Manitowoc Launches New Cuber Brand, Acquires Induction Component Maker

New brands and new acquisitions: It’s a busy month for Manitowoc Foodservice.

The company announced Oct. 1 that it would launch a new line of cube-ice machines marketed and sold under the Koolaire brand name. The New Port Richey, Fla., manufacturer says Koolaire was designed and developed for price-driven customers who want basic features, as well as quality and reliability; it will be supported by Manitowoc Foodservice’s current distribution partners and service network.

In addition to unveiling its new Koolaire brand, parent The Manitowoc Co. has acquired a Swiss manufacturer of foodservice induction technology. INDUCS AG develops, manufactures and markets a line of advanced-technology induction countertop components and built-in products. The Herisau, Switzerland, company has a long association as a supplier to Garland Commercial Range, a Manitowoc Foodservice brand; Garland has marketed induction technology in North America for more than a decade.

Induction products will be sold under the Garland brand while INDUCS continues to serve its OEM customers and distribution partners.

“We are excited about the future of induction in the foodservice industry. Induction technology solves customer problems that conventional equipment cannot. Specifically, more and more customers are demanding energy efficiency, ease of cleaning, cooking speed and accuracy that induction delivers,” said Jacques Seguin, v.p./g.m. of The Garland Group, in a statement accompanying the announcement. “Our goal is to leverage the strengths of both companies to become the global market leader for this exciting technology.”

Manitowoc Foodservice has more than 20 foodservice equipment brands, including seven refrigeration and ice machine companies.