PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
VALUE ADDED HVAC DISTRIBUTORS ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH THE VAD GROUP, CANADA’S LEADING HVAC-R DISTRIBUTOR
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, December 13, 2021 – Value Added HVAC Distributors (VAD) and its three subsidiaries, Virginia Air Distributors, Allied HVAC Distributors and South Carolina Air Distributors, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership with The VAD Group, Canada’s largest and leading HVAC-R distributor. VAD will continue to operate as a stand-alone US company with the current management team including founder Ken Baker, who will continue to serve as Chairman, and Chris Baker as President and CEO.
Founded in 1987 as an independent distributor, VAD has maintained sustained growth over the past three decades by staying true to its foundational principles of providing opportunity-filled work environments for employees and always going above and beyond to service customers.
“Over the past 35 years, VAD and The VAD Group have enjoyed a long-standing relationship, working together on distributor advisory councils and making numerous best practice visits to each other’s offices,†notes Ken Baker. “Most importantly, the values of our two companies are aligned, which creates a solid partnership for the future.â€
“Our vision is to become the dominant player in North America, and when we considered strategic partners in the United States, VAD and their quality management team was our first choice,†continues VAD Group CEO, Louis St-Laurent.
“Investing in greater technology solutions that support highly skilled employees will be essential for the future — especially considering the aging infrastructure and demand for energy efficiency,†notes Neil McDougall, President of The VAD Group.
Chris Baker adds, “The timing of this partnership is perfect as it enables us to capitalize on our momentum as we continue to grow, both organically and by attracting well-managed, customer-focused firms to join us. Together with VAD, we are well-positioned to achieve our vision of being the #1 HVAC distributor in North America as we continue to lead the industry in building strong teams and partner relationships with employees and customers.â€
About Value Added HVAC Distributors
Value Added HVAC Distributors (VAD) is the parent company of Virginia Air Distributors, Allied HVAC Distributors and South Carolina Air Distributors, with nearly 200 employees across 19 branch locations. Established in 1987, VAD supplies HVAC contractors with residential and commercial heating and air-conditioning equipment.
About The VAD Group
A leader in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration sector, The VAD Group celebrates its 70th anniversary in March 2022. Named one of Canada’s best-managed companies since 2010, VAD is the largest HVAC-R distributor in the country. The company now employs 1,050 dynamic and devoted individuals who serve the industry at 49 branches and 4 distribution centers from British Columbia to the Atlantic Provinces. For more information, visit www.master.ca and linkedin.com/company/themastergroup.
