April 28, 2023 Peer Into Peerless

Volume 26 | Issue 1

Peerless of America is a pioneer manufacturer of aluminum tubing for refrigeration and all-aluminum and aluminum/copper heat transfer coils.

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While it might seem like a contemporary marketing gimmick to emphasize made in American manufacturing, the company name of Peerless of America actually dates back to 1912. And it is a manufacturer that has lived up to that name over a hundred years now, making products in America without peer in terms of quality, innovation, on-time delivery, and reliability.

“There have been changes in ownership over the years,” notes Jordan Sammons-Smith, president of the Effingham, Ill.-based manufacturer. “But extruded aluminum shapes remain our core competency, and throughout all that time on which we’ve built a history of industry firsts. In the early 1930’s we introduced the first all-aluminum fin coils for commercial refrigera­tion. By 1960, Peerless introduced all aluminum fin coils for frost-free household refrigerators.”

Today, just one example of Peerless innova­tion in response to customer needs is evapora­tors and condensers optimized for use with nat­ural refrigerants (CO2, R290 & R600A) as well as eco-friendly heat exchangers in accordance with Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (EPA) Agency requirements. The company’s most recent innovation is a 5 mm solution all-aluminum condenser with a pat­ent pending non-conventional design called The Natural Refrigerant Coil. Another is unit coolers using EC (electronically commutated) motors with universal voltage (115 – 240 volts 50/60 Hz) that are energy efficient and func­tional anywhere in the world.

“The Peerless tradition of innovation and customer focus is to design and manufacture custom solutions employing all-aluminum and aluminum/copper heat transfer coils and alu­minum tubing for refrigeration equipment used  in a wide variety of industries,” Sammons- Smith says.

She adds that, “We aren’t the least expensive, but what makes the difference to our customers is the Peerless quality and services they know they can depend on. And while the majority of our industry has shifted to manufacturing over­seas, or import parts and assemblies, Peerless continues to produce products that are truly American made. That enables us to provide the highest-quality products at reasonable prices.”

The made in America ethic extends to Peerless suppliers, as well. “We source machined fit­tings and powder coating from companies in Dieterich, Ill. We partnered with a stain­less-steel manufacturer here in Effingham for parts used in our food-grade assemblies. We use robust motor mounts, made in Robinson, Ill. and fan guards from Valparaiso, Ind. Our energy efficient universal voltage EC motors are made in Woodville, Wis. We purchase tubing from Missouri and aluminum stock out of Tennessee and Arkansas.”

The advantage is a more stable supply chain in working with local suppliers, which helps ensure on-time delivery and high quality. It is also, Sammons-Smith emphasizes, “An invest­ment in the local communities where we all live and work.”

Aluminum Extrusion and Heat Transfer Coil Divisions

Peerless operates two divisions.Aluminum Extrusion products are used globally in con­densers/evaporators, radiators, battery coolers, charge air coolers, connector lines, fuel coolers, oil coolers and inter-coolers. These corrosion resistant aluminum extrusions are made from high strength, high temperature 1000 series, 3000 series and 6000 series aluminum alloys that are also recyclable. The company is also a leading manufacturer of OEM and replace­ment unit coolers for commercial, grocery, restaurant and retail applications.

The Coils Heat Transfer division makes tra­ditional plate-fin refrigeration coils as well as the company’s own Skyve coil technology. In addition, custom tubing assemblies fabricated from copper or aluminum achieve high efficien­cy and reduced overall expense. The company’s evaporators and condensers used in “frost-free” commercial and residential refrigeration fea­ture copper tips joined with Peerless-patented “eutectic” joint or fluxless solder joints. Oil coolers for automotive and industrial use are designed to withstand the most rugged condi­tions and still perform at maximum efficiency. Peerlite II coatings provide superior corrosion resistance at significant savings over competing systems.

There are separate manufacturing lines at its 177,000 square foot manufacturing plant with a shared meeting and cafeteria space for employees between the two lines. In addition, there is a dedicated Research and Development department to investigate improved heat trans­fer efficiencies and solve customer problems by designing customized solutions.

“We can design, prototype, extrude and man­ufacture aluminum parts, coils and systems for any range of heat transfer needs,” Sammons- Smith notes. “High precision, tight tolerance, thin-walled aluminum extrusions in round tube, multi-port extrusions, hollow extrusions and tank extrusions provide safer and higher heat transfer efficiencies, less maintenance and lower fuel consumption.”

Selling both through distributors and direct to customers, Peerless products are used in a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, industrial equipment, military, energy, refrigeration, air conditioning, and various after-market applications. Selling to multiple markets helps maintain business stability when one or several sectors slow down. The “problem” for Peerless is that there is currently high demand from just about every market it serves.

Meeting High Customer Demand

It’s the type of problem any business might want to have. Sammons-Smith notes that as a small company with some 100 employees, Peerless is able to proactively respond to high customer demand through its digital transformation initiatives coupled with programs to attract necessary manufacturing talent.

“We recently installed a new MRP (Materials Requirements System) that we’re learning almost something new every day to improve our supplier relationships,” Sammons-Smith says. “It is also going to helps us shorten lead-times to get raw materials at the best prices. The metals market is currently somewhat more settled than it was, but we work with multiple suppliers as well as ensure we have sufficient inventory on hand to ride at any potential disruptions. We also have the advantage as a domestic manufac­turer that we can work directly with a number of local suppliers and shops here in Illinois to optimize our efficiencies.”

While the two manufacturing lines are highly automated, Peerless, like most manufacturers these days, is actively recruiting talent in a range of much needed skills sets. “We’re work­ing with local colleges and schools to promote the idea that if you like working with com­puters, manufacturing in a high-tech industry where you can have a career,” Sammons-Smith says. “Also, we’re looking to get the word out that you don’t necessarily have to get a college degree to work in a technical manufacturing field. Jobs in manufacturing such as welding are in high demand, offer good pay and rewarding careers. Peerless pays competitive salaries based on experience and a full benefit package after 60 days of employment.”

“Peerless is a strong company with a lot of his­tory, and we’re still growing,” Sammons-Smith says. “Our customers are in need of products that are green, cost-effective and made in America,” Sammons-Smith says. “We provide the most viable solutions that offer high per­formance and improved efficiency that reduce overall operating costs.”

Which is why the company is called Peerless. 

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