The new organization, Zero Zone Refrigeration, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zero Zone Inc. and operates as an independent company.

The acquisition positions Zero Zone as able to offer customers, such as supermarket chains, a full line of refrigeration products from mechanical housing, to racks, to display cases. In the supermarket sector in recent years, manufacturers have been promoting their ability to offer full service, one-stop shopping for mechanical refrigeration needs.

In announcing the acquisition, Zero Zone president Jack Vanderploeg said, “Like Zero Zone, Systematic Refrigeration has developed a reputation as an innovator and leader in providing refrigeration solutions to customers. Our companies have similar values, customer service philosophies, and a common customer base. Combining refrigeration capabilities with our product offerings allows us to better match display cases and refrigeration systems for enhanced performance and more customer value.”

The Systematic name is being dropped and that company’s president, Ted Mateski, becomes Zero Zone vice president in charge of operations at the 80,000-sq-ft facility in Ramsey. Van Der Ploeg said Zero Zone now has 220 employees at the North Prairie and Ramsey locations.

Sales for the new company are combined with Zero Zone’s network of independent sales representatives under the direction of David Morrow, national sales manager.

Systematic Refrigeration was formed in 1974 and has been producing refrigeration systems for the perishable food market and customers in need of ice technology as well as institutional and industrial users.

Zero Zone was formed in 1961 and has been making refrigerated display cases for supermarkets, convenience stores, and drug store retailers.

For more information, contact 800-247-4496 or www.zero-zone.com.

Publication date: 02/11/2002