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A Year of Progress: How Zero Zone Delivered Practical Innovation

At Zero Zone, innovation is more than adopting new technology—it’s about delivering solutions that meet real-world challenges. Every advancement begins with listening to our customers and engineering systems that combine performance, compliance, and sustainability. This year, that commitment has driven major advancements in the Zero Zone lineup:

  • The Launch of our new Services Division
  • The Guardian® Propane Merchandiser for sustainable, plug-and-play merchandising
  • Adopting the use of A2L refrigerants to meet evolving environmental standards
  • 90-bar CO2 Display Cases for system reliability
  • The Expansion of our Systems Division in Ramsey, Minnesota

These developments reflect our focus on efficiency, sustainability, and service—practical innovations designed to meet our customers’ needs.

Services Division

In September, Zero Zone launched its new Services Division, consolidating program services, field service, customer service, warranty, training, and engineering assistance into one customer-focused organization. This division provides installation assistance, safety inspections, recommissioning, parts service, component refurbishment, and a comprehensive training platform for technicians and customers. By integrating these functions, Zero Zone can respond more quickly to service needs, streamline maintenance processes and strengthen long-term partnerships.

Importantly, Zero Zone is not competing with its longstanding service partners. Instead, the division is designed to enhance our combined offerings and provide customers with more of what they’re asking for. By working together, we can deliver greater value, improve responsiveness, and ensure a seamless experience at every point of service.

The Services Division Roles

  • Engineering Services
    • Design Assistance
    • Industry expertise in custom design for your application and unique needs
  • Field Services
    • Installation Assistance
    • Safety Inspections
    • Component Refurbishment
  • Training
    • Training for customers, technicians, and employees
    • In-Person training opportunities in Ramsey, MN. training center
  • Program Services
    • Warranty Services
    • Turnkey solutions for your projects

The Guardian® Merchandiser

The next generation of self-contained refrigerated display cases is designed to combine environmental responsibility with retail performance. Using R-290 propane, a natural refrigerant with a GWP of less than 1, the Guardian® product line aligns with AIM Act compliance and future-proof sustainability standards. Its plug-and-play design, featuring a roof-mounted Packaged Refrigeration Unit (PRU), minimizes installation time while maximizing merchandising space. Available in 2- to 5-door configurations for low and medium temperature applications, Guardian delivers certified energy efficiency, meeting or exceeding DOE, Energy Star®, ASHRAE, and UL standards. The Guardian Merchandiser is our commitment to performance, compliance, and our customers.

Key Advantages:

  • Plug-and-play design with roof-mounted Packaged Refrigeration Unit (PRU)
  • Available in 2- to 5-door configurations for low and medium temperature applications
  • Certified energy efficiency meeting or exceeding DOE, Energy Star®, ASHRAE and UL standards

To learn more about the Guardian® Merchandiser, visit our Guardian® webpage.

A2L Refrigerants

A2L refrigerants are classified as low toxicity (A) and mildly flammable (2L) under ASHRAE standards. They provide a lower GWP compared to traditional HFC refrigerants, helping systems comply with the AIM Act and EPA regulations. While A2Ls improve environmental performance, they require specific safety measures such as leak detection systems, ventilation, and occupancy requirements to mitigate flammability risks. Proper installation and adherence to UL and ASHRAE guidelines are required for safe operation. Zero Zone has the engineering and regulatory expertise to support the transition to these refrigerants.

Key Advantages:

  • A lower GWP than traditional refrigerants and are AIM Act compliant
  • Similar refrigeration characteristics to HFCs
  • No special tooling required for maintenance
  • The mild flammability makes them safe for operation

For more information on A2L refrigerants, visit our Refrigerant Hub or read our A2L blog.

CO₂ 90-Bar

coils and piping 90 bar rating for Co2 Refrigeration systems and CO2 refrigeration Display Cases

Last year, Zero Zone became the first to offer 90-bar rated display cases. This higher pressure rating allows CO₂ systems to maintain refrigerant security during downtime and provides additional time for technicians to troubleshoot without risking refrigerant loss. Since then, Zero Zone has installed thousands of reach-in coolers and freezers rated for 90-bar, reinforcing our commitment to reliability and advanced refrigeration solutions.

Key Advantages:

  • Maintains refrigerant security during downtime
  • Provides extra time for troubleshooting
  • Reduces the risk of refrigerant loss

For more information on 90-bar display cases, visit our 90-bar webpage or watch our 90-bar informational video.

Zero Zone is Expanding its Capability

In October, Zero Zone broke ground on a major expansion of its Systems Division facility in Ramsey, Minnesota. The project adds 57,000 square feet to the existing footprint, creating space for increased production capacity, product testing, and dedicated training areas. After completion, the expansion will enable a 30% increase in systems production and accommodate larger, more advanced refrigeration systems. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 and will create at least 55 new jobs in the Ramsey community. This investment reflects Zero Zone’s commitment to supporting customer demand with enhanced manufacturing capabilities and technical resources.

Innovation Never Ceases

Every innovation by Zero Zone reflects our commitment to be responsive to our customers. Each change we make advances our technology to provide customers with greater efficiency, improved sustainability, and dependable performance. Our focus remains on delivering solutions that meet your current and future challenges.

Explore more by visiting our product page or contacting a sales rep today.