Ruskin Positions for Growth in Data Centers, Clean Energy, Hurricane Resilience

In an era where data centers and climate change are transforming real estate markets, Ruskin is leveraging its expertise in air movement solutions to capture emerging market opportunities. The company is particularly well-positioned in the rapidly expanding data center sector.

“The entire skin of data centers are covered in louvers and dampers,” explained Jay Ramkumar, Ruskin’s executive director of national sales. “When the air outside is 70 degrees or cooler, the system automatically pulls air from the outside, so it’s not really running the air conditioning system or the chiller system in the building.”

This approach to free cooling has helped Ruskin secure significant partnerships with tech giants.

“We are the basis of design for several major data center operators,” Ramkumar said, noting “a major online retailer” uses Ruskin’s 5” Hurricane louvers on their facilities.

Ruskin’s solutions not only facilitate air movement but also provide crucial protection against severe weather conditions, particularly in hurricane-prone regions.

“Hurricane louvers are becoming increasingly popular in the Florida region. We’re seeing a lot of healthcare facilities using these products in in that region. That’s another market which is pretty strong. Some markets are going in the opposite direction, like Offices, people just are not in the office as much. But there’s other growing markets we’re positioned to take advantage of.”

Despite some sectors showing decline, Ramkumar remains optimistic about continued growth, particularly in specific verticals. “The data center market will continue to grow about 40%,” he projected, adding that industrial and nuclear energy markets are also showing strong potential due to power grid demands in North America.

The hospitality sector presents another growth opportunity, driven by upcoming major events.

“We’re seeing a lot of hospitality projects going up with the World Cup and Olympics coming to North America,” Ramkumar said.

Ruskin has also strengthened its position in the healthcare sector with advanced airflow measuring products. These solutions ensure compliance with ASHRAE 62.1 standards by maintaining specific airflow requirements for air handler and duct systems, crucial for preventing pathogen spread and maintaining air quality.

The company’s product portfolio is divided into three main categories: commercial dampers, life safety dampers, and industrial dampers. Each serves specific applications, from basic airflow regulation to critical safety functions in facilities like nuclear power plants and subway systems.

Recently acquired by TruLink Capital, Ruskin is poised for significant investment in product development. The company is working on innovative solutions, including a new software platform and modular construction solutions for data centers.

“We’re pre-packaging all of that in our factory … it will reduce the time to put up a data center by a third with some of the solutions that we’re coming out with,” Ramkumar explained.

Having achieved approximately 60% growth in the last three years, Ruskin continues to focus on energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The company maintains active involvement with industry organizations AMCA and ASHRAE to help drive industry standards and innovation.

As data centers, clean energy facilities, and healthcare infrastructure continue to evolve, Ruskin’s comprehensive approach to air movement solutions positions the company to maintain its growth trajectory while addressing crucial industry challenges in energy efficiency and air quality management.