Source 1, the exclusive supplier of factory-authorized service parts and residential accessories for all Johnson Controls Unitary Products residential and light commercial HVAC equipment, opened the first in a series of HVAC training centers Jan. 25 with more than 150 customers and industry professionals in attendance.

The 1,200-square-foot facility is housed within the 55,000-square-foot Source 1 HVAC Supply Center in Earth City, Missouri, located just outside St. Louis. The training center will house eight different HVAC units, ranging from basic to premium efficiency models, and host a variety of hands-on classes to help technicians become YORK certified technicians. Additionally, the facility will provide a location for trade students to get hands on experience through training opportunities designed to educate and prepare the future workforce.

Area YORK dealers and customers as well as local trade schools attended the Jan. 25 ribbon cutting to get a firsthand look at the new training center. The center will focus primarily on residential service and installation but will also include training on select commercial products. In addition, YORK sales teams can attend classes to gain a deeper understanding of the features and benefits of YORK products.

“Contractors come to us every day to purchase parts, supplies and equipment,” said Doug Comerio, regional general manager for Source 1. “We want to support them after the sale, so the better trained they are in the application, installation, maintenance and service of our equipment, the less likely they are to encounter problems in the field.

“We also want to play a role in shaping the future of our industry. This training center will serve as a pipeline for tomorrow’s HVAC technicians, strengthening our company’s commitment to educating and investing in the future of the HVAC industry.”

Source 1 celebrated the launch of its first training center with refreshments, prizes, giveaways and the opportunity to talk with HVAC vendors and representatives from Johnson Controls. Special guests included the mayor of nearby Bridgeton, Missouri, Terry Briggs.