized leader of heating and air conditioning products and services that have the most positive impact on its environment, its society and its customers. ECR’s tradeshow booth was set up with a showcase of their vast product line. Many ECR employees were on hand to meet RPA members and discuss any of the many products. Eric Dorozynski, plant manager, lead the group on a tour through the facility. The tour finished with a presentation on freewatt®, ECR’s micro combined heat and power system. freewatt is an energy-efficient residential heating system that produces heat and electricity for homes, while lowering society’s fuel and energy consumption and protecting the environment. A freewatt system has the potential to generate half of a typical home’s annual electrical needs, saving homeowners hundreds of dollars on electric bills. ECR was excited that the RPA chose Utica for their annual conference this year as it allowed them to be able to showcase their facility, products and people.

3/4/2009 - Congressman Arcuri Explores micro-CHP Technology During Visit to ECR Facility in Utica Utica, N.Y. – Congressman Michael Arcuri (NY-24) visited ECR International’s headquarters in Utica, N.Y., late last week to tour the facility and meet with the ECR leadership team regarding the company’s micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) technology, the freewatt® home heating system. With a focus on maximizing the use of fuel energy, micro-CHP technology combines heat and power with its dual approach of generating electricity while heating a home. “The electricity produced through micro-CHP technology can be used to power the home or can be sold back to the ‘grid,’” said Michael Paparone, ECR International president and CEO. “micro-CHP also provides grid support and reliability to electric power systems that are already approaching peak capacity and can also help electric utilities meet emission reduction mandates.” micro-CHP has been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of two technologies designated as a Climate Choice technology. According to the EPA, Climate Choice is a new partnership program that recognizes emerging technologies that have the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions once they are more widely adopted. For more information on Climate Choice, visit http://www.epa.gov/cppd/climatechoice/technology.htm

2/25/2009 - Congressman Higgins Visits ECR Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) visited the ECR International manufacturing facility in Dunkirk, N.Y., as one stop on his tour of area companies who offer renewable and energy-efficient technologies. Higgins toured the ECR facility and visited with ECR''s leadership team to discuss the company''s micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) technology, the freewatt® home heating system. With a focus on maximizing fuel energy, micro-CHP technology combines heat and power in its dual approach of generating electricity while heating a home. "With the ability to supply both heat and power to U.S. homes, micro-CHP significantly reduces the amount of fuel normally needed for a home, which directly and dramatically impacts the environment by reducing the greenhouse gases associated with global warming," said Michael Paparone, president and CEO of ECR International. micro-CHP has been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of two technologies designated as a Climate Choice technology. According to the EPA, Climate Choice is a new partnership program that recognizes emerging technologies that have the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions once they are more widely adopted. For more information on Climate Choice, visit http://www.epa.gov/cppd/climatechoice/technology.htm ECR will continue to discuss the benefits of micro-CHP technology when Congressman Michael Arcuri (NY-24) visits the ECR facility in Utica, N.Y., on Friday, Feb. 27. Arcuri will arrive at approximately 2 p.m., and will tour the facility and meet with ECR leaders to discuss the energy-efficient technology and how it can impact the state of New York and the entire nation.

1/15/2009 - ECR to Host Media Breakfast, Introduce Green Alternative to Home Heating at 2009 International Builders’ Show ECR International, a designer and manufacturer of hydronic and HVAC equipment, will host a media breakfast and unveil freewatt®,a revolutionary green home heating system at the 2009 International Builders’ Show Jan. 20 – 22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. The media breakfast will be held Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 8 to 10 a.m. in the press lounge (N232 – N234) where ECR will introduce the freewatt home heating system. freewatt operates using micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) technology, which marries an ENERGY STAR-rated, high-efficiency natural gas furnace or boiler to a Honda generator. Due to its micro-CHP technology, freewatt qualifies as a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Choice technology. ECR representatives and Mike Paparone, president and CEO, will be available to answer questions regarding the new technology. To learn more about freewatt and ECR or to speak with an ECR representative, visit the ECR booth #S9363 in the South Hall.

1/1/2009 - ECR International Unveils New Look ECR International, a leading manufacturer of heating and cooling appliances, has announced a logo change. According to Ronald J. Passafaro, Vice President, Sales and Marketing “We must continually evolve to meet the needs of our ever-changing industry, customers and environment. We will however remain true to our rich history of innovation, quality and performance initiated by our founder Earle C. Reed since 1928. “ The new logo pays tribute to ECR’s history, reflects the heating and cooling sides of the business and speaks to their growing commitment to providing high efficiency, environmentally friendly products. In light of changing the logo, ECR also will be redesigning some of their collateral materials and their Web site. ECR is known as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of hydronic and HVAC equipment.

9/29/2008 - GE MONEY AND ECR INTERNATIONAL CREATE CONSUMER FINANCE RELATIONSHIP FOR HVAC PURCHASES GE Money and ECR International, a leading manufacturer of heating and air conditioning products, today announced a multi-year agreement to offer the GE Money Home DesignSM program on HVAC and hydronic equipment for both residential and commercial buildings. The private-label revolving credit card program, managed by GE Money’s Sales Finance unit, provides competitive rates and promotions. The application paperwork is fast and easy, and credit decisions occur within seconds. Periodically during the year, ECR International will help their contractors pay for a portion of the cost of promotions through a corporate rebate. Promotional financing along with ECR International’s subsidized promotions will help contractors stay competitive given the current economic conditions. Likewise, customers can take advantage of the many flexible and convenient financing options the GE Money Home DesignSM program has to offer. “Often the purchase of a heating or air conditioning unit is an immediate need, and the Home Design program gives our customers financial flexibility at a very important time,” said Thomas J. Legutko, Director of Marketing for ECR International. ECR International manufactures a wide range of HVAC products, including boilers, furnaces, air conditioning systems and water heaters. ECR brands include Airco, Argo, EMI, freewatt®, Dunkirk, Olsen, Oneida Royal, Pennco, RetroAire, Ultimate and Utica Boilers. "GE is excited to partner with the ECR International to provide this flexible service offering," said Bruce Christensen, vice president and General Manager of GE Money’s Home Improvement division. "The Home Design program presents customer with a new way to budget and pay for purchases through our competitive rates and promotions.”

9/11/2008 - ECR Introduces freewatt® Home Heating System and Announces New York Distributors The future of home heating has arrived with the freewatt® home heating system. Manufactured by ECR, freewatt is the green alternative in home heating, allowing homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort. freewatt® operates using micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) technology, which marries an ENERGY STAR-rated, high-efficiency natural gas furnace or boiler to a Honda generator. This electricity can be used to power the home or can be sold back to the “grid.” By utilizing natural gas, the electricity freewatt produces is greener than electricity produced by coal-generated power plants. “Unlike a traditional home heating system, freewatt puts you in control,” said Michael Paparone, ECR president and CEO. “For example, using freewatt for one year is the equivalent to not driving your car for six months.” freewatt® is easier to install and use then solar, wind and geothermal power. Utilizing freewatt may also help residential projects qualify for points under the LEED for Homes Rating System. Through new partnerships with Irr Supply Centers, Security Supply and John M. Hartel & Company, freewatt is now available throughout the state of New York. “We are excited about our new partnerships with three of New York’s leading plumbing and heating distributors,” Paparone said. “Through these new channels, we are able to offer freewatt to homeowners throughout the state. We hope to be announcing additional distributor partnerships and expanded availability very soon.”

6/9/2008 - Tom Reed Retires After a successful career as literally one of ECR’s founding fathers, Tom Reed has retired. Tom Reed joined his father in the management of Dunkirk Radiator Corporation shortly after his return from the US Navy and the Viet Nam War. He became president of DRC in 1980 and the industry increased by over 120% in that single year. One of the most heart-wrenching decisions Tom had to make was to close the foundry due to the nearly 100 jobs that he would have to be eliminated. Tom brought in placement people, educators and anybody he could find to help those people find jobs prior to their release. All but a handful were placed, in the rust belt of Western NY during the 1980s Being faced with the change of moving from a foundry based operation that served a multiple of OEM customers to a finished goods supplier Tom focused on expanding the distribution of the company’s own brand of boilers in 1989, then called Blue Circle boiler line. Within about 4 years, the size of the company more than doubled. In the early 1990’s,, Tom made an acquisition of Ultimate Engineering of Natick, Ma. A short time later Tom acquired the Pennco Company of Clarendon. Both of these companies were customers of Dunkirk Radiator and thus by acquiring them DRC maintained the business and distribution channel. DRC then expanded those brands by exposing them to larger markets. One of Tom’s true passions was a business philosophy called Theory of Constraints developed by Eli Goldrat. Tom first introduced this way of thinking to his manufacturing group through a company wide contest whereby two teams had to build one boiler apiece. The BOMs and routers said it basically took 2 days to build a boiler. Tom contended it didn’t – the first team finished their boiler in about 4 hours. Through that experience, Tom opened everyone’s eyes to a new way of looking at operations and business in general; inventory is not really an asset, change overs aren’t really a bad thing, as long as they are being made to fill an order, look to reduce the piles in front of operations, always chase the bottleneck and constraint. The seasonality of the heating business always was a challenge and the management of labor content to ensure that they could dial up when needed directly impacted our ability to maximize our sales. So Tom developed a concept called “Stay Home Pay” for workers such that if it wasn’t necessary to produce at max capacities, workers were not laid off but rather “paid to stay home”. Radical thinking for management, but not for Tom – he understood the key to production was to take care of the workers and ensure they were secure even if they were at home and not at work. This kept them at the ready when they were needed them and allowed DRC to effectively dial up and dial down our production to produce to an order stream instead of building inventory. Tom’s focus wasn’t always the market or the production floor, but also in new product design and technology. During the late eighties and into the 1990s Tom initiated an R&D program with a small company in Eastern Massachusetts called Yankee Scientific on a boiler project called the Quantum Leap. This was the first wet-recuperated condensing boiler designed for the residential market in the world and the first residential condensing boiler in North America. It turned out to be a little ahead of its time but the derivative of that project is ECR International’s current condensing boiler offering, which was the first on the market by about 5 years and still the only domestically designed and manufactured condensing product. Today 1 in 4 gas fired water boilers sold are condensing – Tom saw that and drove the company there before anybody else in the industry. Yankee Scientific group became part of our company via our Joint Venture – Climate Energy – and Tom’s vision of the next horizon of heating technology – Micro Combined Heat and Power. Tom has been instrumental in driving that technology to its now market ready state over the past 8 years. In 1999 Tom led the Dunkirk side of the merger with the Utica Boiler Companies to create now what is ECR International. During the past 8 years Tom has served as Chairman of the Board of ECR and has led the company to a near doubling of revenue through organic and acquisition growth, created more share holder return than any single period of time for either originating company and has positioned the company for achieving the next leg of 2x growth. Tom not only served his company and employees but also his industry and community. Within the Hydronic Industry Tom served for literally decades on the HI executive board and was Chairman for many years. He served on the education committee almost for all of those years continually trying to assist our contracting customers on improving their skills. He was a stalwart contributor to improve the industry as a whole and was respected amongst his competitors and peers for always having the attitude that “when the river rises all boats do as well”. Within his community Tom was a tireless contributor serving on the United Way Board, Brooks Memorial Hospital Board, Fredonia State College Board amongst a slew of other worthy organizations. Tom has three daughters Maggie, Beth and Annie and many foster children. Led by his wife Margaret, the Reeds brought many children into their home through foster care. While most of us look forward to finally getting through raising our children and the serenity that comes from that, Margaret and Tom welcomed literally dozens of life’s most needy into their home, arms and most especially their hearts. One might think that Tom was in the manufacturing business, but one could argue that he was in the service business. Whether it was in the service of his country as a Navy man, service to his employees contributing to insure their futures, service to his community’s health, education and welfare organizations or service to the needy – Tom spent a professional lifetime in the service of others and in doing so, built a great career. With facilities in Utica, Dunkirk, Rome NY, and Wallaceburg ON, ECR International is a leading manufacturer of high efficiency heating and air conditioning appliances for the North American market.

2/25/2008 - CEO / President Appointed ECR International announces the appointment of Michael Paparone as CEO/President and board member. Mike comes from Owens-Illinois (O-I) where he was president of O-I plastics including health care, prescription products and closures. Prior to joining O-I in 2004, Mike had a long career at E.I. Dupont, Inc. where he was CEO of Dupont Flooring Systems (DFS), a floor covering, distribution and service subsidiary. Previous to DFS, Mike lead the Dupont Vespel business, engineering, compression cast polymer, and also held several operational, commercial and global roles over his career. According to Stephen Sweet, Chairman of the Board, “Mike will bring significant experience to ECR International in leading us in the years ahead. His technical background, combined with his global commercial and operational experiences will serve us well as we look to grow our business in several dimensions.” With facilities in Utica, Dunkirk, Rome NY, and Wallaceburg ON, ECR International is a leading manufacturer of high efficiency heating and air conditioning appliances for the North American market.