Now that a few months have passed since AHR Expo 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the insights, innovations, and industry connections that made this year’s event one to remember. For Mestek Machinery, the show was more than just an exhibition; it was an opportunity to showcase our latest sheet metal fabrication technologies, connect with industry leaders, and engage with customers face-to-face. As we look back, we’re highlighting key moments from the show floor, feedback from attendees, and how the conversations and demonstrations at our booth continue to shape the future of HVAC fabrication.
AHR Expo 2025 Recap: Showcasing Innovation and Driving Connections in the Heart of Orlando
The 2025 AHR Expo in Orlando, Florida, was a tremendous success for Mestek Machinery! Held from February 10–12 at the Orange County Convention Center, the event brought together over 50,000 industry professionals from across the HVAC sector for three action-packed days of innovation, networking, and discovery. It was an exciting opportunity for our team to connect with contractors, engineers, fabricators, and distributors, all eager to explore the latest advancements in sheet metal fabrication.
At our booth, attendees experienced demonstrations of our newest machinery including high-performance coil lines, fiber laser cutting systems, and automated forming equipment, each engineered to improve shop efficiency, precision, and safety. The enthusiastic response to our solutions reaffirmed Mestek Machinery’s role as a leader in driving the future of HVAC manufacturing.
Spotlighting Real Results: Customer Success Stories Take Center Stage at AHR Expo 2025
One of the major highlights of our presence at this year’s event was the unveiling of our new campaign centered around customer success stories. These Success Stories, which showcase how Mestek Machinery’s advanced solutions have helped HVAC sheet metal fabrication businesses improve efficiency, productivity, and overall success, were made easily accessible through QR codes placed throughout the booth. Attendees could simply scan the codes and instantly watch testimonials about real-world applications of our equipment.
If you missed these stories in the booth, no worries—you can still access all the stories anytime on the website!
Explore Smarter: Introducing the New Mestek Machinery Product Catalog at AHR Expo 2025
One of the standout highlights for Mestek Machinery at AHR Expo 2025 was the debut of our all-new digital catalog—a powerful tool designed to make exploring our extensive line of HVAC sheet metal fabrication solutions easier than ever. Featuring a streamlined, user-friendly interface, the catalog provides quick access to detailed specifications, machine features, application insights, and lots of videos!
Whether customers are looking for coil lines, cutting systems, corner insertion equipment, or roll forming solutions, the digital catalog puts everything they need at their fingertips—anytime, anywhere. The overwhelmingly positive response at the show reaffirmed our commitment to delivering innovation not just in machinery but in how we support our customers throughout their decision-making journey.
Haven’t seen the new catalog yet? You can access it anytime on the website.
What HVAC Fabricators Need to Know: Key Trends and Takeaways from AHR Expo 2025
AHR Expo 2025 proved once again why it’s the premier event for the HVACR industry. Held in Orlando, FL, this year’s show brought together more than 50K professionals and 1,800+ exhibitors, creating a dynamic environment to explore the technologies, trends, and conversations shaping the future of HVAC sheet metal fabrication. For the Mestek Machinery team, the event provided valuable insights into where the industry is headed and how fabricators can stay ahead of the curve. From automation breakthroughs to material innovations and evolving compliance standards, we’ve identified the top five takeaways HVAC metal shops should be thinking about right now.
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Smart Automation & AI Are Moving from Theory to Daily Practice
Educational sessions on predictive maintenance, data‑driven controls, and autonomous buildings were packed, underscoring the industry’s shift toward AI‑enabled workflows. Exhibitors showcased cloud dashboards that tie machine data, production metrics, and building controls together, giving fabricators real‑time insight into uptime, energy use and part quality.
What it means for your shop: Solutions such as our Mestek Net™ connectivity suite allow Lockformer and Iowa Precision equipment to stream performance data straight to your phone or ERP, helping you schedule maintenance before downtime hits.
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Sustainability & Low‑GWP Refrigerants Are Now Business Drivers
Heat‑pump lines, oil‑free chillers, and low‑GWP refrigerant systems dominated product launches—clear evidence that decarbonization is reshaping HVAC specs. OEMs highlighted efficiency gains of 20 %+ and compliance with the latest A2L regulations.
Action item: Expect tighter bids that favor lightweight, well‑sealed duct and plenum designs. Investing in high‑precision plasma or fiber‑laser cutting (see Takeaway 4) helps reduce scrap and meet stricter leakage standards.
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Material Innovations Simplify Duct Fabrication
Johns Manville’s glue‑free LinacouSTIC® RC‑IG liner drew crowds by eliminating messy adhesives and curing time on the shop floor. This theme was repeated across multiple booths: consumables that cut labor steps and VOC exposure.
Shop advantage: Pairing these new liners with the Pro-Fabriduct Full Coil Line allows you to finish sections faster with cleaner air for your team.
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Speed, Safety, & Precision Define Next‑Gen Cutting/Forming
Visitors lined up to watch our Lockformer Vulcan® Fiber Laser Cutting System with the Iowa Precision Coil Feed slice a continuous sheet of metal with Class 1 safety rating and patented shroud design, proof that high‑speed lasers are no longer reserved for large OEMs. Across the floor, exhibitors pushed faster forming speeds, integrated deburring, and smarter guarding.
Takeaway: Upgrading to laser or servo‑driven forming can boost throughput 30–50 %, but safety certification (FDA accession, Class 1 safety rating) is now a must‑have for insurance and compliance.
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Continuous Learning & Networking Still Pay Dividends
With 300+ free and paid education sessions, a live Podcast Pavilion, and record show attendance, the Expo proved that peer learning remains priceless. Fabricators swapped tips on tariff code changes and workforce training while suppliers offered hands‑on demos and quick‑start workshops.
Next steps: Keep the momentum by sending key staff to regional and national SMACNA chapter meetings and events as well as attending industry webinars. Knowledge compounds, and so does the ROI on well‑trained operators.
Looking Ahead to 2026
AHR Expo 2025 confirmed what we see every day in the field: automation, sustainability, and precision manufacturing are converging. Whether you’re considering a new coil line, a Class 1 safety rated fiber laser cutting system, or smarter data analytics, Mestek Machinery is ready to help you capitalize on these trends.
As we move forward in 2025, we are excited to continue engaging with our customers at upcoming industry events, strengthening partnerships, and showcasing more innovative solutions. We’re already looking forward to the 2026 AHR Expo in Las Vegas on February 2-4, 2026, where we will once again bring our expertise, technology, and customer-driven solutions to the industry’s premier event.
Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and connected with us at AHR Expo 2025. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with Mestek Machinery throughout the year.
Questions about upgrading your shop? Contact our team to see how our solutions align with your 2025 production goals.