Bradford White has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Laars Heating Systems from Water Pik Technologies for $24.3 million. Laars Heating Systems will continue to operate under that name and will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Bradford White.

The transaction was expected to be completed on June 30, and includes a manufacturing facility in Rochester, N.H., and a distribution center in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Bradford White also will open a new Laars sales office and distribution center in the Simi Valley area of California.

“The acquisition is one in a series of focused moves we have made in recent years to continue growth and expand our appeal to the plumbing and HVAC industry,” said Bradford White President and CEO Robert Carnevale.

Previously, Bradford White had purchased the Niles Steel Tank Co., manufacturer of large storage vessels, and Aero Environmental, manufacturer of oil-powered water heaters and power burners. “Each has added employees and increased their manufacturing capabilities significantly,” said Carnevale. In the case of Niles Steel Tank, a new, much larger facility was purchased for the current operation and to ensure space for future expansion.

Ted Sikorski, vice president of marketing for Bradford White, told us that the copper finned tube boilers made by Laars “are an excellent fit” with Bradford White's extensive and growing product lines. “If it heats water, we want to be in on it,” said Sikorski.

Sikorski also told us that respected Bradford White veteran Angelo Sinisi will be put in charge of the Rochester manufacturing facility as vice president and general manager.

The Laars swimming pool division was not part of the transaction.

- By Jim Olsztynski