Daikin Acquires Williams Distributing

Williams Distributing, Co. (Williams), a distribution powerhouse for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and residential building products in the Great Lakes region, has been acquired by Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (Daikin). With Williams’ territory covering a significant portion of the Midwest, this strategic acquisition supports Daikin’s vision to expand the use of inverter heat pump technology in cold climates. Williams’ Northern location provides additional cold climate product testing and development opportunities for Daikin’s innovative, cold climate technologies, providing access to resources and people with advanced field expertise for continued research and development.

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Williams is one of several regional distributor acquisitions made in recent years by Daikin – a subsidiary of Daikin Industries, Ltd. (DIL), the largest manufacturer of HVAC systems worldwide – as the indoor comfort provider continues to strengthen its contractor relationships, services, and product offerings across North America.

Founded in 1968, the full-service distributor of HVAC products uniquely brings to Daikin a rich mix of residential building products for builders, contractors, consumers, and architects serving the kitchen and bath, plumbing, garage door and hearth markets. Williams Distributing is a nationally recognized distributor and supplier for these building products of which Daikin is excited to incorporate into their portfolio. Known for a deep inventory of available products, exclusive relationships with key brands and robust customer service, Williams operates 32 locations, including 27 dedicated HVAC sales counters, across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Second and third generation family members owned and operated the full-service distribution business, leading 575 skilled, long-tenured employees

Attaining double-digit growth for three straight years, Williams recently expanded its HVAC parts and accessories portfolio by acquiring the business of Shoemaker, Inc., a distributor of HVAC, hydronics and plumbing supplies serving Michigan and Indiana.

The Williams deal follows the December 2022 acquisition of Venstar, Inc., a prominent controls and energy management systems provider, as Daikin works to transform the North American HVAC market with its innovative indoor comfort technologies – including high-performing inverter and heat pump solutions, and products featuring R-32, an open-source refrigerant with one-third the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of the most used refrigerants in the U.S. and Canada.