CRANSTON, R.I. —Taco, Inc. announced a strategic partnering agreement with Askoll, an Italian manufacturer of pumps used in a variety of industries. Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on research and development relating to new circulating pump designs, as well as other joint product and marketing initiatives.
“Taco’s path for future growth lies in strategic relationships with world-class companies like Askoll,” said John Hazen White, Jr., Taco President and CEO. “We have longed searched the world for the best suppliers of castings and raw materials for our products, and now we are doing the same for the best and brightest technology partners. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial working relationship with Askoll.”
Taco has already begun assembling a new high efficiency circulator for residential and light commercial applications, known as the VR1816. With the manufacturing process taking place at its Cranston, Rhode Island, plant, this will employ Askoll’s variable speed technology. The VR1816 will be manufactured entirely by Taco in the future.
The VR1816 is an extension of Taco’s Viridian line of circulators, a wet rotor circulator with an ECM permanent magnet motor that uses up to 85% less electricity. In addition to six pressure presets to fit the job, the line features an infinitely variable speed setting capability for fine-tuning the flow of any hydronics-based system.
Askoll, headquartered in Dueville, Italy, employs approximately 3,000 people in 11 companies. The company focuses on advanced electric-motored pumps that are used in aquariums, ponds and terrariums, industrial automation, heating, and home appliances. The company was founded in 1978 by Elio Marioni.
“We are proud and excited to have embraced this new professional opportunity with Taco, a strong and serious company that shares our view and ethics,” said Elio Marioni, Askoll President. “Askoll believes in technological evolution and always strives for innovation. Innovation is in our DNA. In 30 years we have registered over 800 patents and developed a company fully dedicated to research. Our mission is to reduce raw materials and energy waste and to increase the performance of domestic appliance and heating systems, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and people well-being.”