FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Following Regal Beloit’s acquisition of A.O. Smith EPC (EPC) last summer, EPC’s hermetic motor business will share Regal Beloit’s Genteq® brand. The transition will occur over the next several months, with the A.O. Smith name remaining in place through August.

The decision to use the Genteq brand was the most logical, said Dan Drexler, vice president and business leader of the global hermetic team.

“The Genteq brand embodies the technology, leadership, reliability, quality, and integrity that A.O. Smith is known for,” he said. “The hermetic motor business, which serves compressor manufacturers for air conditioning and refrigeration applications, is happy to be a part of Genteq. We think it’s a good fit that will be nearly seamless for our customers.”

The Genteq brand specializes in premium ECM blower motors, capacitors, and related products for HVAC OEM applications.

“The Genteq brand symbolizes excellent product innovation, quality, and reliability,” said Michael Metzler, EPC HVAC business leader. “These OEM products, which target commercial and residential applications, will be a great addition to the Genteq family.”

A.O. Smith’s established Century™ brand has been redefined to encompass a comprehensive range of aftermarket HVACR motors for contractors.

“As we move away from the A.O. Smith name, we want to assure our customers of the ongoing consistency of our products,” said Jim Mosman, distribution business leader. “Century is an established and respected A.O. Smith brand, connoting reliability, stability, and innovation. Even though the name will no longer be A.O. Smith, the products will be the same, and the Century brand speaks for itself.”

Publication date: 02/6/2012