Briggs & Stratton and Rheem Manufacturing last week announced an agreement to offer a Rheem-branded standby generator program to be distributed through Rheem’s extensive heating, ventilating and air-conditioning distributor network.

The program combines Briggs & Stratton product development, manufacturing and generator expertise with Rheem’s HVAC sales, installation, service and parts distribution network.

The Rheem home back-up power generator system incorporates advanced computer controls that efficiently and quietly manage the same essential, high-wattage appliances as a larger liquid-cooled standby generator nearly twice its size while using less fuel, according to Briggs & Stratton officials.

Briggs & Stratton is private-labeling select models and feature sets for both Rheem and Ruud HVAC dealers and distributors, which will offer some of Briggs & Stratton’s patented air conditioning and load management technologies in 12, 15 and 20kW air-cooled platforms.

Briggs & Stratton will be supplying manufacturing, marketing, support elements and category management direction for the Rheem/Ruud program, helping them launch the program within their dealer networks through training and support, providing insights for Rheem management on how best to take the new products to market.

Briggs & Stratton is based in Milwaukee, Wis., and is an international designer, manufacturer and marketer of small engines and generators. Atlanta-based Rheem is a leading North American producer of water heaters, central warm air furnaces and air conditioners, and swimming pool heaters and commercial boilers. The company's products are used for residential and commercial applications and operate on a variety of fuels.