— By Ramez Naguib — Exploring the benefits of glycol chillers in restaurants. Glycol chillers are specialized refrigeration systems and often involve the use of antifreeze. A popular application is in beverage production, wherein the food grade chemical propylene glycol is used.i Glycol is not a refrigerant; instead, it is a fluid that is used to carry heat from one location to another in much the same way as a conventional refrigerant does. But, unlike a refrigerant, glycol does not undergo a state change (from a liquid to a gas, …
green building/LEED
Saginaw, Mich. — Duro-Last, a member of the Amrize family of brands and a leading manufacturer of custom-fabricated single-ply roofing systems, celebrated a major milestone in late October with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its eighth manufacturing facility in North America. The 103,000-square-foot Kernersville, N.C., facility produces Duro-Last custom-fabricated membrane as well as custom accessories and edge details for thermoplastic single-ply commercial roofing installations. Highlights included a contractor-focused vendor showcase, plant tours and a ribbon-cutting ceremony that underscored Duro-Last’s ongoing commitment to innovation, quality and customer success. “The …
Camden, N.J. — Subaru of America, Inc. has unveiled the Subaru Connection Hub, the automaker’s first full redesign of its national retailer network since 2007. The new concept reimagines the automotive retail experience, transforming dealerships into immersive, hospitality-driven spaces that strengthen customer relationships and community connections. The exterior architectural language draws inspiration from parks, pavilions and great plazas to create a new expression that welcomes everyone into the showroom. Inside, the new Subaru Connection Hub concept showcases vehicles paired with curated merchandising tools, gear and accessories. Spaces will also include …
Malmö, Sweden — Two years after breaking ground in Sylvia Park, Auckland, Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, has announced that it will open its first store in New Zealand on Dec. 4th, 2025. “The interest and anticipation for IKEA in New Zealand can be felt all the way to Sweden, and we are very humbled by it,” says Tolga Öncu, Ingka retail manager (COO) at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). “Welcoming a new country to the IKEA family always brings special emotions, and we could not be more excited to …
Print the Wall
— Interview with Darin Ross — Building a wall for Walmart has never been faster, cheaper or safer — thanks to 3D concrete printing. When Walmart makes waves, it can create a tsunami. The mega-retailer, which has more than 10,000 stores around the globe, continues to be a leader in sustainability, productivity and innovation. Recently, Walmart teamed up with Alquist 3D, in partnership with Atlanta-based FMGI as general contractor, to complete their second 3DCP (3D Concrete Printing) build. The new 5,000-square-foot expansion at Walmart Supercenter #5197 outside Huntsville, Alabama, set …
New Castle, Pa. — Berner International, North America’s leading manufacturer of air curtains, plans to double its current manufacturing footprint in New Castle, Pa., by adding 55,000 square feet of new production space and 70 new jobs, in order to meet growing global demand. Construction will begin in summer 2025 and is expected to conclude in early 2026. Operations will commence as early as second quarter 2026. Berner recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony with nearly 100 attendees; the formal ceremony was followed by a tour of Berner’s plant and an …
Fairport, N.Y. — Monro, Inc., a leading provider of automotive undercar repair and tire services, has released its fifth annual environmental, social and governance (ESG) report. The “2025 ESG Report” highlights Monro’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and responsible business practices. The report also lays out the company’s environmental progress toward its 2028 goal of achieving 100% LED lighting across all store locations. “As Monro’s new CEO, I’m energized by the opportunity to lead this great organization into the next chapter of the company’s evolution,” says Peter D. Fitzsimmons, president …
Fort Worth, Texas — PVI, a Watts brand, introduces enhanced Conquest® compact, condensing, semi-instantaneous, firetube water heaters that have improved thermal efficiency, optimized pump placement and superior return on investment (ROI). The new Conquest offers commercial facility owners and managers three key benefits: • Enhanced Thermal Efficiency: The upgraded straight firetube heat exchanger design increases the Conquest’s thermal efficiency to an impressive 98% across all inputs, making it one of the most energy-efficient models available. • Optimized Pump Placement: The pump is now strategically positioned at the front and side of …
Visible Results
— By Norm Pensky — How gyms can reduce costs and embrace sustainability. Today’s fitness market is increasingly competitive, with boutique workout classes and home exercise options pulling customers in new directions. Instead of chasing costly trends, gym owners can reduce costs and improve profitability by optimizing what’s within their control: energy efficiency. While high-end equipment and lavish amenities may attract attention, smarter energy management offers a more sustainable way to succeed in this crowded industry. Running a gym is energy-intensive. Climate control, lighting and equipment drive up electricity and …
Navigating a Changing Climate
— By Kyle Klahre — The world of refrigeration is rapidly changing — here’s what grocers need to know. Refrigeration systems in the U.S. are rapidly evolving due to new government regulations affecting residential, commercial and industrial systems. To understand current changes, it’s helpful to look back at the history of refrigerant regulation. This regulatory journey can be traced back to the middle of the 1980s. The Baby Boomer and Generation X readers likely remember hearing NASA discovered a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. Well, the cause of …