Vollrath Acquires Polar Ware, Stoelting

In an acquisition which broadens its presence in the cooking and frozen-treat equipment markets, The Vollrath Co. has acquired Kiel, Wis.-based Polar Ware Co., including its Stoelting operation.  

“Combining with Polar Ware/Stoelting allows Vollrath to diversify and greatly expand our offering of equipment and smallwares and it further establishes Vollrath as a foodservice industry leader,” said Vollrath Pres./CEO Paul Bartelt in his May 21 announcement. The company will continue to support Stoelting’s strong engineering and manufacturing capabilities, he added.

Vollrath and Polar Ware both trace their roots back to 1874 when Jacob Vollrath opened his first enamelware plant in Sheboygan, Wis. The 137-year-old Vollrath  remains headquartered there.

Stoelting, founded in 1905, has cleaning and process solutions equipment divisions in addition to its foodservice division, which produces freezers and soft-serve and frozen beverage dispensing equipment. Polar Ware also is a multi-industry manufacturer; its foodservice product line includes steam table pans, chafing dishes, stock pots, mixing bowls, serving trays and utensils, and a wide variety of other kitchen items.

Polar Ware and Stoelting will remain separate entities under Vollrath and continue to service their existing channels. Both companies will conduct business as usual for the foreseeable future.