Climate Technologies

Advanced Climate & Environmental Solutions for Commerce and Industry

Open Letter from Walt Zimmerman

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Dear Partners and Friends,

As you’ll see in today’s announcement, Climate Technologies is entering an exciting new chapter of leadership. After many years at the helm, I will transition into a new role in Business Development, while Jared Dipzinski and Max Sitek assume expanded leadership and ownership responsibilities.

Rather than repeating what’s already included in the press release, I want to use this letter to speak to you directly, not as a formal announcement, but as a personal note of gratitude and confidence.

This company, and this career, have been the most rewarding endeavor of my life.

Climate Technologies was founded more than 55 years ago. I joined the company in 1986, and in 1990 I assumed the role of CEO. That year, we brought together two legacy firms to form what is now Climate Technologies. From there, we experienced a period of tremendous growth. We grew from three employees to more than 30, expanded with offices in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, and evolved into a full-service climate solutions provider, from design and engineering through installation and commissioning.

I truly enjoyed the excitement of building a business, including the accelerated learning curve, the consistent focus on growth and innovation, and the expansion of my own education in business, marketing, and technical expertise. That journey, however, was not without its challenges. Economic uncertainty, including the Great Recession and its impact on the automotive industry, forced hard decisions, while managing a company of expanding complexity added its own demands.

One of the greatest challenges, and greatest rewards, was building the right team. Selecting the right people, leading them, and watching them grow has been one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my career. The employees, customers, strategic partners and vendors I’ve worked with over the years have left me with lasting memories and a deep sense of satisfaction. It is that same spirit of dedication and excellence that will carry Climate Technologies forward.

Passing the leadership torch to Jared and Max is something I do with great confidence. I brought this leadership team together intentionally, based on their unique strengths, capabilities, and 40 years of combined experience and expertise. I truly couldn’t have found two better individuals to lead Climate Technologies into its next chapter.

Although my role is changing, I want to be clear: I’m not going away. I will continue supporting the company in a business development capacity, working closely with key customers, market segments, and projects, and providing guidance wherever it’s helpful to ensure continuity and momentum.

To those who joined me on this adventure: thank you. Thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your partnership over the years. You are the reason this journey has been so meaningful. I’m deeply grateful to everyone I’ve worked with along the way who made this career so rewarding and rich.

Most importantly, I want to reassure you that Climate Technologies remains fully committed to the level of service, technical expertise, and integrity you have come to expect. That commitment will not change.

With sincere appreciation,

Walt Zimmerman
Climate Technologies

Climate Technologies Announces Leadership and Ownership Transition to Jared Dipzinski and Max Sitek; CEO Walt Zimmerman Moves Into Business Development

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Climate Technologies today announced a planned leadership and ownership transition that positions the company for continued growth and technical excellence. Jared Dipzinski and Max Sitek will assume ownership and expanded leadership responsibilities, effective December 18, 2025 while long-time CEO Walt Zimmerman shifts to a new Business Development role.

This transition ensures stability and preserves the company’s engineering-driven, multi-manufacturer approach to environmental control, temperature and humidity management, and industrial solutions.

About Jared Dipzinski and Max Sitek, P.E.— Leading the Next Chapter

Jared Dipzinski, currently Vice President, has been a central force in shaping Climate Technologies’ modern operations. With almost six years at the company and 28 years of experience in engineering, construction management, fabrication, and business management, Dipzinski has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s capabilities and strengthening customer partnerships.

“This leadership transition allows us to build on a strong foundation while continuing to put customers first,” said Dipzinski. “Our goal is seamless continuity today, paired with strategic growth for the future.”

Max Sitek, P.E., Principal, brings deep technical expertise and a strong engineering background, contributing significantly to Climate Technologies’ solutions-driven approach. With five years at the company and 18 years of specialized experience in HVAC system design, precision temperature and humidity control systems, desiccant dehumidification systems, and industrial refrigeration, Sitek has led complex, high-performance system implementations across multiple industries.

“Our team has earned a reputation for solving complex problems with innovative solutions, engineering expertise, and industry-leading equipment partners,” said Sitek. “As we move into the next phase of our growth, we are committed to delivering tailored solutions that elevate our organization and redefine the opportunities available to our clients.”

Together, Dipzinski and Sitek create a leadership team with an impressive blend of experience that will confidently guide Climate Technologies into its next era.

Walt’s Continued Role and Support

Walt Zimmerman, who has served as owner and CEO for nearly four decades, will continue supporting the company in a business development role.

“I’m incredibly fortunate to have leaders like Jared and Max ready to step up and make this transition seamless,” said Zimmerman. “Their leadership gives me great confidence and points to a very bright future for Climate Technologies.”

A Company Built on Engineering Expertise and Customer Partnership

Climate Technologies’ history dates back to the merger of R. Johnson Associates (1970) and R. Plazibat Associates (1976), both pioneers in industrial temperature and humidity control. Zimmerman acquired and merged the two companies in 1990, establishing Climate Technologies Corporation and broadening the firm into full-service environmental control solutions.

Today, Climate Technologies is recognized for its ability to solve complex challenges across industrial environments. With Dipzinski and Sitek at the helm, the company reinforces its commitment to responsive support and innovative problem-solving.

About Climate Technologies

Climate Technologies specializes in industrial heating and cooling, humidity control, factory-built central utility plants, and environmental control solutions. With a multi-manufacturer engineering approach, the company delivers efficient, cost-effective systems built for reliability, performance, and long-term client success.

We’ve Moved! Visit Us at Our New Brighton Office.

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Climate Technologies is excited to share some big news: We’ve officially moved into our new home at 150 N 1st Street, Brighton, MI 48116.

This move marks another milestone in our continued growth as we expand our capabilities in industrial heating and cooling, humidity control, environmental air systems, and factory-built central utility plants. Our new location gives us the space and flexibility to better support our customers and collaborate with our partners.

Our door is always open.
We value the relationships behind every project, and we’d love for you to stop by, say hello, and see the space. Whether you’re a long-time partner or someone we’ve not yet had the chance to work with, consider this your open invitation.

If you find yourself in the Brighton area, feel free to visit us at:
150 N 1st Street, Brighton, MI 48116

We look forward to welcoming you!

Recover More. Waste Less. Save Big on Energy.

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High-temperature industrial processes can generate significant waste heat, and wasted energy means higher costs. Climate Technologies provides advanced heat recovery solutions that capture this energy and put it back to work. Our systems can recover a substantial portion of process heat, which can then be reused for process air, combustion preheat, or even building heating, helping you lower energy consumption and reduce operating costs.

Every industry has unique challenges. That’s why our heat recovery solutions are custom-engineered for your specific processes, ensuring optimal efficiency and performance. With decades of experience in energy recovery, Climate Technologies combines proven technology with expert support to help you achieve measurable energy savings.

Let us help you turn wasted heat into a strategic advantage. Contact Climate Technologies today to explore your energy-saving opportunities.

Planning Ahead: Why Now Is the Time to Think About Next Summer’s Dehumidification Needs

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As temperatures drop and heating season begins, it’s easy to shift your focus away from cooling and dehumidification. But at Climate Technologies, we know that now (not next spring) is the best time to start preparing for next summer’s conditions.

Dehumidification equipment often comes with longer lead times, especially for customized or high-capacity systems. Proactive planning ensures your equipment will be ready when you need it most.

By assessing your systems now, you can:

  • Avoid production delays caused by long equipment lead times
  • Schedule installations and upgrades during the off-season, when downtime is easier to accommodate
  • Ensure system reliability before next summer’s humidity hits
  • Optimize performance by addressing inefficiencies before they impact operations

Our team of specialists can help you evaluate your current equipment, identify potential improvements, and plan ahead for replacements or upgrades.

Don’t wait until the heat and humidity return. Reach out to Climate Technologies now to discuss your dehumidification strategy for 2026, and enjoy peace of mind when next summer arrives.

Climate Technologies Welcomes MarCraft as a New Partner

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Climate Technologies is excited to announce our new partnership with MarCraft, a leader in fully custom HVAC systems with a reputation for engineering excellence.

MarCraft Custom HVAC Systems are designed for projects that demand precision and performance, including automotive, laboratories, hospitals, data centers, food and beverage processing facilities, and more. Their modular, fully custom systems allow for flexibility in design, construction materials, energy recovery options, and controls, providing solutions tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Every system is built for long-term reliability and can be factory-tested to ensure optimal performance before it ever reaches the job site.

With roots dating back to 1921 and an American-made manufacturing process, MarCraft combines time-honored craftsmanship with modern technology. Their fully custom units are engineered for efficiency, minimal maintenance, and maximum space utilization, making them ideal for projects that require more than the standard solution  – the type of projects Climate Technologies is known for.

MarCraft’s proven capabilities make them a valuable partner as Climate Technologies continues to deliver HVAC solutions that meet the most demanding specifications.

Processed Chilled Fluid Case Study

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Challenge:

A customer within the industrial sector presented Climate Technologies with a specific engineering challenge: the requirement for an air-cooled chiller to provide process chilled fluid. This system needed to adhere to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) A1 class refrigerant requirements, which specify low toxicity and non-flammability. A1 fluids are generally recognized for stable performance and broad applications, particularly where safety is a primary concern. This application was unique because the system required A1 class refrigerant in a chiller with a rating below 120 tons, an unusual combination.

Solution:

Industrial processed chilled water case study

To address this challenge, Climate Technologies provided a comprehensive solution encompassing engineering and project management services, alongside provisioning specialized equipment. The key component of the equipment package was a Geoclima – 70-ton air-cooled chiller. This chiller utilized R513A as its refrigerant, to meet the ASHRAE A1 classification and system cooling requirements, and incorporated two compact screw compressors, each equipped with variable frequency drives.

The chiller also featured integrated controls with a user-friendly 7” touch screen, offering BACNet capabilities for seamless integration with existing building management systems. The designed system also included remote monitoring capabilities and low ambient controls designed to ensure reliable year-round operation, even in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F.

The end result is a successful system design that meets the customer’s need for process chilled fluid while adhering to the specified refrigerant class and operational requirements, in an appropriately sized system.

air-cooled chiller
air-cooled chiller
air-cooled chiller

Navigating Refrigerant Changes and Future-Proofing Your Cooling Systems

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It’s no secret that an increased demand for R454B refrigerant and broader supply chain complexities are leading to concerns among manufacturers and facilities managers regarding availability and lead times.

Geoclima equipment

One challenge is that R454B carries an A2L classification, broadly meaning it’s non-toxic and has a lower flammability rating. However, low flammability doesn’t mean no flammability – and that leads to differences in how this refrigerant must be transported, handled, and installed.

In contrast, A1 refrigerants are non-flammable and have a low-toxicity rating– they do not ignite or support combustion. This is a key differentiator because many environments or organizations require A1 class refrigerants for cooling equipment.

Changing regulations and anticipated refrigerant price increases are adding to the confusion. This includes deciphering complex GWP values, understanding varied regional phase-down schedules, and navigating the uncertainty surrounding long-term viable alternatives, all of which is making it harder for contractors and facilities directors to plan for current and future cooling needs.

If your cooling system provider isn’t staying ahead of these developments or lacks experience with alternative refrigerants, you could face costly consequences in the future.

That’s where Climate Technologies comes in.
Our niche experts have proven success solving complex cooling challenges, and have the experience and expertise to design solutions that can help mitigate refrigerant issues. Considerations might include alternative refrigerant technologies such as ammonia, or designing dual-refrigerant systems that prepare equipment for future regulation and availability.

The Climate Technologies engineering team works to understand the full scope of your unique cooling requirements, as well as the current and likely future state of the refrigerant industry.

The result: Lower operating costs, improved efficiency, long-term regulatory compliance and peace of mind knowing your system is designed and built to last.

Let’s Talk About Your Cooling Strategy
If you are facing coolant and refrigerant challenges, or simply want to optimize your planned system for future compliance and efficiency, contact Climate Technologies today for a comprehensive consultation. Let our experts guide you through the evolving refrigerant landscape and design a resilient cooling solution for your operations.