The History of TRANE

The Trane story is a classic American success story that grew into a global one.  In 1931, James Trane, a Norwegian immigrant, began the Trane legacy when he opened his plumbing shop in La Crosse, WI.  Because of the cold winters in Wisconsin, James Trane invented a low pressure heating system he called the “Trane Vapor Heating System.”  James and his son, Reuben, began manufacturing operations in 1910 and incorporated the Trane company in 1913.  In 1923, Reuben invented the convector radiator that established the company’s reputation as an innovator.  In 1931, Trane became an air conditioner pioneer providing relief from the summer heat using technology, which was an unproven and radical idea for the era.

In 1938, Trane changed the concept of air conditioning large buildings with the launch of Turbovac, the industry’s first hermetic, centrifugal refrigeration machine.  This was just the beginning of a long chain of innovations leading to todays CenTraVac (R), the most energy efficient system available for large buildings; earning Trane the “Best of the Best” Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Trane became a leader in residential air conditioning in 1982, when they acquired General Electric’s Central Air Conditioning Division.  In 1984, Tran was acquired by American Standard Companies.  In June of 2008, Ingersoll Rand acquired Trane, advancing its growth into a multi-brand commercial products manufacturer serving customers globally.  Ingersoll Rand is better able to provide products, services and solutions to improve the quality and comfort in buildings and homes.

Today, Trane employs more than 29,000 employees and continues to produce America’s most trusted brand, because everyone knows, “It’s hard to stop a Trane!”

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