A. O. Smith Partners With Solar Manufacturer Chromagen

MILWAUKEE -- A. O. Smith Corp. has entered into a strategic cooperative agreement with Chromagen, a leading global manufacturer of solar water heating solutions located in Sha'ar Ha'amakim, Israel, to develop advanced solar technology for water heating applications.

Under the terms of the agreement, Chromagen will offer A. O. Smith exclusive marketing and distribution rights of its solar collectors for use in residential and commercial solar water heating systems in the United States and Canada. The two companies also agreed to work cooperatively to design, develop, and market energy-efficient solar products.

"Chromagen, a pioneer in solar water heating, offers a proven solar product line of consistently high quality, extensive technical capabilities, and a global presence in the rapidly expanding renewables market," Ajita G. Rajendra, president of A. O. Smith Water Products Company, said in making the announcement. "As A. O. Smith expands its offering of high-efficiency water heating solutions, it is important we team up with the right strategic partners so that together, we can bring the best value to our customers in this rapidly changing market."

On April 9, A. O. Smith Water Products Co. announced one of the largest product launches in its 74-year history, with four new high-efficiency product lines including the Cirrex solar water heating system for residential applications. The company plans to begin shipping Cirrex systems later in the second quarter.

Chromagen, with estimated 2009 sales of $50 million, has two manufacturing operations in Israel and distributes products in more than 35 countries worldwide. The company provides solar products designed for domestic use as well as complex central systems for commercial applications.

Chromagen solar collectors are certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corp. (SRCC) in the U.S., International Standard ISO 9806, and a number of other certifications worldwide.

The company was founded in 1962 and also owns Chromagen Spain, a leading supplier of solar water heating systems in that country.