Reliable Process Chillers Provide Cooling for Trane Manufacturing Operations

The Challenge

The Trane manufacturing facility in Columbia, South Carolina, faced a critical need when its Henneke laminator required a new industrial process chiller to maintain precise cooling during panel production. The laminator heats the panels to a precise temperature, allowing the foam to flow properly and ensuring the panels maintain their proper dimensions. This is an essential step in producing air handling units, so the stakes were high. The plant faced a significant challenge: they needed more than just a process cooling solution, they needed proven reliability and responsive support to maintain uninterrupted production. With this in mind, Trane turned to MTA, a process cooling equipment manufacturer recently acquired by Trane, whose chillers had already demonstrated over a decade of reliable performance on the plant’s ten Salvagnini punching machines in Columbia. MTA presented an opportunity to leverage both established trust and expanded service capabilities.

The Solution

Collaboration was Critical

Drawing on the positive experience Columbia had with MTA chillers already in operation, Rick Suarez, Program Manager with Trane, collaborated with Howard Kielar, Solutions Leader MTA-USA at Trane, to identify the right solution for the laminator. Working directly with the Henneke team, they ensured they obtained the precise specifications needed for the application, guaranteeing the chiller would be properly sized and configured for optimal performance. This consultative approach demonstrated how the Trane acquisition of MTA brought together 35+ years of process cooling expertise from MTA with the comprehensive service network of Trane to create a powerful combination for industrial customers.

“Understanding each application is critical to matching the chiller successfully,” explains Howard Kielar, Solutions Leader MTA-USA at Trane. “This often includes connecting with both the user and the machine manufacturer to capture the complete situation. We achieved such excellent results because all parties participated in this opportunity to work together.”

A Dependable Option

For over 35 years, MTA has manufactured process cooling solutions purpose-built for demanding industrial applications, earning a reputation for reliability in tough manufacturing environments. This proven track record made MTA an ideal fit with the Trane commitment to high-performance building technology and energy solutions. The team chose the MTA TAEevoTECH Model 051 process chiller because it offers 5.1 Tons of cooling, delivering 15.5 GPM of water at a 55°F supply temperature and 36 PSIG of pressure. These cooling features maintain consistent hydraulic temperatures during the lamination process. The plant’s decade of reliable performance with MTA chillers on their Salvagnini machines validated this important choice.

The Advantage of Availability

The MTA unit was in stock and ready when needed, enabling quick deployment without extended production lead times. Additionally, competitive pricing made it possible through ownership of MTA to help optimize the investment. The familiarity with installing and maintaining equipment allowed the Columbia team to handle implementation efficiently, while knowing the nationwide 24/7 service network of Trane provided backup support if needed.

The Results

The MTA process chiller has delivered the consistent, dependable cooling performance the Trane Columbia, SC facility needed for its laminator operations, maintaining uninterrupted production of air handling units. This project also leveraged the familiarity with MTA equipment from their existing machines, enabling smooth implementation.

Building on their positive experience with their current MTA chillers, the Trane Columbia team had confidence in their equipment decision and eliminated concerns about potential failures that could impact critical manufacturing processes. The collaborative approach throughout the project demonstrated how the expanded portfolio creates tangible value for industrial customers seeking both proven equipment performance and responsive support when needed.

“Now that MTA is part of Trane buying a unit from them was a good experience, there was an instant trust because they are part of Trane,” said Rick Suarez. “I found Howard Kielar very knowledgeable and helpful in sizing the unit and checking in on Trane Columbia multiple times to make sure everything was as promised. Really some of the best service I have ever received from anyone!”