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Rheem 100 years strong Next Starts Now For 100 years, Rheem has been a leader in product innovation.

And the best part is we're just getting started. Now, as we celebrate all that we've accomplished together, we look towards the future of air and water. To what's next. To remaining true to our values, while working with our customers to create a globally connected and forward-looking vision.

Next Starts Now Video

OUR GUIDING Principles

As we move forward through the many opportunities, changes and challenges of the next 100 years, we will continue to follow these three guiding principles.

  • EXCELLENCE
  • PARTNERSHIP
  • POSSIBILITIES
A PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE We have a proven drive for excellence across products, programs and people. We strive to deliver at the highest level in everything we do.
A COMMITMENT TO PARTNERSHIP Whether it's tapping the talents of our internal teams or listening to the voice of our customers, true innovation comes from working together.
A PASSION FOR POSSIBILITIES We are constantly pushing what's possible—from working on sustainable innovations to training the next generation of the trade—because we believe the status quo can only take you so far.
Did You Know
In 1942, the United States Navy bestowed Rheem's Richmond and Newark plants with the coveted Navy E Award—the highest of Navy honors—for outstanding production of defense materials.
In the 1960s, Rheem developed the Kee Bass, a combination of an organ and bass synthesizer. You can see a Rheem Kee Bass in action in the music video "Whip It," by DEVO.
The next time you buy a whole turkey or chicken, check out the little metal clip at the top of the package and the loop at the end of the netting that makes it easier to carry. This Tipper Tie is a Rheem innovation.
Rheem MEA (Middle East and Africa), has a Ministry of Fun that plans parties to celebrate holidays, runs a soccer league and organizes group activities such as laser tag and paddling in the mangroves outside Dubai.
Donald Rheem developed an unincorporated community in California which was named after him—Rheem, California.
In 1938, Donald Rheem purchased Moran Mansion in the San Juan Islands located between Washington State and Vancouver Island, Canada. His wife, Alice, is said to haunt the mansion to this day and is known as The Lady in Red. She is characterized as a bit mischievous, but harmless.

EXPLORE OUR
STORIED HISTORY

From the roaring '20s to the 2020s, see how Rheem got its start, and capitalized on opportunities to innovate and move the entire industry forward.

1925

1925

Rheem Manufacturing Co. was established in Emeryville, California, by brothers, William, Richard and Donald Rheem. Rheem's original focus was galvanizing steel drums and other metal products.

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1930

1930

Rheem Manufacturing Company was incorporated in January 1930, boasting a broader product line including boilers and tanks, and a plant in Richmond, California.

1931

1931

Through its acquisition of the John Wood Manufacturing Company, Rheem began manufacturing automatic gas storage water heaters—a focus that would continue to present day.

1937

1937

Rheem expanded to the East Coast, moving the Flange Division to Philadelphia. Later that year, the expansion continued with the acquisition of Meuer Steel Barrel Company in Newark—achieving full barrel production by the end of 1937.

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1938

1937

Rheem opened its first plant overseas in Sydney, Australia, manufacturing shipping containers and household appliances. This was a time of expansion with Rheem opening offices in the RCA building in New York City and opening plants in New Orleans, Chicago, Houston and Cleveland.

  • 1930
  • 1931
  • 1937
  • 1937
1941

1941

Rheem continued opening new plants to produce water heaters, boilers and tanks—officially becoming the largest manufacturer of steel shipping containers and water heaters in the US.

1941

1941

Rheem's company newsletter "Rheeminder" was started in 1941 and new publications still make occasional appearances even today. On the cover pictured, five-year-old Gemey Kay Gilbert is seen blowing bubbles at the Rheem water softener exhibit in 1947.

1931

1945

In the early-to-mid 1940s, Rheem ventured into the soft water appliances market, leading the charge from its Chicago division.

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1947

1947

Rheem purchased the Fraser line of gas furnaces and winter air conditioners foreseeing a future for central heating and air conditioning systems. Rheem also installed automatic conveyorized galvanizing equipment at various plants, improving the quality and lifespan of boilers, tanks and containers.

  • 1941
  • 1941
  • 1945
  • 1947
1951

1951

Rheem entered the residential gas stove market with the acquisition of the James Graham Manufacturing Company, becoming the first to supply all basic household temperature control needs: space heating, water heating, cooking and refrigeration. In 1956, Rheem also acquired Standard Enameling Co., Western Stove Co., and the Western-Holly Appliance Co., and merged all four into Wedgewood-Holly Division of Rheem Manufacturing. For the next three years, they would sell the Rheem Royal, Wedgewood and Western-Holly stoves until Rheem sold the division to the Welbilt Stove Corporation.

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1952

1952

Rheem introduced the "Coppermatic" water heater featuring an extraordinary durable tank consisting of a copper shell within a conventional steel tank and offering a 10-year warranty.

1954

1954

Rheem acquired U.S. Spring and Bumper Co and announced the creation of its new division "Rheem Automotive" with a state-of-the-art manufacturing site. Rheem was the sole west coast supplier of springs, bumpers, and other parts and accessories to both Ford and Chevrolet until 1961 and even produced thousands of miles of "Rheem Beam" Highway Guard Rails.

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1955

1955

Rheem released the Rheemglas water heater tank liner, the leading solution to eliminate corrosion and rust from the internal liner of a water heater. It was the greatest boon in the industry to extending the water heater tank life. Interestingly, the Frit and multi-step application process would later be introduced into the Rheem furnace line as well, to coat and protect the heat exchanger and combustion chamber.

1956

1956

After three years of focused research and development, Rheem launched the "Rheemaire" central air conditioning system, aiming to lower typical installation and operational costs. Ultimately the system reduced home cooling costs by 30 to 50% and was called, "the most revolutionary air conditioning development in 15 years".

1958

1958

In a joint development project with Thornton Canning Co. and Thermovac Inc., Rheem entered the commercial canning market with 'Sterile Pack', a bulk packaging solution to seal and ship food in 55-gallon containers—removing the need for additional additives or refrigeration. By 1960, Rheem would own Thermovac Inc. / "Sterile Pack" solution and would continue to remain in the food packaging industry until 1981.

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1959

1959

Rheem and a group of leading scientists and engineers formed Rheem Semiconductor Co., manufacturing transistors, diodes, vacuum rectifier tubes and other semiconductors for the electronics industry. At its peak, Rheem was said to be the largest silicon transistor manufacturer around the globe.

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  • 1951
  • 1952
  • 1954
  • 1955
  • 1956
  • 1958
  • 1959
1960

1960

Rheem purchased the water heater business of Ruud Manufacturing Company, gaining access to a broader line of commercial products and distribution network, and a second respected brand name in water heating.

1960

1960

Rheem acquired majority interest in Califone and later with Roberts Electronics, forming the Rheem Califone-Roberts division for various sound equipment.

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1962

1962

Rheem introduced the "Demand-O-Matic" Gas Water Heater with a thermostat that automatically increased BTU input as hot water demand increased—automatically heating water up to 61% faster than standard water heaters.

1962

1962

This year Rheem was also the first manufacturer to offer bathroom fixtures in pastel, floral designs by renowned designer, Ellen McCluskey, best known for her work at Waldorf-Astoria, The Plaza and Regency hotels in New York City.

1967

1967

The Rheem Kee Bass was launched to market in the Music Trades Magazine, rolling out a new sound to the music industry that would go down in the keyed instrument history books. Rheem's organ program developed other new industry-leading designs, including an all-electric piano and rhythm box.

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1969

1969

Rheem purchased the National Heater Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, strengthening its commercial line of heating and cooling units.

  • 1960
  • 1960
  • 1962
  • 1962
  • 1967
  • 1969
1970

1970

Rheem opened a heating and cooling plant and related offices in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

1973

1973

Rheem formed two divisions—an Air Conditioning Division in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and a Water Heater Division in Chicago, Illinois. Over the next five years, the Air Conditioning Division opened two more plant locations to meet increasing demand.

1975

1975

Rheem acquired Revco, Inc., and began offering food freezers for home and scientific use under the Revco brand, among other private labels.

1979

1979

After adding heat pumps to its product line in the mid-1970s, Rheem introduced a full range of "New Day" heat pumps, as well as a new line of high-efficiency central heating and air conditioning equipment.

  • 1970
  • 1973
  • 1975
  • 1979
1982

1982

The Rheem Water Heating Division launched its first heat pump water heater—delivering efficiency without sacrificing reliability.

1983

1983

Rheem introduced the Richmond line of gas and electric water heaters to the retail market, targeting DIY customers who buy at hardware and home improvement stores.

1985

1985

Rheem entered the pool heater and commercial boiler market with the acquisition of Raypak, Inc.

1988

1988

Rheem became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paloma Industries of Japan—one of the world's leading producers of gas appliances. This same year Rheem began manufacturing the Marathon water heater featuring a plastic tank and lifetime warranty as a part of a joint venture with Water Heater Innovations, Inc. Rheem also purchased the WeatherKing brand from Addison Products Company, broadening its distribution network across US markets.

  • 1982
  • 1983
  • 1985
  • 1988
1990

1990

Rheem broke ground on its water heating operations plant in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

1994

1994

Rheem was the first to adapt scroll compressor technology to its entire line of air conditioning products, providing superior performance and efficiency. That same year, the company formed Rheem South America, manufacturing storage water heaters and room heaters.

1996

1996

Rheem launched the Professional Series of residential gas water heaters, the "Universal" line of commercial gas water heaters and a commercial electric water heater—offering the most effective conversion capabilities in the industry at the time.

1997

1997

Rheem became the first manufacturer to produce a 14 SEER HVAC unit.

1998

1998

Rheem began supplying The Home Depot with a line of water heaters under the GE brand.

  • 1990
  • 1994
  • 1996
  • 1997
  • 1998
2001

2001

Rheem opened a new plant in Mexicali, Mexico.

2007

2007

Rheem moved its headquarters to Atlanta, Georgia.

2009

2009

Rheem was the first to launch a hybrid heat pump water heater, which was more than twice as efficient as standard electric water heaters. Rheem also began selling heating and cooling products at The Home Depot.

  • 2001
  • 2007
  • 2009
2011

2011

Rheem demonstrated the future of integrated air and water technology, unveiling its new brand identity and tagline, revamped product design across air and water, and numerous redesigned products.

2012

2012

Rheem transitioned to selling Rheem branded water heaters at The Home Depot.

2013

2013

Rheem added Commercial Refrigeration to its product portfolio with the acquisition of Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG). Over the next three years, Rheem fleshed out the water heating portfolio, acquiring CEM S.A., a Chilean water heating company, Peter Cocks and Eemax.

2018

2018

Rheem unveiled the EcoNet® Smart Thermostat, designed to optimize the performance of communicating HVAC and water heating systems, including intelligent management features for both homeowners and contractors.

2019

2019

Rheem continued its global expansion with the acquisition of Termas Bryant—based in Peru. Rheem also furthered its European expansion by acquiring the IBC brand along with Intergas, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency, residential gas boilers and water heaters. Based out of the Netherlands, this was a strategic move to meet demands in Europe and additional markets worldwide.

2019

2019

Rheem launched its global sustainability initiative, A Greater Degree of Good®, committing to bold 2025 goals across products, processes and people.

  • 2011
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2018
  • 2019
  • 2019
2020

2020

Rheem was deemed an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic, supplying critical equipment to homes and businesses around the world. HTPG developed equipment to maintain specific temperatures for vaccine storage, and along with Eemax, Rheem donated handwashing stations to schools while Rheem China installed handwashing stations in schools and other public spaces.

2021

2021

Rheem acquired Friedrich Air Conditioning, an industry leader in high-end room air conditioning solutions, expanding its presence in the hospitality and multi-family segments of the market.

2022

2022

Rheem acquired DEJONG, a leading, independent manufacturer and supplier of stainless-steel hot water tanks, based in the Netherlands. This strategic move accelerated expansion for the European manufacturer and expanded Rheem's global product offerings.

2023

2023

Rheem Europe extended its presence to Germany with the acquisition of MHG Heiztechnik GmbH, a manufacturer and supplier of sophisticated space heating and domestic hot water heating systems. This gave Rheem Europe a market channel for sustainable solutions—specifically hybrid and all-electric heat pumps.

2024

2024

Nortek Global HVAC (NGH), a leading manufacturer of air conditioning products, was acquired by Rheem in October 2024. Rebranded as Nordyne, its unique offerings, operational capabilities and market channels provide a strong complement to Rheem's growing air and water businesses.

  • 2020
  • 2021
  • 2022
  • 2023
  • 2024
  • 1925
  • 1930
  • 1940
  • 1950
  • 1960
  • 1970
  • 1980
  • 1990
  • 2000
  • 2010
  • 2020

Virtually Go Back in Time

Visit our interactive multimedia ebook that provides a more immersive look at the last 100 years of Rheem.

THE NAMES BEHIND
OUR MILESTONE

  • Richard & Donald Rheem
  • Edwin Ruud
  • Ed Friedrich
  • Al Whittel
  • Lewis Russell

Richard and Donald Rheem

felt the energy of the Roaring Twenties and took a gamble by setting up a company to galvanize steel drums and other metal products on the West Coast. When the Great Depression hit, the brothers approached the challenge with the same strategies that would define Rheem throughout its unfolding history: long-term thinking, vital partnerships, a deep understanding of customer needs and pioneering products to meet those needs.

Edwin Ruud

journeyed to the US from Norway in the late 1800s to work as a mechanical engineer. While employed, he developed the first automatic water gas storage heater—which earned him a Gold Medal at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. He left his job, bought the rights to his invention and started his own company. The pioneering Ruud earned several patents in his lifetime. The Ruud Manufacturing Company was acquired by Rheem in 1959, and Ruud became a flagship brand for Rheem.

Ed Friedrich

founded Friedrich in 1883 in San Antonio, Texas. As an innovator and inventor, Ed recognized a need for food preservation and developed one of the first refrigeration systems. By 1950, Friedrich had become one of the world's largest manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment. Capitalizing on its reputation as an industry leader, the company expanded into room air conditioners. Rheem acquired Friedrich Air Conditioning in 2021, making Friedrich the company's third flagship brand.

Al Whittel

founded Raypak as a garage start-up in 1947 to produce innovative and efficient boilers and water heaters. By 1950, the company had opened its first manufacturing facility in El Monte, California. Raypak's copper fin design fueled rapid growth, helping it become a top manufacturer of energy-efficient boilers, water heaters and pool heaters. Raypak became part of the Rheem Family of Brands in 1985, significantly expanding our product offerings.

Lewis Russell

founded Russell Coil Co. in 1946 and soon developed the first machine to allow variable fin spacing on a coil. The All-Temp Low Profile Unit Cooler created in 1948 quickly became an industry standard. In 1967, Russell Coil Co. was acquired by Ardco Glass Company. Russell became a division of the Heat Transfer Products Group division. After more than 60 years of innovation, Russell joined the Rheem Family of Brands in 2013, expanding our product range into commercial refrigeration.

CELEBRATING
100 YEARS GLOBALLY

See how Rheem's employees, strategic partners and communities proudly celebrate this historic milestone around the globe.

globe

HIGHLIGHTING A CENTURY OF INNOVATION

Rheem has always pursued innovation—that's why we have accumulated over 500 patents and groundbreaking industry firsts. Here are just a few highlights of how we've helped shape the air and water industries.

1931
1931

Rheem began producing automatic storage water heaters in 1931.

1950
1950

Rheem developed the "Rheemcote" lithography process that allowed the use of multicolor designs and messages on containers.

1954
1954

Rheem develops "Glass Lining" for water heaters, which improved performance and longevity.

1956
1956

"Rheemaire" central heating and air conditioning is introduced–ultimately the system reduced home cooling costs by 30 to 50% and was called, "the most revolutionary air conditioning development in 15 years".

1968
1968

Rheem introduces the Imperial gas furnace in 1968.

1979
1979

Rheem adds heat pumps to its product line in 1979.

1994
1994

Rheem was the first to adapt scroll compressor technology for air conditioners, providing superior performance and efficiency.

1998
1998

Rheem launches the patented Modulating 90 Plus gas furnace, setting a new standard for efficiency.

2003
2003

Rheem introduces the Guardian FVIR System, the industry's most protective Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance system available for gas water heaters.

2010
2010

Rheem debuts a condensing tankless water heater and the first integrated heating and water system with one manufacturer and one warranty.

2014
2014

Rheem introduces EcoNet®, an exclusive integrated energy management solution utilizing Wi-Fi connectivity.

OUR LEGACY OF INNOVATION CONTINUES

We continue to raise the bar on product reliability, performance and efficiency, innovating air and water solutions that drive our industry forward.

product group

Rheem® Endeavor® Line

Prestige® Series RP19AY Heat Pump

The Endeavor Line was created in response to tougher DOE regulations. A 2024 addition, the incredibly efficient RP19AY heat pump features low-GWP refrigerant, quiet operation and an industry-best warranty.

Rheem® ProTerra®

Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

2024 brought the latest edition of the heat pump water heater that started it all. The ProTerra Hybrid is still the industry efficiency leader, and its installation is more flexible than ever.

Rheem® Endeavor® Line

Prestige® Series R98MV Gas Furnace

Part of the Endeavor Line launch in 2022, the R98MV gas furnace offers one of the highest efficiencies available today, truly variable speed airflow technology and a modulating gas valve to continuously meet specific heating needs.

Rheem® Maximus®

Family of Super High Efficiency Gas Water Heaters

Packed with innovations like a helical coil heat exchanger which provides maximum thermal efficiency while extending the tank's life and a patented built-in condensate neutralizer, the Rheem Maximus line stands out for both its efficiency and its ability to produce up to 2.5X the hot water of a standard tank.

Rheem® Renaissance

Packaged Gas / Electric, Packaged Air Conditioners and Packaged Heat Pumps

Engineered to make commercial replacement jobs easier than ever, our Renaissance units feature industry-common footprints and convertible airflow for quick drop-in replacement.

Rheem® Triton®

Family of Commercial Gas Water Heaters

Introduced to help sustain businesses of all sizes and change the commercial hot water game, Triton gas water heaters feature built-in smart monitoring and the industry's most accurate leak detection and prevention system.

Rheem® IKONIC®

SR-Series Condensing Tankless Water Heater

With continuous hot water, energy savings and the industry's most comprehensive warranty, IKONIC condensing water heaters set a new standard for tankless. A built-in recirculation pump on select models helps homeowners save up to 12,000 gallons of water from being wasted down the drain annually.

Rheem® Resolute

Packaged Gas / Electric, Packaged Air Conditioners and Packaged Heat Pumps

Designed as the ultimate commercial solution for new construction and retrofit projects, the Resolute line is equipped with VFD technology which boosts energy savings by matching system capacity to the actual load while reducing wear and tear on motor components.

Rheem® Endeavor® Line

Classic Plus® Series RD17AZ Side-Discharge Universal Heat Pump

A 2024 addition to the Endeavor Line, the RD17AZ stands out for its universal compatibility. By working with nearly any existing HVAC system, this heat pump makes replacement simpler and more convenient than ever—for both homeowners and contractors.

Rheem® ThermaForce

Super High Efficiency Condensing Platform

The ThermaForce family of combi boilers, boilers and tankless gas water heaters, stands out for its universal shared platform parts, with each unit featuring an industry-unmatched total of four or five moving parts.

SUSTAINABILITY: HONORING OUR PAST AND PROTECTING THE FUTURE

You simply can't look towards the future without considering sustainability. As a global leader, we strive to amplify our positive impact by integrating sustainability in everything we do—from activating our employees to designing our products with intent, greening our manufacturing, engaging our partners and serving our communities around the world.

sustainability
documentary video

AN INCREDIBLE STORY WELL-TOLD

In celebration of this incredible milestone, Rheem commissioned this short-form documentary to give voice to the ideas, people and moments that brought us from humble beginnings in Emeryville, CA, to where we are today.

Join the Celebration

Join the Celebration

Use the hashtag #Rheem100 on our social platforms

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