– Exhibit at AHR Expo 2026, One of the World’s Largest HVAC&R Shows, in Las Vegas This February –
Noritz Corporation (Head Office: Kobe, Hyogo, Japan; President and CEO: Masayuki Takenaka), a leading manufacturer of water heating systems, and Nihon Itomic Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan; President: Hirofumi Moriya) have entered into a partnership to develop their first commercial CO₂ heat pump water heater for the North American market.
As part of this launch initiative, the two companies will showcase the new technology at AHR Expo, one of the world’s largest HVAC&R exhibitions, taking place from February 2-4, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Background and Purpose of Partnership
Environmental awareness and decarbonization initiatives have gained more attention over the years across North America, driving strong demand for electrification and heat pump water heating solutions. In line with its medium-term management plan, Noritz has positioned global business expansion as a core growth strategy, with the North American market representing a key focus area.
Noritz and Nihon Itomic first partnered in July 2025 to launch a commercial hybrid water heating system for the Japanese market. Building on that success, the two companies are now leveraging Nihon Itomic’s expertise in electric and CO₂ heat pump technology and Noritz’s proven manufacturing capabilities to jointly develop their first commercial CO₂ heat pump water heater for North America.
Details of Partnership and Future Outlook
Under this partnership, Nihon Itomic will lead product development. Manufacturing will be carried out by RB Corporation (Head Office: Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan; President: Takeshi Tsuji), a Noritz Group company, while NORITZ AMERICA CORPORATION (Head Office: Fountain Valley, California, USA; President and CEO: Jay Hassel) will oversee sales and distribution in the North American market. CO₂ refrigerant-based heat pump water heaters offer a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuel systems and integrate seamlessly with renewable energy sources. Through this joint development and future market introduction, Noritz and Nihon Itomic aim to accelerate the transition to a decarbonized society and create a future where comfort and environmental responsibility coexist.
About AHR Expo 2026
Organizers: ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute)
Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center, Nevada, USA
Dates: February 2-4, 2026
Visitors (2025): Approx. 50,000
Exhibitors (2025): Approx. 1,800 companies
Focus Areas: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, piping, control systems, energy efficiency, sustainability, etc.
Official Website: https://www.ahrexpo.com/
Company Profiles
Noritz Corporation
President and CEO
Masayuki Takenaka
Head Office
93 Edomachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
Established
March 1951
Business
Manufacturing, sales, and service of equipment such as water heaters and gas stoves
Website
NORITZ AMERICA CORPORATION
President and CEO
Jay Hassel
Head Office
11160 Grace Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA
Established
January 2002
Business
Sales and after-sales service of gas tankless water heaters and related products
Website
Nihon Itomic Co., Ltd.
President
Hirofumi Moriya
Head Office
Tokyo Skytree East Tower 24F, 1-1-2, Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Established
March 1957
Business
Plan, design, develop, manufacture, sell, and maintain commercial use
water heaters, boilers, instantaneous water heaters, hot water storage tank, sink unit with electric water heater, CO2 Heat Pump Water Heater, supply hot water units, faucets and fittings.
Website
