Contractor Spotlight: How Schardein Mechanical and Trane Deliver Process Cooling Solutions That Last
In industrial and manufacturing environments, success depends on more than equipment alone. It relies on trust, technical expertise, and partners who consistently deliver—especially when the stakes are high.
For nearly four decades, Schardein Mechanical has built its reputation on accountability and follow-through. And for just as long, Trane has been a trusted partner alongside them.
This spotlight explores the long-standing partnership between Schardein Mechanical and Trane, how shared values drive results, and how solutions like the MTA process chiller from Trane play a role in keeping essential operations running.
A Leading Mechanical Contractor, Built on Trust and Continuity
Founded in 1984, Schardein Mechanical has grown into a leading mechanical contractor across Kentucky and Southern Indiana by investing in its people and promoting from within. Many members of its leadership team began their careers in the field, developing hands-on experience before moving into management roles. That continuity has created a culture rooted in shared responsibility and a simple principle: do what you say you’ll do—every time.
Schardein’s internal culture directly influences how projects are delivered. With teams spread across multiple offices, the company emphasizes collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective ownership of outcomes.
That same mindset defines Schardein’s relationship with Trane. Over decades of collaboration, the two teams have built trust through technical competency, consistent execution, and open communication.
Longstanding relationships, particularly with Trane account manager Aaron Burgin, have reinforced confidence on both sides. When challenges arise, both organizations know they can rely on each other to respond quickly, provide expertise, and stand behind their commitments
A Longstanding Partnership with Trane
That same commitment to accountability is reflected in Schardein’s decades-long partnership with Trane. Built on mutual respect and open communication, the relationship extends well beyond equipment selection.
Over the years, trust has been reinforced through consistent execution and technical expertise, particularly through long-standing relationships at the account level. Even with decades of experience, collaboration remains essential.
As Aaron Burgin, Trane Account Manager, shared, “I mean, even after 26 years in this business, there’s times that something comes up and I’m not sure what to do. Usually when that happens, 99% of the time, one of these guys get a phone call from me going, ‘Hey, I’ve never seen this. What do you think?’”
That openness reflects the two-way nature of the partnership. When unexpected challenges arise, both teams rely on each other as trusted resources.
As Eric Zirnheld, Service Manager in Louisville, explained, “When something does kind of shift gears or jumps off the tracks, knowing you’re going to have somebody there to respond, and be that resource, and be that help that you might need in that moment… just as we do for everyone else, Trane is there to step up to do that when we need them.”
At its core, the relationship has always been rooted in shared accountability and shared success. As Schardein leadership puts it, “We’ve always tried to win together.”
This collaborative mindset has supported a wide range of successful projects over the years, helping customers navigate challenges ranging from urgent replacements to evolving operational needs.
When Process Cooling Becomes Mission-Critical
The strength of that partnership was put to the test during a recent project for a regional food processing facility. When the site’s aging air-cooled process chiller failed unexpectedly, production was immediately at risk.
In food processing environments, process cooling is essential to maintaining product quality and continuous operation. Any extended downtime can lead to significant losses. Speed, availability, and confidence were non-negotiable.
Working together, Schardein Mechanical and Trane quickly evaluated options and identified a solution that could be deployed without delay.
Why the Trane MTA Process Chiller Was the Right Fit
The solution selected was the MTA Process Chiller from Trane, a packaged system designed specifically for industrial process cooling applications.
Several factors made the MTA process chiller a strong choice for this situation:
- Proven reliability in demanding industrial environments
- Packaged, ready-to-install design that reduced complexity
- Availability for fast-track replacement, critical in outage scenarios
Because the equipment was readily available, the facility was able to restore cooling and resume operations in less than a week.
Built to Deliver, Today and Tomorrow
As Schardein Mechanical continues to grow and evolve, its partnership with Trane remains a key part of delivering consistent results. Together, the teams focus on long-term relationships, dependable service, and solutions that stand up to real-world demands.
Whether responding to urgent challenges or planning for future needs, the collaboration is rooted in shared values: accountability, expertise, and commitment to the customer.
Finding the Right Partner for Your Process Cooling Needs
If your operation relies on process cooling, having the right partners in place matters. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an unexpected failure, Trane experts are ready to help you evaluate your options and find the right solution.
Consult with a Trane expert to learn more about the MTA Process Chiller from Trane and how our partnerships help deliver reliable results when it matters most.