New York, NY — When Manitowoc Ice Inc. rolled out its one millionth production unit, a lot of thought went into deciding where it should end up.

It could have just gone into the pipeline, found its way to a supply house, and then ended up in a hotel corridor or restaurant kitchen — or most any place that needs 400 lb of ice production per day.

But the folks at the corporate headquarters in Manitowoc, WI, had other ideas.

The Q450 Series machine was identified on the production line and withheld from shipment to Manitowoc distributors. Instead, it was donated to the Ronald McDonald House in New York City, the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House with 84 bedrooms.

The Houses provide a “home away from home” for the families of seriously ill children at nearby hospitals.

“We are very pleased and proud to present this special ice machine to this special charity,” said Manitowoc’s Tim Kraus. “The care we took in developing and producing the ice machine is further enhanced by the care extended to all families by Ronald McDonald House Charities personnel.”