I recently had the pleasure of joining Prof. Dr. Martin Viessmann, owner, CEO, and president of the supervisory board of the Viessmann Group Manufacturing company, Dr. Michael Luz, president and CEO of Veissmann U.S., other members of Viessmann's corporate leadership, Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, and Lt. Governor Dan McKee to celebrate the company's 25th anniversary in the U.S. - and specifically, in Rhode Island.
The company, founded in 1917, is a family-owned business now in its third generation. With a workforce of approximately 11,500, they are one of the leading manufacturers of cooling, heating, and climate control technology, boasting 22 production divisions in 11 countries, 120 sales offices around the globe and subsidiaries and representations in 74 countries.
Viessmann's leadership and its employees pride themselves on providing innovative, top-quality, efficient technology within a broad range of products, and, recognizing that energy efficiency must be significantly increased, sustainability is a hallmark of their company. In fact, for three years in a row, Viessmann has earned the German Sustainability Award for "most sustainable production" and "most sustainable brand."
The city of Warwick has long made environmental protection, preservation, and restoration a priority, and we are extremely proud to be home to a company that, through its ongoing efforts, helps its customers to be more environmentally-friendly, reduce their carbon footprint, and use energy more efficiently and effectively. Their facility, along the Rte. 95 corridor, stands as a wonderful symbol of our proud manufacturing past and a bright key to its future, as well as a very visible symbol of our shared efforts to protect our natural resources. It was an honor to join in their silver anniversary celebration and have the opportunity to wish them continued growth and success in the decades to come.
Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick and the chairman of the RIPTA board of directors.