SJE celebrates 50 years
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota-based SJE is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1975, SJE delivers high-performance control solutions by integrating engineering and manufacturing. The company began when Steve Johnston helped his neighbor solve a septic holding tank issue. The first product, the Tank Alert Alarm, helped to ensure septic tanks did not overflow. This product laid the foundation for decades of trusted performance and continuous growth. Today, the company has more than 800 employees, 65 design and utility patents, 15 locations in three countries, and nine product brands. SJE’s family of brands includes SJE Rhombus, CSI Controls, PRIMEX, Ohio Electric Control (OEC), Revere Control Solutions, Horlick, ICON Technologies, Altronex and L.W. Allen Pumps.
In a release, Bjorn Haldrosen, CEO of SJE, says, “To reach 50 years in business is both an honor and a reflection of the extraordinary people behind our success. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not just reflecting on our history — we’re honoring the employees, customers, and partners who have shaped it. Thank you for helping us build a proud past and a promising future.”
NIBCO donates training boards
Elkhart, Indiana-based NIBCO donated two custom-built boiler and water heater system training boards to support hands-on education at two trade education institutions: Chicago Pipefitters Training Center, Local 597, in Mokena, Illinois, and ABC Construction Prep Academy in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Designed to promote collaboration across the plumbing and HVAC industry, these builds were originally part of the Community Over Competition Build showcased at AHR Expo 2025.
Watts renews membership with USGBC, names David Lopes new VP marketing
As part of an ongoing push toward a more sustainable future, Watts has renewed its membership with the U.S. Green Building Council, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. As part of transparency and accountability efforts, Watts publishes an annual Sustainability Report that outlines its progress, goals, and impact across environmental, social, and governance areas. In addition to corporate-level reporting, Watts is expanding product-level sustainability communication through clear labeling on packaging and literature.
Watts also announced it appointed David Lopes as vice president of marketing. He brings nearly two decades of international leadership experience, most recently from Bosch. His accomplishments include launching a renewable energy business in Portugal, expanding operations and introducing new revenue models in Mexico, and leading a commercial HVAC turnaround in North America.
Tim Greer named REHAU’s new academy training manager
REHAU has appointed Tim Greer as the new academy training manager for its Building Solutions Division for the United States and Canada. In this role, Greer will lead training and educational initiatives focused on advancing the skilled application and maximizing the benefits of REHAU’s PEXa piping system across residential, commercial and municipal applications. His extensive background, which began as a technician and evolved into management roles in training, commercial development, and product management, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical and plumbing landscape.
Mitchell and Walsh take on new roles at HSSC
Heating Solutions Sales Company recently announced the promotion of Chris Mitchell to president and Dave Walsh to vice president of sales for wholesale products. HSSC is a part of Burnham Holdings and is responsible for the sales and marketing of all products manufactured by its subsidiary companies, including the U.S. Boiler Company, Burnham Commercial and Thermal Solutions brands. Mitchell will succeed Dan Cork, who will be retiring as president of HSSC. Mitchell started in the technology and logistics sectors before being hired for a technical sales position at Burnham Commercial in 2013. He became director of sales and marketing before transitioning to the U.S. Boiler Company, initially as sales director for the Mid-Atlantic and Western regions before becoming director of sales and marketing in 2018. When HSSC was formed in January of 2022, Mitchell was named VP of wholesale products, which includes all residential lines.
Walsh will succeed Mitchell as vice president of wholesale products for HSSC. Starting at Weil-McLain in 1988, he became VP of sales and marketing before venturing out on his own in 2008. Later, he took roles at ECR and NTI as director of sales and VP of sales, respectively, before landing at HSSC in April 2024.
