S.G. Torrice Company - HVAC Supply
Introduction
In the rugged, weather-diverse landscape of New England, where harsh winters and humid summers demand reliable heating and cooling solutions, S.G. Torrice Company has emerged as a cornerstone of the HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) industry. As of March 18, 2025, this Wilmington, Massachusetts-based distributor operates 15 branches across Eastern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Vermont, employing a dedicated team committed to excellence. Founded in 1958 by Samuel G. Torrice, a World War II veteran with a vision for quality and service, the company has grown from a small operation into a premier HVAC supplier, representing top brands like Trane, American Standard, and Mitsubishi. Acquired by Ferguson plc in 2023, S.G. Torrice continues to thrive, blending its family-owned heritage with the resources of a global leader. This article explores the company’s history, operational model, technological advancements, and its pivotal role in shaping New England’s HVACR sector.
Founding and Early Years
S.G. Torrice Company’s story begins with its founder, Samuel G. Torrice, a man whose life was shaped by resilience and opportunity. Born in the early 20th century, Sam served in the European theater during World War II, where he was wounded in action in Italy in 1945. Returning home, he leveraged the GI Bill to earn a business degree from Northeastern University, a move that laid the intellectual groundwork for his entrepreneurial journey. In the early 1950s, Sam joined BELCO, a pioneering HVAC distributor in New England, as an office manager. His experience there honed his understanding of the industry, but his ambitions outgrew the role.
In 1955, Sam took a bold step, leaving BELCO to manage SINCO Supply, an HVAC distributor in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Three years later, in 1958, he founded S.G. Torrice Company, driven by a vision to create a business that prioritized customer service and technical expertise. Starting with a single location, Sam focused on distributing heating and cooling equipment to contractors in Eastern Massachusetts. The late 1950s were a time of economic growth and suburban expansion, and Sam’s timing was impeccable. His military-honed discipline and business acumen fueled early success, establishing S.G. Torrice as a trusted name among local HVAC professionals.
Growth and Family Leadership
The 1960s and 1970s saw S.G. Torrice expand its reach across New England. Sam’s son, Stephen Torrice, joined the company, bringing fresh energy and a commitment to building on his father’s legacy. Under Stephen’s eventual leadership as president, S.G. Torrice grew from a single-site operation into a regional network. Branches opened in key locations like Boston, Hyannis, and Hudson, New Hampshire, each strategically placed to serve growing markets. By the 1980s, the company had solidified partnerships with industry giants like Trane and American Standard, becoming their exclusive distributor in its territories.
This period also marked the development of S.G. Torrice’s core values: Respect, Whatever It Takes Attitude, Attention to Detail, Continuous State of Self-Improvement, and Sense of Urgency. These principles, rooted in Sam’s ethos, guided the company’s expansion and shaped its culture. The opening of a 25,000-square-foot sheet metal shop in Wilmington in the 1990s was a game-changer, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to fabricate custom ductwork and filters. This facility not only met contractors’ specialized needs but also positioned S.G. Torrice as a leader in innovation.
By the 2000s, S.G. Torrice had established a reputation for reliability and growth support. Its staff—specializing in residential, commercial, and indoor air quality (IAQ) applications—offered more than just products; they provided sales, marketing, and technical expertise to help contractors expand their businesses. The company’s branch network grew to 13 by 2021, with a new location in Williston, Vermont, marking its first foray into that state. This expansion reflected a deliberate strategy to cover New England comprehensively, from urban hubs to rural outposts.
Acquisition by Ferguson plc
A significant chapter in S.G. Torrice’s history unfolded in 2023, when Ferguson plc, a UK-based distributor with a strong North American presence, acquired the company as part of a $450 million deal that also included Bruce Supply Corp. and The Kennedy Companies. Announced in the fourth quarter of Ferguson’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2023, the acquisition integrated S.G. Torrice’s 15 locations into Ferguson’s network, enhancing its ability to serve dual-trade plumbing and HVAC professionals in New England. Ferguson CEO Kevin Murphy praised S.G. Torrice as a “great cultural fit,” citing its strong local relationships and reputation.
The acquisition brought new resources to S.G. Torrice, including Ferguson’s advanced logistics and broader supplier connections, while allowing the company to retain its operational autonomy and leadership under Stephen Torrice. This blend of local expertise and global backing has positioned S.G. Torrice for further growth, aligning it with Ferguson’s mission to lead in fragmented markets populated by small to medium-sized distributors.
Operational Model and Market Reach
S.G. Torrice’s operational model is a hybrid of centralized support and localized flexibility. Headquartered at 250 Ballardvale Street in Wilmington, the company oversees a network of 15 branches, including Mansfield, Peabody, Randolph, Portsmouth (NH), Providence (RI), and Williston (VT). Each branch operates as a full-service hub, stocked with equipment, parts, and accessories from brands like Mitsubishi Electric, RunTru by Trane, and Ameristar by American Standard. The Wilmington sheet metal shop complements this network, producing custom solutions that set S.G. Torrice apart from competitors.
The company serves a diverse clientele: residential contractors installing systems in new homes, commercial technicians maintaining office buildings, and specialists addressing IAQ needs. Its extensive inventory—housed across multiple warehouses—ensures availability of everything from air handlers to filters, with a fleet of delivery vehicles facilitating rapid service across Eastern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Vermont. Branch hours (typically 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday) are supplemented by after-hours support, reflecting a “Whatever It Takes” commitment to customer convenience.
S.G. Torrice’s marketing team adds another layer of value, offering cooperative advertising, financing options, and extended warranty programs to help contractors grow their businesses. This focus on partnership—rather than just product sales—has driven loyalty and elevated the average job ticket, a strategy that distinguishes S.G. Torrice in a competitive field.
Technological Innovation
S.G. Torrice has embraced technology to enhance both its operations and customer experience. Its website, sgtorrice.com, provides a robust platform for browsing products, checking inventory, and accessing technical resources. While eCommerce is a growing segment, the company’s strength lies in its award-winning technical support team, available via phone or on-site visits. This team’s direct connections to manufacturers ensure swift resolutions to complex issues, a service bolstered by Ferguson’s post-acquisition tech infrastructure.
The Torrice Technical Training institute is a standout feature, offering in-house classes across multiple locations. These sessions certify contractors in areas like heat pump installation, IAQ solutions, and refrigerant handling, keeping them ahead of industry shifts. Podcasts like “Torrice Talk” and “Torrice Tech Talk” further extend this knowledge-sharing, covering topics from water heater troubleshooting to venting principles with experts like Chris Gould from Urell.
The Wilmington sheet metal shop exemplifies technological prowess, using cutting-edge machinery to meet custom demands. This capability, paired with investments in logistics software, ensures S.G. Torrice remains efficient and responsive, even as it scales under Ferguson’s umbrella.
Navigating Challenges
S.G. Torrice’s 67-year history is marked by adaptability. The 2008 financial crisis tested its mettle, but its focus on contractor partnerships and inventory depth maintained stability. The COVID-19 pandemic brought supply chain chaos, yet S.G. Torrice pivoted by stocking high-demand IAQ products and expanding its supplier base, ensuring continuity. Teams braved snowstorms—like the 2024 Cape Cod event—to deliver equipment for training classes, showcasing their dedication.
Regulatory changes, such as the 2025 A2L refrigerant transition, have been met with proactive measures. S.G. Torrice expanded its offerings of R-454b-compliant systems and trained its network accordingly, aligning with environmental mandates while supporting customers through the shift. This resilience, rooted in Sam Torrice’s “Continuous State of Self-Improvement,” has kept the company ahead of the curve.
Community and Culture
S.G. Torrice’s family-owned heritage fosters a tight-knit culture. Stephen Torrice’s leadership emphasizes respect and urgency, values reflected in a workforce that often stays for decades. Employees like John and Jason, unloading trailers in snowy conditions, embody this ethos. The company’s commitment to equal opportunity and a rewarding workplace—articulated in its mission to be the “employer of choice”—drives retention and morale.
Community engagement is robust. S.G. Torrice’s branches serve as local hubs, hosting training and supporting contractors with marketing tools. Its 60-plus years in New England have built deep ties, reinforced by Ferguson’s resources, which amplify its regional impact.
Leadership and Vision
Stephen Torrice’s presidency has guided S.G. Torrice through expansion and acquisition, maintaining its family legacy within Ferguson’s framework. The vision is clear: blend tradition with innovation, leveraging Ferguson’s scale to enhance service and reach. Future goals include deepening digital offerings and exploring sustainable HVAC solutions, aligning with industry trends.
The Future of S.G. Torrice
As S.G. Torrice looks ahead, it stands poised to lead in a changing landscape. Sustainability demands will boost its focus on heat pumps and eco-friendly systems, while Ferguson’s backing could fuel new branches or tech investments. With a legacy of service and adaptability, S.G. Torrice aims to remain New England’s HVAC partner of choice.
Conclusion
S.G. Torrice Company’s 67-year journey—from Sam Torrice’s post-war vision to its 2025 stature under Ferguson—is a tale of grit, growth, and community. Its 15 branches, technical expertise, and customer-first approach have made it a New England HVACR mainstay. As it navigates the future, S.G. Torrice embodies a rare blend of heritage and progress, ensuring comfort and reliability across the region for decades to come.
Areas Served
S.G. Torrice Company operates 9 HVAC supply houses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
What Brands Does S.G. Torrice Sell?
S.G. Torrice Company offers name brand HVAC products from American Standard, Trane, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Hart & Cooley, Bard, Reznor, Warren Technologies, Comfort Air, Sterling, Magic Aire, Honeywell and many more.
S.G. Torrice HVAC Supply Near You
| S. G. Torrice Company |
| 80 Industrial Way |
| Wilmington, MA 01887 |
| 800-888-8359 |
| S. G. Torrice Company |
| 30 Northampton Street, Rear |
| Boston, MA 02118 |
| 857-233-4330 |
| S. G. Torrice Company |
| 1376 W Central St # 30 |
| Franklin, MA 02038 |
| 508-541-9014 |
| S. G. Torrice Company |
| 71 Bodick Road |
| Hyannis, MA 02601 |
| 508-790-8856 |
| S. G. Torrice Company |
| One First Ave Suite 3B |
| Peabody, MA 01960 |
| 978-977-7900 |
| S. G. Torrice Company |
| 81 York Ave. |
| Randolph, MA 02368 |
| 781-963-3766 |
| S. G. Torrice Company |
| 300 Niantic Ave |
| Providence, RI 02907 |
| 401-490-4425 |
| S. G. Torrice Company |
| 24 Flagstone Drive |
| Hudson, NH 03051 |
| 800-335-4822 |
| S. G. Torrice Company |
| 115 Heritage Ave. Suite B |
| Portsmouth, NH 03801 |
| 603-373-6951 |