Rheem/Rudd, a major air conditioning and furnace manufacturer, approached Tutco after they learned they had to meet a federally-mandated requirement to upgrade their units to a minimum of a 13 SEER rating. The project required Tutco to redesign 45 electric heat kits to accommodate the updated air handlers, and within a tight timeframe leading to a seamless conversion in the marketplace.

Tutco immediately took leadership, working hand-in-hand with Rheem/Rudd to minimize duplication in SKUs and to provide an expedient process. When the test matrix was fully developed with the customer, Underwriters Laboratories and Tutco, the test numbered in the thousands. Though the project was time-constrained, Tutco finished the conversions on time and had even confirmed them with onsite testing, conducted in Tutco's CTDP-certified lab.

Changing market pressures and material constraints often require changes in production that still provide top-quality products. So when severe market pressures forced Tutco to reduce the costs of their nickel-chromium resistance wire, R&D went into immediate action to research alternatives.

Over a period of more than 10 years, Tutco developed a product that reduced cost while actually providing superior performance to the previous wire. After years of enhancement and development, the new nickel-chromium resistance wire is now a major component in well over 50% of Tutco's business. It proved once again that Tutco is the industry leader in innovation, always looking for ways to bring their customers better products, better performance, and better value.