The Master Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

Master is proud to announce the nationwide addition of Hitachi residential HVAC products, marking a major expansion of its industry-pioneering portfolio and a strengthened partnership with Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning. With more than 70 years of expertise in residential air conditioning, more than 40 years of pioneering DC inverter technology, and most recently, the introduction of the groundbreaking FrostWash™ technology, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning is a global pioneer in innovation and reliability. Advanced heating and cooling solutions Now, Canadian contractors will have access to its advanced heating and cooling solutions, backed by Master’s trusted distribution and support network. “This launch marks an exciting new chapter for Master and our customers,” said Keith Strachan, Senior Vice President, Distribution at Master. “Hitachi’s cutting-edge technology, including features like FrostWash and HeatForce, offers the efficiency, durability, and performance that contractors need—supported by our dedicated teams to ensure seamless integration.” Hitachi heat pump models Hitachi residential products will be available at Master’s distribution centers across Canada starting in April FrostWash™ automatically deep cleans the indoor coil by freezing, melting, and flushing away dirt and pollutants, ensuring cleaner air, reduced maintenance, and long-term efficiency. Meanwhile, Hitachi heat pump models with HeatForce deliver faster, more powerful heating in extreme cold, providing reliable warmth and energy savings even in subzero temperatures. These features make Hitachi heat pumps a standout choice for Canadian homes. Hitachi residential products will be available at Master’s distribution centers across Canada starting in April, ensuring fast access for dealers nationwide. Unmatched Support for Dealers and Installers Master is committed to making Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning’s introduction seamless for dealers by providing industry-pioneering support and expertise. What’s in store for dealers? Comprehensive bilingual marketing materials, including brochures and a dedicated Hitachi Residential landing page on Master.ca. Nationwide availability of most products, ensuring accessibility across Canada Exclusive dealer training and ongoing technical support to integrate Hitachi products effortlessly into the market. Inclusion in the YORK® and Coleman Dealer Programs by Johnson Controls, simplifying the process for contractors looking to bundle ducted and ductless solutions under one trusted platform. Innovation in energy-efficient HVAC solutions Hitachi will also be a Gold Sponsor at the Heat Pump Symposium in Toronto on May 6, 2025 The Hitachi airHome 600 heat pump system will be showcased at MCEE Montreal on April 24-25, 2025, at the Master booth (#701), offering attendees a firsthand look at its cutting-edge technology. Hitachi will also be a Gold Sponsor at the Heat Pump Symposium in Toronto on May 6, 2025, further reinforcing its commitment to innovation in energy-efficient HVAC solutions. Innovation and growth in the Canadian HVAC industry “Master has been a valued partner of Johnson Controls for more than 50 years, and we’re thrilled to expand on the partnership and on the Hitachi product reach in Canada through Master’s vast distribution and support network,” said David Budzinski, chief executive officer, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning. “We are fully committed to equipping our dealers with the tools, training and support they need for success. This is just the beginning of an exciting partnership that will drive innovation and growth in the Canadian HVAC industry.” The official launch of Hitachi residential products is set for April 14, 2025.

The Master Group (Master), Canada’s largest and one of North America’s foremost heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration distributors, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new Eastern distribution center in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, located on the South Shore of Montreal, Quebec. Part of the Écoparc Saint-Bruno multi-industry complex built by Montoni, Master’s new LEED Gold-certified distribution center was officially inaugurated in the presence of John Kaul and Jean-François Routhier, respectively President and Chairman of the Board of The Master Group and Ludovic Grisé Farand, Mayor of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville. excellence and innovation This cutting-edge facility represents a significant milestone for Master, marking its continued commitment to excellence and innovation in serving customers across diverse sectors including residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial. The new facility offers much greater storage and expansion capacity than the previous Boucherville-based facility. innovation, sustainability, and customer service “The opening of our new Eastern distribution center marks a pivotal moment for The Master Group," said John Kaul, President, of The Master Group. "This state-of-the-art facility reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer service. By investing in advanced technologies and expanding our capacity, we are not only supporting the growth of our business but also ensuring we continue to deliver the highest standards of service across the Greater Montreal area and beyond.” environmentally friendly business practices “This new distribution center will help create many jobs for the residents of Saint-Bruno and the surrounding area." "It represents an exceptional opportunity to strengthen our economic ecosystem and promote environmentally friendly business practices. Welcome to Groupe Master in the Saint-Bruno Écoparc,” said Mayor Ludovic Grisé Farand. Commitment to World-Class Infrastructure The new warehouse also features an additional 75,000 square feet of outdoor storage The new distribution center alone represents an investment of $12 million, underscoring Master’s dedication to providing world-class infrastructure to support its operations and customer service initiatives in the Greater Montreal area and beyond. Spanning an impressive 300,000 square feet, the new warehouse also features an additional 75,000 square feet of outdoor storage, offering increased capacity and enhanced efficiency to meet the evolving needs of customers. energy and water conservation Master’s new Eastern Distribution Center has achieved LEED Gold certification through an impressive suite of energy and water conservation measures, positioning it at the forefront of sustainable building design. By integrating high-efficiency mechanical systems, including heat pumps, and maximizing airtightness and insulation of the building envelope, the EDC is set to cut heating consumption by over 75% and cooling needs by 30% annually, dramatic reductions that demonstrate a commitment to energy efficiency. water-resource optimization strategy Potable water use is minimized through a comprehensive system that collects, stores, and reuses rainwaterEqually innovative is the center’s water-resource optimization strategy. Potable water use is minimized through a comprehensive system that collects, stores, and reuses rainwater, supplying 50% of the water required for plumbing fixtures.  This approach not only underscores environmental responsibility but sets a compelling benchmark for smart resource management in industrial facilities. several key improvements The new facility boasts several key improvements, including a concrete surface designed to prevent future deformation, LEED Gold-certified doors and docks, and an ergonomic loading room enhanced by 5G technology. The facility features double-deep pallet storage, more visible and safer traffic corridors, as well as outdoor storage with a concrete slab for easier circulation. Additionally, new warehouse equipment and pallet jacks will improve productivity, while expanded loading and shipping docks will ensure greater efficiency. LEED Gold-certified features A planted forecourt, animated canal-side plot, and rain garden contribute to environmental conservation The LEED Gold-certified features of the facility include solar panels, a green roof and greenhouse, and high-efficiency mechanical systems. Exterior landscaping and a rainwater harvesting system enhance sustainability, while a conservation zone, planted forecourt, animated canal-side plot, and rain garden contribute to environmental conservation.  standard of service delivery Additionally, the site offers a multi-sports track, relaxation areas, docking doors, and convenient accessibility via public transport, all designed to promote well-being and functionality. This facility is poised to elevate the standard of service delivery in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry.