Falls Church, Va. — The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) and Bernzomatic are announcing unified efforts around a shared commitment to support professional contractors and advance skilled trades. Known for hand-held torches and fuel products trusted by skilled professionals across the trades since 1876, Bernzomatic brings a practical understanding of contractor needs and jobsite challenges. Together, the organizations will deliver new value to plumbing and HVAC professionals nationwide by supporting workforce development and sharing best practices that can increase performance and maximize time invested.

One of the first activations is Bernzomatic’s creation of 50 new scholarships through the PHCC Educational Foundation. This commitment, which extends through 2029, is designed for students pursuing plumbing or HVAC apprenticeships, service technician training, or industry-related college degrees.

“Strong industries are built through strong partnerships, and that is what makes this collaboration with Bernzomatic so meaningful,” said Cindy Sheridan, CEO of PHCC—National Association. “Bernzomatic already is demonstrating its commitment to our industry through workforce investments like scholarships for future technicians and contractors. This partnership reflects that shared investment in today’s professionals, tomorrow’s workforce, and the continued advancement of our industry.”

Built on aligned priorities around craftsmanship, safety, innovation, and workforce development, the partnership will provide unique opportunities for PHCC members to engage with Bernzomatic through national events, educational programming, and collaborative initiatives that support contractor success.

“PHCC’s extensive contractor network gives us a meaningful channel to support the professionals who rely on our products every day and deepen our connection to the contractor community,” said Todd Whited, general manager, Consumer Products, Worthington Enterprises. “As Bernzomatic approaches 150 years of serving the trades, we can think of no better way to honor that legacy than by investing in the contractors, technicians, and business owners who represent the industry today and those who will shape the industry’s future.”

PHCC’s corporate partnership program reflects growing momentum among organizations looking to foster collaboration, share expertise, and support solutions that benefit the entire plumbing and HVAC sector. For more information about partner and sponsorship programs, contact PHCC Vice President of Business Development Elicia Magruder at magruder@naphcc.org, or call 800-533-7694.

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About PHCC
The PHCC—National Association, formed in 1883, provides legislative advocacy, education, and training to approximately 3,500 plumbing and HVACR businesses and 65,000 technicians. Members of PHCC have access to a wide variety of services designed to increase their professionalism, grow their business, and improve profitability. For more information about PHCC, visit phccweb.org.

About Bernzomatic
Bernzomatic was founded in 1876 as the Otto Bernz Company, which manufactured plumbing tools and torches. The company revolutionized the industry in the 1950s by developing the first portable propane torch and fuel cylinder. Worthington Enterprises acquired the business in 2011. As Bernzomatic celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026, it does so as the torch and fuel category leader and the only brand of hand torches and small format propane and propylene cylinders manufactured in the United States. Bernzomatic products are used worldwide in homes, businesses and outdoors and relied on for construction, fixing, making, creating and when natural disasters strike. In 2025, Bernzomatic products reached customers and retailers in more than 55 countries. For more information about Bernzomatic, visit Bernzomatic.com.