Armstrong Fluid Technology names new CEO

by Featured NewsPeople

Armstrong appoints new chief executive

Armstrong Fluid Technology has appointed Danilo Elez as Chief Executive Officer, with the company saying he will lead its next phase of growth and innovation.

The company announced the appointment and said Elez is joining at a point when the company sees clear differentiation in system-level fluid flow.

It said this expertise links system design with analytics to improve performance across a building’s full lifecycle.

Its solutions support building infrastructure and mission critical applications worldwide.

Armstrong said this work carries a responsibility to optimise energy use and support sustainability and decarbonisation.

Elez brings HVAC and building technology experience

Danilo Elez previously held senior leadership roles at Trane, KONE and Johnson Controls.

The company said he has led global organisations and is known for driving sustainable growth and improving operational performance.

It also said his experience includes combining engineered products with services, digital capabilities and system-level solutions.

Armstrong has operated as a privately held company since its founding in 1934.

The company said this ownership structure supports a long-term perspective based on learning and innovation, community and service.

Elez holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

He also holds undergraduate degrees in Industrial Engineering and Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Armstrong said Elez is a Fulbright Scholar with international experience.

KiddeFenwal names Kathleen Houghton Vice President of Global Sales

by Featured NewsFire DetectionPeople

KiddeFenwal appoints Kate Houghton

KiddeFenwal has appointed Kathleen “Kate” Houghton as Vice President of Global Sales.

The company announced Houghton’s return to the company in a LinkedIn post.

Houghton has more than 30 years of experience across fire and life safety, HVAC and industrial manufacturing.

Her role includes oversight of KiddeFenwal’s global commercial strategy.

The company said her focus will include scaling sales organisations and delivering value to customers worldwide.

KiddeFenwal wrote: “We’re thrilled to welcome Kathleen “Kate” Houghton back to Kidde-Fenwal as our new Vice President of Global Sales!”

Houghton’s previous role and background

Houghton’s return follows her time as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Hudson Technologies, where she led global strategy and revenue and margin performance.

The company said her career has included work in public and private equity-backed organisations.

It also said she brings experience in suppression systems and engineered solutions.

Houghton holds an MBA from Boston University.

She also holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honors) from Monash University and a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) from Monash University.

Johnson Controls graduates first HVAC data centre technicians

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringTraining

First graduates complete HVAC data centre training

The first cohort of technicians has graduated from the HVAC Data Center Apprentice JCI Academy following a training programme at Lincoln Tech’s Denver campus.

Johnson Controls (JCI) announced the completion of the inaugural class on 13 February 2026.

This workforce development initiative provides a six-week course focused on the technical requirements of cooling systems in data centre facilities.

Students participate in classroom instruction and hands-on training with chiller equipment similar to systems found in operational environments.

The curriculum includes electrical and HVAC fundamentals along with safety procedures and preventative maintenance.

Graduates enter the workforce with experience specifically aligned to JCI equipment and operational practices.

Addressing technical workforce shortages in digital infrastructure

JCI established the academy in 2023 to create a structured pathway into technical careers within its service network.

The company covers tuition costs and provides accommodation alongside relocation support for graduates.

Approximately 300 technicians will be onboarded each year through these academy programmes to meet rising demand.

Industry forecasts indicate the United States could face a shortage of 1.4 million skilled trades workers by 2030.

Alison Neuman, workforce development programme manager at JCI, said: “Today’s data centers require a new generation of technicians trained on advanced, energy-efficient systems.

“Through the Johnson Controls Academy, graduates gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge cooling technologies that are designed to reduce energy consumption, conserve water and operate more efficiently.

“That’s good for our customers, communities and our future.”

The company plans sustained investment in training that combines technical and safety instruction as digital infrastructure grows in complexity.

Additional cohorts are expected to enter the workforce as demand for skilled technicians continues to rise across the data centre sector.

Armstrong appoints Danfoss product leader Chintan Kharche to global role

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPeople

Armstrong Fluid Technology appointment covers five product lines

Armstrong Fluid Technology has named Chintan Kharche as Global Director of Offering Management, a role linked to five product lines.

The appointment was announced on 9 January 2026.

In the role, Kharche will lead work across the product lifecycle, including market research, competitive analysis, product planning and product launches.

His remit includes working with product line leaders to accelerate innovation, optimise lifecycle performance and scale energy-saving building mechanical solutions for customers worldwide.

Kharche said: “I’m excited about Armstrong’s approach – using Envelope solutions to reduce energy consumption at both the subsystem and entire system levels.”

“Armstrong has demonstrated impressive results over many years, and I look forward to building on this momentum as we deliver on the company’s vision.”

Background and recent roles

Kharche has more than 18 years of global leadership experience across HVAC, renewables, industrial automation and power electronics, with a focus on sustainability.

He joins Armstrong from Danfoss, where he served as Senior Director of Product Management for HVACR & AQUA Drives.

At Danfoss, he led portfolio strategy, product roadmaps and agile-driven development.

He previously served as Head of Strategic Portfolio Management & Strategy Excellence at Danfoss, where he worked on the strategic direction of AC drives and led initiatives focused on energy-efficient solutions.

Charles Armstrong, Executive Chairman at Armstrong Fluid Technology, said: “Chintan brings a wealth of experience that will accelerate innovation across our product lines.”

“His appointment underscores Armstrong’s commitment to advancing intelligent, energy-saving fluid-flow solutions for a more sustainable future.”

The company said Kharche will collaborate globally with product line leaders in the new role.

Johnson Controls completes HVAC business sale to Bosch

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsPassiveSafety

Johnson Controls confirms $8.1 billion HVAC divestment

Johnson Controls has announced the completion of its sale of the Residential and Light Commercial HVAC business to the Bosch Group.

According to Johnson Controls, the all-cash transaction is valued at $8.1 billion.

The company confirmed that it has received approximately $5 billion in net cash proceeds after taxes and transaction-related expenses.

Johnson Controls said the deal includes its North America ducted business and its global residential joint venture with Hitachi, while certain Hitachi ductless HVAC assets in Japan remain with Hitachi.

The company added that the divestment aligns with its strategy to focus on building technologies and services.

CEO comments on transition

Joakim Weidemanis, CEO of Johnson Controls, said: “The completion of this transaction is an important milestone for Johnson Controls and positions our company as a leading pure-play provider of innovative building solutions.

“Johnson Controls is embarking on its next era, and I’m confident in our ability to reach our full potential as a faster-growing, more profitable, technology-based and service-enabled company.

“I look forward to the journey ahead as we transform our industry for years to come and work together to deliver even greater value for our customers, team members and shareholders.

Weidemanis added: “I want to thank the Residential and Light Commercial HVAC team for their service and dedication and wish them the best of success as they join the Bosch Group.”

Transaction details

Johnson Controls said its portion of the consideration amounts to approximately $6.7 billion.

The transaction was initially announced earlier this year as part of a broader restructuring strategy.

The company stated that the agreement is part of its focus on building management systems and services.

According to Johnson Controls, the deal strengthens its balance sheet and creates additional capital return opportunities for shareholders.

The company confirmed that Bosch will now oversee the R&LC HVAC operations and integration.

Capital return plans

Johnson Controls said it will implement a $5 billion accelerated share repurchase program.

This repurchase initiative is part of its existing share buyback authorisation, which currently has $9.8 billion available.

The company expects the program to begin in the coming weeks.

According to Johnson Controls, the repurchase will be funded from the proceeds of the HVAC sale.

The company added that the transaction provides resources to drive long-term growth and shareholder value.

Market outlook

Johnson Controls explained that its exit from the residential HVAC segment allows greater focus on core building solutions.

The company noted that it aims to expand its offerings in automation, energy efficiency, and integrated services.

Industry observers, as reported by Johnson Controls, have indicated that the Bosch acquisition strengthens Bosch’s HVAC presence in North America and Asia.

The company said that it expects its remaining operations to achieve stronger margins and improved growth trajectories.

Johnson Controls stated that it remains committed to technology-based building management solutions.

Johnson Controls completes HVAC business sale to Bosch: summary

Johnson Controls has completed the sale of its Residential and Light Commercial HVAC business to the Bosch Group.

The all-cash transaction is valued at $8.1 billion.

Johnson Controls’ portion of the consideration is approximately $6.7 billion.

Net cash proceeds to Johnson Controls after tax and expenses are around $5 billion.

The deal includes the North America ducted business and the global residential joint venture with Hitachi.

Hitachi has retained certain ductless HVAC assets in Shimizu, Japan.

Johnson Controls plans to return a portion of the proceeds through a $5 billion accelerated share repurchase program.

The program is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

The transaction was previously announced earlier this year.

Johnson Controls confirmed the sale aligns with its strategy to focus on building technologies and services.

Gas sensor for R290 refrigerant launched to enhance safety in European HVAC systems

by Featured NewsProductsSafety

European HVAC industry transitions to natural refrigerants

As reported by Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM), the European HVAC industry is moving away from synthetic refrigerants due to stringent environmental regulations.

These regulations, targeting PFAS and F-gases, are driving the adoption of natural alternatives like R290, a highly flammable propane gas.

However, the shift to R290 requires reliable and precise leak detection to ensure safety.

Senseair, a subsidiary of AKM, has developed a new gas sensor, Sunlight R290, designed to address these safety concerns.

The sensor features high measurement accuracy and a broad operating range, making it suitable for the European market’s evolving needs.

Advanced NDIR technology ensures reliable detection

The Sunlight R290 gas sensor utilises advanced non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology, which minimises heat generation and reduces the impact of vibrations or interfering gases.

According to AKM, this technology allows the sensor to meet the rigorous leak detection standards of the IEC 60335-2-40 safety standard, ensuring safe operation in HVAC systems.

With a measurement range of 0-100% of the lower flammable limit (LFL) and an accuracy of +/- 2.5% LFL, the sensor offers robust performance.

It is specifically designed for use in air conditioning units, heat pumps, and similar applications, where precise leak detection is critical.

Energy-efficient design supports extended service life

Sunlight R290 is engineered for energy efficiency and longevity.

It operates within a wide temperature range of -40°C to 70°C and can handle relative humidity levels from 0 to 95%.

The sensor’s low power consumption of 94 μA and compact size make it ideal for various HVAC applications.

AKM reports that under normal conditions, the sensor can function maintenance-free for over 15 years.

This long service life is supported by an automatic baseline correction (ABC) algorithm, which maintains accuracy without the need for regular adjustments.

Standalone system offers flexibility in refrigerant detection

In addition to being integrated into HVAC equipment, the Sunlight R290 sensor is available as part of a standalone refrigerant detection system, known as RDS R290.

This system allows for independent leak detection, providing flexibility for users who may not want to integrate the sensor directly into their equipment.

The standalone system ensures that leak detection can be implemented without significant changes to existing setups, offering a versatile solution for various HVAC applications.

R290 gas sensor improves safety and accuracy in European HVAC systems: Summary

The European HVAC industry is transitioning to natural refrigerants like R290 due to environmental regulations restricting the use of synthetic options.

Senseair, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM), has developed the Sunlight R290 gas sensor to address the safety challenges associated with this highly flammable refrigerant.

Utilising advanced NDIR technology, the sensor provides accurate and reliable leak detection while operating efficiently across a wide temperature and humidity range.

Additionally, the sensor is available as part of a standalone system, offering flexible implementation options for HVAC systems.

BESA highlights safety risks of flammable refrigerant gases in HVAC systems

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BESA releases new technical bulletin on flammable refrigerant gases

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has alerted the industry to the growing safety risks posed by the increased use of flammable refrigerant gases in air conditioning and heat pump systems.

Published in time for this year’s World Refrigeration Day, the Association’s latest technical bulletin (TB57) points out that there are currently no UK regulations governing the purchase and installation of systems using R290 (propane) because, as a hydrocarbon, it falls outside the scope of the F-Gas Regulations.

BESA notes that propane use is growing rapidly and is expected to accelerate further as refrigerant gases with higher global warming potential (GWP) are phased out.

European Union rules and UK adoption

Under new European Union rules, stationary split air conditioning and heat pump equipment with capacities below 12kW will be required to use F-gases with a GWP below 150 from the start of 2027.

For larger systems, the GWP must be below 750.

This regulatory change means the most commonly used refrigerants in these systems will be phased out and replaced by R290 in many smaller systems.

Although the UK is not bound to EU legislation, it is expected to adopt similar rules due to its commitments under the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment, aimed at minimising the global warming impact of refrigerant gases.

BESA acknowledges that while R290 is an effective refrigerant with low GWP and high heat transfer performance, its high flammability poses a significant safety risk during installation, maintenance, and retrofitting.

Safety and training for engineers

BESA is calling for all technicians and engineers working on R290 systems to receive appropriate specialised training for handling flammable refrigerants.

Keegan Farrelly, BESA technical engineer, emphasised: “Working with R290 raises major concerns due to its highly flammable nature.

It is classed as an A3 gas, which is the highest level of flammability and means it could even be ignited by static electricity.”

Farrelly added: “With a flammability limit of just 1.7%, even a very small amount of R290 in a room is enough to pose an ignition risk.

“Most properly qualified engineers could work perfectly safely with this gas, if they have undergone training that covers the specific technical challenges and risks of working with flammable gases.”

BESA’s technical bulletin highlights the specific risks from the growing number of heat pump installations using R290 and the need to carry out extensive risk assessments for both new and retrofit applications.

It also stresses the importance of ensuring the area around the unit is well-ventilated.

Tyco presents HVAC safety solutions for removal of flammable gas from hazardous areas

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HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) safety systems from Tyco Fire & Integrated Solutions provide dilution, dispersion and removal of potentially hazardous concentrations of flammable gas gaseous mixtures from hazardous areas. The HVAC plant provides pressure differential between hazardous and non-hazardous areas. In addition they provide comfortable environments for living conditions.

Air Handling Units

We work with some of the top Air Handling Unit manufacturers around the World.  We specialise in the refurbishment and repair of existing systems, to ensuring equipment is fit for purpose and fully operational.  Our design team have worked with many different clients to provide bespoke solutions for some of the harshest environments around the World.

Fans

Supply and extract Fans are an important part of essential ventilation systems. Ensuring their performance and operation is key to the safety of equipment and personnel. Tyco Fire & Integrated Solutions are able to supply and repair all types of Fan’s and specialise in the maintenance of this equipment.

Fire Dampers

Fire Dampers are instrumental in the safe operation of HVAC systems in Hazardous areas. The prevention of Fire, Smoke and Gas ingress is essential in Offshore and Onshore locations and ensuring the operation of this equipment falls within the recommended standards is of upmost importance. Our engineering team and Offshore Service teams understand these requirements and have assisted many clients with this type of equipment.

HVAC Equipment

In addition to the previously mentioned equipment, we also design and supply a full range of standard and non standard HVAC equipment.  These include, Heaters & Controls, Filters, Weather Louvers/ Moisture Eliminators, Attenuators, Grills/Diffusers, Ductwork and many other items.  We design and manufacture Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning equipment for the Oil, Gas, Petrochemical, Marine, Nuclear and Process Industries.

HVAC Consultancy, Design & CAD

Tyco Fire & Integrated Solution’s Environmental design team comprises of consulting engineers, project engineers, designers and CAD operators whose combined experience has overcome most design challenges likely to be encountered.

Examples:

  • Hazardous Area Ventilation
  • Smoke and Gas ingress analysis
  • Central Air Conditioning Plant
  • Accommodation and process filtration
  • Fire damper and ESD systems
  • Galley and equipment room cooling
  • Hazardous Area Air Conditioning
  • LEV Design

www.tyco.no/