R.W. Beckett Corp. announced the formation of Beckett Additives LLC.

Invensys Climate Controls introduced the first two sizes in the VB-8000 series of new high-performance globe valves for commercial applications.

Combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps hit a record in June with 1,081,147 units shipped, a 14% jump from last June's record of 946,416, according to statistics from the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute.

Mestek Inc.'s Distributor Products Group - which includes HydroTherm, Smith, RBI, SpacePak, Sterling and Beacon Morris - was one of four top-level sponsors for the 2004 U.S. Women's Open Championship.

Johnson Controls and industrial manufacturer Eaton Corp. announced a supplier agreement to offer Variable Speed AC Drive technologies, systems and services to the HVAC and pumping industries.

Ferguson (Newport News, Va.), owned by Wolseley plc. based in Reading, England, opened a new 40,000 sq.-ft. HVAC facility in Golden Valley, Minn.

Applied Energy Recovery Systems, Inc. (AERS) merged with Vantage Equipment Co. of Winter Park, Fla.

Frank Coda, vice president emeritus of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) since January, passed away June 25.

REHAU's 2004 Skill Builders training classes, offered through REHAU Academy, include basic courses and a set of advanced courses specifically focused on the RFH WarmSource® design software.

National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) announced its new “Oil Heat Cares” program at its annual convention and trade show.