Local company changing name

Caltherm Corp., a Columbus manufacturer of thermal and pressure control devices, has changed its name to Vernet USA, which relates back to the company’s European roots.

Located at 910 S. Gladstone Ave., Caltherm began manufacturing operations in Columbus in 1976, to supply thermostats to the diesel engine industry. It was the first manufacturing company recruited by the Columbus Economic Development Board.

Caltherm began in 1972 as a subsidiary of its sister company Vernet, headquartered in Ollainville, France.

Vernet and Caltherm have been part of Magnum Corp. since 1972, company officials said. The name change is designed to better align the company with its global customer base, company officials said.

The company designs, manufactures and engineers a variety of water, fuel, coolant, oil and air flow control products. The local facility’s products include water and oil thermostats, thermal actuators, pressure regulation and pressure relief valves.

The company’s building signage is being changed to reflect the new name, but no personnel or staffing changes are planned, said Chris Anders, sales and marketing manager. The company currently has 185 employees, he added.

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1927: Vernet was established as a manufacturer of metal bellows used in central heating boilers and later used in the automotive industry.

1965: Launched the “wax” thermostatic element used to manufacture automotive and diesel engine cooling thermostats.

1970: Began designing thermostatic elements for the sanitary, heating and plumbing industry.

1971: Established its headquarters and the group’s largest site in Ollainville, Essonne, south of Paris.

1972: Creates its U.S. subsidiary Caltherm.

1976: Begins manufacturing operations as Caltherm in Columbus.

1995: Establishes a site in Argentina.

2006: Establishes its brand in China.

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