Malco Tools

Malco Tools, Inc. one of the nation’s top manufacturers of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction industries, announces that it has been acquired by Aspen Pumps Group.

Aspen Pumps Group (Aspen) was founded by three air conditioning engineers in 1992, and now sells to over 100 countries worldwide. The United Kingdom-headquartered company has expanded globally to become an award-winning leader in products and solutions for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry, including condensate removal pumps, tools, cleaning chemicals, support systems and accessories.

With deep experience and capabilities in the HVAC/R aftermarket, Aspen has a strong portfolio of products and brands that strategically align with Malco, which will allow both brands to continue to grow and serve new markets. Malco Tools will continue to operate from its headquarters in Annandale, Minn., and will become the North American headquarters for Aspen, bringing on new tools and product lines that will serve a larger HVAC/R market. As part of this strategic expansion, Malco Tools President and CEO Rich Benninghoff will take on the new role of CEO of Aspen Pumps Group North America, effective immediately.

“Malco has built an extremely strong, and reputable business over the past 75 years and this agreement with Aspen Pumps Group will allow us to grow our business in ways that will allow us to be a successful, trusted brand for the next 75 years,” said Benninghoff. “Aspen Pumps Group is a strong partner for us from not only a business and opportunity perspective, but also from a mission and values standpoint as well. They’ve proven to us that they do what they say and focus on people first, which is important to what we do, and will continue to do at Malco.”

“We are very excited to welcome Malco Tools to the Aspen Pumps Group family,” said Adrian Thompson, CEO of Aspen Pumps Group. “Malco is an industry leader and has built a strong reputation among the HVAC and roofing/siding trades. We are looking forward to working with their talented team as we continue to grow the business and serve even more markets in the future.”

For more information about Malco Tools, visit www.malcotools.com. For more information about Aspen Pumps Group, visit www.aspenpumps.com.

HVAC professionals from across the U.S. honored with national recognition and $1,000 tool kit

Malco Tools, one of the nation’s top manufacturers of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction industries, today announced the winners of its annual HVAC Trade-Pro of the Year Award program. The 2024 HVAC Trade-Pro of the Year Award recognizes outstanding HVAC professionals for their dedication to the industry, commitment to safety and community involvement.

The 2024 program recognized five top HVAC contractors and technicians from across the U.S.:

• Scott Mapes, Owner, First Choice Comfort LLC/Hoppy Air, Lafayette, Indiana
• Robert Deeds, Journeyman Sheetmetal Worker, Sheetmetal Workers Local #7, Kalkaska, Michigan
• Brent Evans, Owner, Evans Heating & A/C, Princeton, NC
• Tom Langfeldt, Owner and Sole Proprietor, Peninsula Heating and Air LLC, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
• Brandon McMullin, Service/Retro Fit and Finish Manager, Air Design Heating and Cooling, Murray, Utah

“It is always an honor to recognize the 2024 HVAC Trade-Pro of the Year winners for their commitment to their craft and the communities they support,” said Rich Benninghoff, president and CEO of Malco Tools. “These individuals represent the finest in the HVAC industry, sharing their skills and making a meaningful impact through their work and service.”

As a strong advocate for careers in skilled trades, Malco donates significant quantities of tools and apparel annually to a variety of educational programs, competitions and events nationwide. These include high school and post-secondary technical programs, apprenticeship contests and SkillsUSA conferences. Malco also runs the “Head of the Class” Student Recognition Program, which partners with education programs to celebrate top students and graduating classes in the HVAC/sheet metal and building construction fields.

For more information about Malco Tools, visit www.malcotools.com.

Malco providing hammer for use during Wednesday’s event

Malco Tools, one of the nation’s top manufacturers of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction industries, is proud to announce its involvement in the Inaugural First Nail Ceremony for the upcoming 2025 presidential inauguration this January.

The Inaugural First Nail Ceremony takes place every year to commemorate the start of construction of the inaugural platform on which the next president and vice president will be sworn into office. During the ceremony, members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies hammer nails into a symbolic piece of wood, in which Malco’s Claw Hammer will be used, representing manufacturing in the state of Minnesota. Malco was chosen for this event by Minnesota State Senator Amy Klobuchar who serves as chair of this year’s joint committee.

“We are honored to be part of this historical event,” said Malco President and CEO, Rich Benninghoff.  “The use of the Malco Claw Hammer as a way to represent the strength of manufacturing in Minnesota is a source of great pride for our company and our team members.”

This year’s First Nail Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 10:30 a.m. CST and will also be broadcast on Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies website.

The company, founded in 1950 and based in Annandale, Minn., represents the state’s thriving manufacturing industry, employing more than 160 people. For more information about Malco Tools, visit www.malcotools.com.

Malco recognized as a MNSTAR facility and takes home Governor’s Safety Award

Malco Tools, one of the nation’s leading solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction trades, announced that it has earned two of the state’s top safety recognitions: Minnesota STAR (MNSTAR) certification from the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA), and the 2024 Governor’s Safety Award, awarded by the Minnesota Safety Council.

Malco’s headquarters in Annandale is one of just 36 MNSTAR-certified facilities in the state, recognized as a leading company that goes beyond basic compliance with all applicable OSHA standards to prevent job-related injuries and illnesses. Prior to earning this top recognition, Malco rigorously maintained its MNOSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MNSHARP) recognition since 2004.

The MNSTAR certification was marked by a flag-raising ceremony held at Malco’s plant in Annandale on Wednesday, Aug. 7, attended by state and local officials.

Malco hosted a ceremonial flag-raising event on Aug. 7 to celebrate its MNSTAR certification.

Additionally, as a result of its safety-first culture, Malco has earned the Governor’s Safety Award 14 times in the last 20 years. Malco was presented with the award during a ceremony in early May.

Key elements of Malco’s comprehensive health and safety program include:

• A Safety Management System based on one of the country’s highest safety programs, complete with annual safety goals that are shared across the organization
• Monthly full-company reviews of safety performance metrics
• An active and engaged Safety Committee that reviews safety procedures, completes additional safety trainings throughout the year and monitors progress
• Paid time for associates to participate in safety-related activities
• Regular safety inspections and safe work observations

“Our number one priority at Malco is keeping our 150+ associates safe,” said Chris Strand, safety and environmental manager at Malco. “We are very committed to safety, from the highest levels of the organization on down. We have always highly valued our relationship with MNOSHA, and are very proud to receive the MNSTAR recognition.”

Scott Crane, chief strategy officer at Malco, added: “It is great to be recognized with these top safety designations, as it is testament to our team’s collaborative efforts in developing successful safety and health programs that we are all very proud of and that make Malco a great place to work.”

For more information about Malco Tools, visit www.malcotools.com.