Retail Observer

MARCH 2015 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 13 SUB-ZERO GROUP, INC. CELEBRATES YEARS OF FOOD PRESERVATION 70 Sub-Zero, the industry leader in premium refrigeration and wine storage, marks its 70th anniversary in 2015. The third-generation, family-owned company is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Sub-Zero has specialized in the beauty and performance of refrigeration for seven decades. Because of its innovation and dedication, Sub-Zero continues to be a category front- runner and engineer of the most desired products in high-end kitchens. 1943: Westye F. Bakke built the first freestanding freezer prototype out of salvaged scrap metal in his basement. Bakke bent the unit's coils barehanded and improvised whatever materials were lacking because supplies were scarce during World War II. 1945: Bakke founded Sub-Zero Freezer Company. The Sub-Zero name was chosen because its freezers were the first to meet the strict quality standards for below-zero safety in freezing food. 1955: Sub-Zero introduced dual refrigeration, originally called "Tu-Temp." Dual refrigeration (separate, sealed systems for the refrigerator and freezer) ensures optimum preservation conditions for each type of food. Late 1950s: Sub-Zero pioneered the built-in refrigeration category by introducing the first-ever cabinet-flush unit. The company also modified built- in design to allow for recessed fronts. This enabled the complete customization of each unit to match the kitchen's overall décor. The refrigerator, once considered the least attractive appliance in American kitchens, now becomes elegant and beautiful – yet a workhorse. 1995: The entirely new concept of inte- grated refrigeration was unveiled through the 700 Series of modular units. The 700 Series represented "point of use" refrigeration that blended seamlessly into any décor. The series included the new concept of refrigerator and freezer drawer units, transcending the idea that all food must be stored in one place within a single unit. 1999: The 400 Series of wine storage units was launched. Much more than basic wine coolers, Sub-Zero's wine storage units have two separate refrigeration compartments with independent temperature zones and varying capacity, providing ultimate flexibility to the wine enthusiast. 2000: Sub-Zero formed Wolf Appliance Co. from the residential side of a company known for its ranges and cooktops, with more than 75 years of experience in commercial kitchens. In doing so, they created the ideal corporate companion and kitchen soul mate for Sub-Zero. 2005: Sub-Zero unveiled PRO 48 pro- fessional-style refrigeration. The PRO 48 has stainless steel inside and out, and consumes less energy than a 100-watt bulb over the course of one year. 2008: An antimicrobial air purification system based on NASA technology was introduced. The technology scrubs the air of ethylene gas as well as mold, viruses, and bacteria. 2013: Sub-Zero and Wolf started the introduction of its new generation, a series of pro- ducts featuring more than 70 appliances engineered to excel in both performance and design. This product rollout is the largest in the company's 70-year history. The new generation of Sub-Zero products includes even more advanced preservation features and sizes in the integrated refrigeration lineup. They coordinate seamlessly with Wolf's new products, which feature new exterior styles and refinements in performance. RO

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