Technology

KES China Facility Operational, Driving Localization and Embracing Chinese Market

Published

3 years ago

June 12, 2023

CHANGSHU, China, June 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — On May 19, Koch Engineered Solutions (KES) held an opening ceremony for its first manufacturing facility in China, located in Changshu, Jiangsu Province. The Changshu manufacturing plant utilizes the latest generation of automation and manufacturing capabilities and is uniquely designed to produce our full product line. This facility will also bring design, engineering, and service capabilities to our local customers as part of this initiative. The opening marks a significant milestone in KES’ localization process and demonstrates the firm’s strong confidence in the development of China’s green industry, technological innovation and the market’s future potential.

Dave Dotson, President of KES, Dan Haycook, President of KES Equipment Technology & Services (ET&S), David Chang, Vice President of KES ET&S Asia Pacific, and Chen Guodong, Member of Changshu Standing Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Changshu Economic & Technological Development Zone (CEDZ) party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the CEDZ Management Committee, were among the distinguished guests who attended the commissioning ceremony. The presence of KES’ valued customers and partners added significance to this important moment.

KES to increase its investment in the key international market

KES is the world’s leading manufacturer of mass transfer and combustion equipment and is part of Koch Industries, Inc., one of the largest privately held companies in the world. With its entry into the Chinese market in the 1980s, KES has been dedicated to technology licensing, combustion and emission control, mass and heat transfer, separation and digital solutions. By offering comprehensive one-stop solutions, KES seamlessly integrates engineering, manufacturing, installation, testing and maintenance to cater to the diverse needs of its users.

The 60,000-square-meter facility is KES’ first wholly owned facility in China and is located in the Changshu Economic & Technological Development Zone. The strategic plant is poised to provide robust support to KES’ operations in the country, bolstering its position in the region. “Over the past few decades, KES solutions have been integral in helping create world-class chemical capabilities. We are excited to further expand our footprint and better serve our customers by adding a new plant,” said Dave Dotson, President of KES.

With over 40 years of experience in the Chinese market, KES possesses a profound understanding of the sector’s opportunities and challenges. With the green industry and technological innovation leading the way, China’s post-pandemic economy is poised for immense market growth. KES remains steadfast in its confidence in the Chinese market and will continue to explore growth opportunities. Speaking at the ceremony, Dave Dotson said, “This investment reflects KES’ strong confidence in the future potential of the Chinese market, which has long been identified as a crucial market for our business. The Chinese manufacturing facility is integral to supporting our global operations and creates virtuous cycles of mutual benefit with our partners within the industrial value chain.”

Combining local resources and teams with world-leading technology

The KES China manufacturing facility showcases a fully automated production line that integrates the latest generation of KES automation and manufacturing technology to ensure the delivery of globally consistent, high-quality products and technologies. It is one of the most sophisticated manufacturing facilities of its kind, capable of manufacturing and supplying a range of KES products, including burners, flares, and thermal oxidizers under the John Zink Hamworthy Combustion brand and trays and internals under the Koch-Glitsch name.

The dedicated teams at the KES China manufacturing facility collaborate seamlessly across borders to drive constant advancements in manufacturing, not only by adopting new equipment and technologies but also by establishing advanced flow testing centers to satisfy the market’s increasing demand for equipment performance. Dan Haycook, President of KES ET&S, said, “KES is committed to providing the manufacturing industry with cutting-edge technology while enhancing its design, engineering, project management and service capabilities. By leveraging global expertise alongside local resources, KES strives to deliver superior mass and heat transfer solutions, as well as combustion solutions that truly surpass customer expectations.”

Currently, KES works with Chinese multinational, state-owned and private companies operating in diverse sectors including the chemical, petrochemical, refining, oil and gas, iron and steel, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. With the establishment of the KES China manufacturing plant, the company has significantly enhanced its ability to deliver products swiftly and flexibly. Moreover, the strategic investment deepens KES’ localization initiatives and strengthens its ties with the Chinese market. By leveraging the advanced facility, KES is able to provide more efficient and attentive production, testing, engineering, and aftermarket service, meeting the evolving needs and expectations of its valued customers.

Driving sustainable development through innovative and environmentally conscious solutions

Amidst the emergence of Digital China and the pursuit of Dual Carbon targets, China’s green industries and technological innovation have gained significant momentum. As a company dedicated to environmental responsibility, KES is well aware of the demand and potential for renewable energy in the Chinese market. With expertise in carbon capture and reduction, energy efficiency and emission reduction, renewable energy, and water treatment, the company is poised to support China’s energy industry in achieving China’s sustainable development goals while driving its own growth.

David Chang, Vice President of KES ET&S Asia Pacific, expressed his enthusiasm for aligning KES’ solutions with the evolving trends in the Chinese market, especially in the areas of energy efficient industries and technological innovation. He emphasized the company’s commitment to forging enduring and mutually beneficial partnerships with Chinese businesses. By working together, KES aims to drive industrial development, unleash new opportunities, and create substantial business value for all stakeholders involved.

As China strides towards innovation-driven, high-quality development, KES actively champions the principle of environmental responsibility. The company is at the forefront of promoting sustainable development by offering energy-saving and emission-reducing solutions to its customers. By consistently developing environmentally responsible and reliable products, KES strives to earn greater trust and recognition from consumers. With unwavering dedication, the company envisions a brighter future, where energy efficient practices and innovative solutions play a pivotal role in fostering a prosperous and environmentally conscious society.

About Koch Engineered Solutions

Koch Engineered Solutions (KES) delivers superior value in developing, integrating and applying innovative technical and service solutions for industrial value chains. KES offers uniquely engineered solutions in construction; mass and heat transfer; combustion and emissions controls; filtration; separation; materials applications; automation and actuation. Based in Wichita, Kansas, KES is a subsidiary of Koch Industries, one of the largest private companies in the world. More information is available at KochEngineeredSolutions.com.

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SOURCE Koch Engineered Solutions

Technology

SiriusXM Media Becomes Exclusive Audio Advertising Representative for YouTube in the United States

Published

9 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

YouTube, Home of The World’s Number One Podcast Platform and a Leading Music Service, Chooses Audio Ad Powerhouse SiriusXM Media as Its Exclusive Audio Sales Representative in the U.S.

New Deal Cements SiriusXM’s Leadership In Powering The Largest Ad-Supported Audio Ecosystem And Gives Brands Exclusive Access To YouTube’s Audio-First Inventory

NEW YORK, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SiriusXM (NASDAQ: SIRI) today announced a new audio advertising partnership with Google that connects YouTube to one of the largest audio advertising platforms in North America. The agreement makes SiriusXM Media, the advertising group representing SiriusXM, Pandora, and expansive Streaming and Podcast Networks, the exclusive advertising representative of YouTube audio advertising inventory in the U.S. This will provide advertisers access to guaranteed impressions at scale for the first time, backed by similar sophisticated targeting and measurement as YouTube’s ecosystem.

“Audio is one of the most powerful mediums for listeners, creators, and advertisers alike, and at SiriusXM Media, we’re proud to be at the forefront helping brands harness that impact at scale,” said Scott Walker, SiriusXM’s Chief Advertising Revenue Officer. “By partnering with YouTube, a true leader in ad-supported content consumption, we’re uniting our unique skillset with their audience, creating an unparalleled opportunity for marketers and creators to grow their businesses.”

“YouTube has become a primary destination for audio-first content, where fans engage with their favorite podcasts, music, and creators,” said Romana Pawar, Senior Director of Product, YouTube Ads. “By partnering with SiriusXM Media, we are making it easier than ever for advertisers to tap into these high-attention moments.”

YouTube audio ads reach listeners wherever they are across audio-first content and behaviors: immersed in podcasts, talk shows, and music. By meeting users in environments primed for listening and engagement, such as when YouTube content is playing on smart speakers, brands can tap into high-intent listening experiences across YouTube’s vast creator ecosystem. According to a study from SiriusXM Media and Edison Research, there are more than 212 million monthly listeners in the U.S.1 engaging in audio-first content or environments on YouTube.

Starting this fall, advertisers will be able to buy guaranteed audio ad impressions against YouTube’s high-value audiences at scale for the first time directly through SiriusXM Media—paired with an audio-first activation approach to extend reach and impact. Brands can now reach YouTube’s expansive, next-generation and highly engaged audience in the same place where they buy SiriusXM Media’s leading portfolio of ad-supported audio inventory, ensuring a seamless buying experience powered by AdsWizz Inc.’s ad tech platform. As audio continues to reach consumers as a constant companion throughout the day, from commuting to working hours, this deal gives brands an opportunity to reach a valuable audience that is further leaning into audio-first behaviors and content on YouTube in high-attention moments.

Powered by AdsWizz, SiriusXM Media now offers access to 255 million monthly listeners2—reaching nearly 90% of the U.S. population 13+—delivering expansive scale and incremental reach, best-in-class measurement and targeting capabilities, and premium brand-safe environments across every major audio touchpoint. The landmark partnership with YouTube highlights SiriusXM’s commitment to an open, partner-first audio advertising ecosystem, continuing to connect advertisers to premium audio content wherever audiences choose to listen.

For more information, please visit https://www.siriusxmmedia.com/advertise-on-youtube-audio.

About Sirius XM Holdings Inc.
SiriusXM is the leading audio entertainment company in North America with a portfolio of audio businesses including its flagship subscription entertainment service SiriusXM; the ad-supported and premium music streaming services of Pandora; an expansive podcast network; and a suite of business and advertising solutions. SiriusXM offers a broad range of content for listeners everywhere they tune in with a diverse mix of live, on-demand, and curated programming across music, talk, news, and sports. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com.

Media Contacts:
Victoria Chow, victoria.chow@siriusxm.com
Erica Walsh, ericawalsh@google.com

1 Edison Research, Infinite Dial 2026 + SiriusXM Media
2 Edison Research, Infinite Dial 2026 + SiriusXM Media

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SOURCE Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

Technology

ServiceForge plants two million trees worldwide

Published

9 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

The company celebrates a meaningful milestone in its ongoing initiative to make a lasting impact within global communities

PORTLAND, Ore., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ServiceForge, the 24/7 live answering and customer service platform built for skilled trades and home service businesses, announces a significant achievement in its ongoing sustainability drive: the company has now planted more than two million trees worldwide, a milestone reached in time for Earth Day 2026.

Each month, ServiceForge plants one tree for every employee and every customer. What began as a simple commitment to give back has grown into a meaningful, long-term impact effort, now surpassing a major milestone. This accomplishment reflects the company’s continued dedication to environmental stewardship and community-focused values.

For context, two million trees adds up to:

Approximately 4,000 acres of forestRoughly 3,000 football fieldsTrees sufficient to remove an estimated 44,000 metric tons of CO₂ per year (equivalent of taking 9,500 cars off the road)

“This milestone reflects the kind of work we believe in: steady, intentional and rooted in real impact,” said Jane Blanchard, head of brand and marketing for ServiceForge. “In the skilled trades, success isn’t about quick wins; it’s about the slow, human work of strengthening homes, businesses and communities. Planting trees is a natural extension of that mission. It’s a way for us to contribute to something lasting, something that grows alongside the businesses we serve.”

ServiceForge partners with verified reforestation organizations that plant trees in areas affected by deforestation, wildfires and climate change. Partners include Trees for the Future, Save the Redwoods League and Friends of Pando, ensuring that each tree contributes to restoration efforts where it’s needed most.

“We’re in the business of fixing things,” Blanchard said. “What better way to exemplify that commitment than by planting trees, which clean the air, restore habitats and ultimately make the world a better place.”

For more information about ServiceForge and their Giving Back initiative, visit https://www.serviceforge.com/why-serviceforge/givingback

About ServiceForge
ServiceForge helps home service businesses get found, get booked and get paid with 24/7 human answering, scheduling, lead qualification and payments. By combining smart technology with real human connection, ServiceForge helps service businesses stand out in an increasingly disconnected world, ensuring contractors capture more jobs while delivering exceptional customer service. For more information, visit serviceforge.com.

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SOURCE ServiceForge

Technology

Contractor Commerce launches AI-powered conversational buying experience

Published

9 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

New technology ushers in new era of e-commerce for home service contracting companies

LEBANON, Ohio , April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Contractor Commerce, a leading e-commerce and sales enablement platform built specifically for home service contractors, announces the next evolution in its platform: a conversational buying experience that’s powered by AI and designed to improve the way homeowners shop for residential services online.

By empowering home service professionals to establish their own virtual storefronts, Contractor Commerce has long championed a modern buying experience, fully aligned with the way consumers seek information on the web, including through guided buying journeys and seamless purchasing flows. With conversational buying, Contractor Commerce embeds AI directly into the shopping experience, allowing the end consumer to enjoy a more natural, personalized and responsive process.

“This shift from guided to conversational shopping builds on everything we’ve done up to this point,” said Paul Redman, president of Contractor Commerce. “Our goal has always been to help contractors meet homeowners where they are. This advanced and intuitive approach will further that goal, and cement Contractor Commerce as a category leader.”

Contractor Commerce’s expanded capabilities are designed to reflect how homeowners buy today: researching options, comparing pricing and making decisions in a time and place that’s most convenient to them. Features include:

An image upload option, allowing homeowners to submit photos of their home systems to receive specific, real-time recommendations.Robust pricing tools, including quote comparisons and full rebate integration, enabling homeowners to fully assess their options and understand the fine print.An AI agent-guided buying journey, providing homeowners with personalized assistance even when they are not fully sure what types of services they need.

“Our conversational buying platform is made for contractors, not retailers,” Redman said. “The goal is to help businesses establish trust, improve their lead qualification process and capture after-hours demand, all while providing customers with a frictionless shopping experience.”

For more information about Contractor Commerce, visit ContractorCommerce.com.

About Contractor Commerce

Contractor Commerce is the pioneer and industry leader in providing e-commerce services for contractors, offering plug-and-play online stores for home service companies so they can grow their sales and serve customers with convenience and transparent pricing. To learn more about Contractor Commerce and its innovative solutions, visit ContractorCommerce.com.

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SOURCE Contractor Commerce