CRANSTON, R.I. – In the company of invited guests, including Phc News, Italian and State of Rhode Island officials, and company employees, Taco, Inc. announced a strategic partnering agreement with Askoll. Askoll is an Italian manufacturer of pumps used in a variety of industries (including indoor space heating). The announcement took place at a ceremony held in Taco’s Innovation and Development Center.

Under the terms of the agreement reached between Taco and Askoll, the two companies will collaborate on research and development relating to new circulator pump designs and on other joint product and marketing initiatives. Taco has already begun assembling a new high efficiency circulator for residential and light commercial applications, the VR1816, which employs Askoll’s variable speed technology, at its Cranston, R.I. plant, and future plans call for the VR1816 to be manufactured entirely by Taco.

The VR1816 is an extension of Taco’s Viridian line of circulators. It is a wet rotor circulator with an ECM permanent magnet motor that uses up to 85 percent less electricity. It features an infinitely variable speed setting capability for fine-tuning the flow of any hydronic-based system, and 6 pressure presets to fit the job.

Askoll, headquartered in Dueville, Italy, employs some 3,000 people in 11 companies focusing on advanced electric-motored pumps that are used in aquariums, ponds and terrariums, industrial automation, heating, and home appliances. The company was founded in 1978 by Elio Marioni.

“We are proud and excited to have embraced this new professional opportunity with Taco, a strong and serious company that shares our view and ethics. Askoll believes in technological evolution and alwayts strives for innovation,” said Elio Marioni, president of Askoll. “Innovation is in our DNA. In 30 years, we have registered over 800 patents and developed a company fully dedicated to research. Our mission is to reduce raw materials and energy waste and to increase the performance of domestic appliance and heating systems, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and people well-being.“

“Taco’s path for future growth lies in strategic relationships with world-class companies like Askoll,” said John Hazen White, Jr., president and CEO of Taco. “We have longed searched the world for the best suppliers of castings and raw materials for our products, and now we are doing the same for the best and brightest technology partners. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial working relationship with Askoll.”

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