Watts Heatway has announced its name change to Watts Radiant. According to Vice President and General Manager Mike Chiles, "The new name is a better reflection of what we do best." The Springfield, Mo.-based corporation operates as the radiant heating subsidiary of the NYSE-listed Watts Industries (WTS).

"The new name better communicates our ties with Watts, and its commitment to growing this business. Watts' financial backing, and the ability to bring complementary products to the U. S., has opened many new opportunities," continued Chiles. "The new name emphasizes our focus as a leader in the radiant and snowmelting markets."

Watts Radiant is the largest American-owned radiant heat company in the United States, and the only company with strong product lines in both hydronic and electric technology.

Looking ahead, Chiles pointed to the introduction of new products and technology to be offered to the Watts Radiant distribution system in 2002, including: a thin-profile radiant subfloor, pre-assembled equipment packages and Watts Dumser stainless manifolds and electric floor warming products.

In addition, the new Watts Radiant catalog will be distributed during the fourth quarter of 2001, featuring new radiant technology from Watts affiliates in Europe.

Focusing on fast-growing opportunities, Watts has created a new business group. This new group includes Watts Radiant, Watts Premiere and Watts Spacemaker. Heading this new Watts initiative is Group Vice President, Doug White, formerly a senior executive with Honeywell.

"Our domestic hot water product line and our Suntouch/Heatweave manufacturing output have seen extraordinary growth in the last year," concluded Chiles. "Our advanced energy-saving technology has broad appeal and has rapidly expanded our reach into the home and light commercial remodeling markets.

"We're serious when we say, 'The Future Looks Radiant,'" concluded Chiles. "We're expecting a great year in 2002."