PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Danfoss North America Motion Controls, a business of Danfoss A/S, and Trane, a business of American Standard Companies Inc., have announced the signing of an exclusive brand-label supplier agreement under which Danfoss will supply Trane with brand-labeled variable frequency drives for its commercial air conditioning systems.

Danfoss is a leading supplier of variable frequency drives for HVAC, industrial and water and waste water applications, industrial motion control, as well as air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration components. Trane is a leading global manufacturer of air conditioning and heating systems to customers in industry, retail, health care, and government markets.

The agreement is a unique strategic alliance for both organizations. Under the long-term renewable contract, Danfoss will continue to manufacture Trane's TR1 Series variable frequency drives (VFDs) for HVAC applications. In addition, Trane and Danfoss will work together on manufacturing, sales, and product development to meet increasing demand for HVAC drives.

"This agreement will allow us to supply customers with Trane-branded HVAC drives," said Ronnie Seay, strategic supply manager for Trane. "Because it involves both our production and sales operations, it is an exceptional collaboration."

"This is a strategic partnership that has potential to affect the direction of the HVAC drives market," said Bill Mudge, HVAC vice president of sales and marketing for Danfoss North America Motion Controls. "Over the next two decades, demand for HVAC drives will increase dramatically. Working together, Trane and Danfoss are positioned to meet the demands of that growth."

According to the companies, the TR1 drive boosts motor pump and fan efficiency for better control of indoor cooling and decreased energy costs. The TR1 Series includes a proportional integral derivative control, DC link reactor for harmonics control, and energy optimizing capabilities as standard features. The series also features low motor noise and high efficiency, the companies noted.

Publication date: 12/22/2003