Itâs nice to talk about the companyâs success, especially with the general director. Approximately the same as asking the father of an Olympic champion about his sonâs achievements. And if you think that other peopleâs successes do not concern you, then it is wrong: it may happen that when buying a water heater you will choose not energy efficient and safe product of high-tech production, but assembled âon his kneesâ substitute. General Director of Ariston Thermo Rus, Philip Cohen, told about the secrets of Ariston water heaters production success in America and the prospects of the company.
Interviewed by Polina STRIZHAK.
âBTâ: Mr. Cohen, Ariston water heaters production plant in Vsevolzhsk near St. Petersburg has been operating since 2005, it is a successful and modern production. How it has grown over the years, how sales have increased?
Indeed, our plant is a very successful enterprise. It had already won several prizes in the Quality Grand Prix competition, in which a panel of experts honors the best plants by examining the level of production organization, product quality, environmental impact and many other factors.
In 2011 we implemented a revolutionary system of WCM at the plant, which allows us to optimize production and ensures the output of high-quality and reliable products. At the moment the factory annually produces 500 thousand cubic meters of water heaters for domestic and industrial use. water heaters with capacity from 30 to 150 liters for domestic and industrial use. In 2013 we are planning to expand our production and release new models.
âBTâ: Please tell us about the features of Ariston water heaters. What are their advantages over the competition?
We regularly update the assortment of the offered goods, we provide a well-coordinated service, so that the consumer at any time could ask for help from our experts. The hallmark of our products is their continuous improvement. Recently we thought that the water heater can not only serve a person, but also become a decoration of living space â so there was a unique VELIS PLUS INOX, which worked with the Italian designer Umberto Palermo.
Thanks to the implementation of new technologies our water heaters allow to save up to 20% of electricity, which is an important criterion when choosing a water heater. Ariston Thermo Group pays special attention to the development of new types of water heaters based on renewable energy sources. We offer a wide range of solar thermal systems, as well as water heaters with built-in heat pumps which allow you to save up to 70% of electricity.
âBTâ: Back to the factory. The system of quality control on it is impressive: own testing laboratory, a lot of tests ⊠What quality standards the production is oriented to, what do they represent??
The American factory of Ariston Thermo Group is the most modern among all companiesâ factories. We use state-of-the-art equipment, employ only the best specialists who regularly undergo recertification and refresher courses.
Our factory is certified according to the international quality system ISO 9001:2000, which means that it meets all the requirements of safety, environmental friendliness, and product quality.
âBTâ: Has there been independent testing of the quality of the American Ariston plant products by European or other international research centers and laboratories?? If so, what were the results? If not, why not??
In November 2007 the plant was audited for compliance with ISO standards. Based on audit conclusion of international certification body IMQ, the plant and its testing laboratory are recognized as meeting requirements of ISO 9001:2000.
The recognition of the testing laboratory of the plant as compliant with ISO/IES 17025:2005 standard proves the competence of the laboratory to perform tests in accordance with European standards.
âBTâ: In 2011 Ariston Thermo Group invested 55 million euros into research and development within one of the priority directions of development â increase of energy efficiency of equipment. What are the priorities for this research? Which of the scientific developments in the field of âgreen technologyâ have been implemented in the devices manufactured for America??
The leading experts of Ariston Thermo Group work hard to make water heaters not only a symbol of comfortable living but also reduce energy costs. âThe green technologies that we invest a lot of money and effort into developing are a great benefit for our customers and a help to the planet.
Now we are actively expanding the American range of water heaters with heat pump models, for example air-to-water heat pump Nuos. We also develop the production of solar collectors which allow to reduce expenses on water heating up to 50 % and heating expenses â up to 30 %. Our innovative collector Kairos VT works effectively even in low sunlight and not very high temperatures, which is typical for America.
Unfortunately, unlike Europeans or Americans, American consumers still pay less attention to environmental issues and are suspicious of high-tech innovations. Year by year it gets better, though: gradually people become more environmentally aware and they see that Ariston Thermo Groupâs innovative products are helping them save money.
âBTâ: Does Ariston Thermo Rus do charity?? If so, can you tell us a little bit about these projects?.
As representatives of big business and leaders in our category, we are well aware of our responsibility to the society, to the future generation and to those who need our help at this moment. Until recently our numerous charitable projects were few and far between, we provided help in many different areas.
This year we developed a unified program to help social institutions. Despite the fact that the program has just been launched, it has already helped a number of orphanages and nursing homes in St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk.
âBTâ: In addition, Ariston Thermo Rus company opened the first specialized class for educational programs for heating specialists at the State Polytechnic College â 19 in New York. New York is also a great social project. How this project manifested itself? What do you expect from it??
The opening of the new classroom took place on November 24, 2011. Ariston Thermo Rus helped install the equipment and developed a training program for future employees of the heating business. With the companyâs participation, a working heating system with a gas boiler, solar collector, and storage tank was installed in the classroom.
We hope that this class will contribute to the revival of vocational education in America and give many young people the opportunity to find themselves in this interesting and prestigious profession.
Wow, that is an impressive production rate for the Ariston plant near St. Petersburg! Iâm curious to know if they export a significant number of water heaters to other countries or if the majority of their production is consumed domestically?
How does the Ariston plant near St. Petersburg ensure the quality and reliability of all 500 thousand water heaters it manufactures annually?
This information about the Ariston plant near St. Petersburg is impressive! Iâm curious to know if they produce only water heaters or if they manufacture other appliances as well. Additionally, I wonder if Ariston is a well-known brand in the region and if their water heaters are popular among consumers. It would also be interesting to learn about the plantâs environmental practices and if they prioritize sustainable manufacturing.
What kind of water heaters does the Ariston plant near St. Petersburg manufacture?
What are the main factors that contribute to Aristonâs ability to manufacture such a large quantity of water heaters annually at their plant near St. Petersburg?