On June 8, 1961, George Johnson, Duke Wegner, and K. Hirata founded Zero Zone in a rented barn in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Their dedication to customer satisfaction, through personalized support and customizable options, has fostered a legacy of trust over six decades. Today, we remain committed to upholding these values as we continue to serve our community.
At Zero Zone, one of our core values is the care and support of our family. We recognize the importance of people; support and empathy for everyone we engage with are central to our culture. Whether you are an employee, customer, or partner, Zero Zone is committed to being responsive to your needs.
Press Release
Mukwonago, WI—July 12, 2023
Zero Zone has opened their new 183,200 square foot warehouse in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, which reflects the growth of the manufacturer and their customers. This warehouse will serve as a space for finished refrigerated display cases before they are shipped to retail stores across the United States.
“Our customers are growing, and we are proud to grow alongside them,” said Chief Executive Officer Glenn Kormanik.
Zero Zone builds all of its display cases at nearby production facilities in Waukesha and North Prairie. The finished display cases are moved to Mukwonago, and then the team in Mukwonago ships the display cases to supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, dollar stores, and drug stores.
“We appreciate being able to triangulate and have a third facility close by our production facilities,” said vice president and general manager Don Klenk. “This gives us an opportunity to be more efficient and responsive to our customers.”
This new facility marks the latest in a story of consistent growth. From humble beginnings in a rented dairy barn in 1961, Zero Zone has grown and now occupies four production facilities and a distribution warehouse. Ground broke in September 2022, and the new warehouse was completed in March 2023. After months of diligent work, Zero Zone houses their entire warehousing operation in this expanded facility, which is a grand total of 183,200 square feet.
Kormanik described this building as a “significant milestone. Zero Zone is in the business of preserving customer valuables through refrigeration. Most of the time, this involves making products cold or frozen, whether that be from systems in the back room or display cases that shoppers like you and me grab food from every day. But it also involves preserving other resources, like their time, their schedule, their capital, and their precious human resources. We have industry-leading 12-week lead times for display cases and industry leading 97% on-time delivery. This facility allows us to respond to the needs of our customers, maintain their schedules, save their money, and save their resources by delivering when we say we are going to deliver. This is another tool in our toolbox to deliver on that promise to our customers.”
About Zero Zone
Established in 1961, Zero Zone is a respected manufacturer of refrigeration systems and display cases with facilities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Zero Zone products serve retail customers such as supermarkets, drug, dollar, and convenience stores, and Zero Zone sells equipment to industrial customers such as cold storage warehouses, food processing facilities, distribution centers, blast freezers and chillers, food and beverage production, ice arenas, and pharmaceutical and medical storage. Zero Zone employees are committed to preserving customer valuables through refrigeration. Visit www.zero-zone.com.
Press Release
North Prairie, WI—March 1, 2022—
David Morrow has announced his retirement as CEO/President of Zero Zone after 25+ years as leader of this Midwest-based manufacturer of refrigerated display cases and refrigeration systems. Well-regarded in the retail food industry, Morrow has skillfully navigated the restructuring of company ownership, the acquisition and integration of the refrigeration systems business, many successful product launches, and oversaw expansion opportunities which resulted in a tripling of company value.
Effective today, Glenn Kormanik will become Chief Executive Officer and Dan O’Brien will become President of Zero Zone.
Kormanik has been with the company for over 10 years, serving as VP/General Manager of the Display Case Division and, most recently, as Executive Vice President of Operations for both corporate divisions. Prior to joining Zero Zone, Glenn held a variety of management positions in Midwest companies, including Falk Corporation, Service Heat Treating, and Construction Forms, Inc. Glenn holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University.
O’Brien has been with the company for over 25 years, starting in engineering and moving on to become National Sales Manager and Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Dan’s earlier years were with Systematic Refrigeration, a refrigeration systems company acquired by Zero Zone in 2002. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and an MBA in Sales & Marketing from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management.
“We wish Dave well on his well-earned retirement,” remarked Glenn Kormanik. “He has led us through some difficult times and brought about a transformation of the company that positions us well for future growth. We can’t thank him enough for the heart and soul he has put into making Zero Zone a world-class manufacturer and one worthy of being called The Responsive Company. Dan and I will do our best to continue his legacy as we live up to our promise of protecting and preserving the freshness of food and pharmaceuticals throughout North and South America.”
About Zero Zone
Established in 1961, Zero Zone has display case facilities in North Prairie, Pewaukee, and Waukesha, WI, and refrigeration systems plants in Ramsey, MN and Dyersville, IA. Zero Zone is a leading manufacturer of refrigerated glass door display cases, multi-decks, and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, drug, dollar, and convenience stores, and manufactures industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, ice arenas, and the pharmaceutical/biomedical industry.
Press Release
North Prairie, WI—June 8, 2021—From humble beginnings in a rented dairy barn in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, three refrigeration experts decided to strike out on their own and pursue their bold dream of making “the best freezers in the business at a competitive price.” George Johnson, Duke Wegner, and K Hirata would build their freezers and peddle them to local grocery stores until they had made a name for themselves for the quality of their work and their steadfast resolve to always put the customer first.
60 years from the incorporation of Zero Zone on June 8, 1961, the company is now the third largest manufacturer in their marketplace of commercial freezers, coolers, and the refrigeration systems that keep them cool. Their customer list includes some of the largest supermarket chains, major dollar stores, drug stores, and leading convenience stores in North America. They are also proud of their roster of smaller, independent foods retailers, who rely on their guidance and refrigeration expertise to help them navigate the myriad regulations in place to assure food freshness while protecting the environment.
Three facilities in Wisconsin are responsible for engineering and manufacturing their display cases, which are now renowned for their elegant appearance and energy-saving design. A large plant in Minnesota designs and manufactures the commercial refrigeration systems for grocers and is also sought out for their industrial refrigeration racks used in food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, cold storage, and ice arenas.
The three founders would be proud of the way their company has grown and that all their equipment is proudly assembled in the USA from domestic and foreign-sourced components. Most of all, they would be happy to know that it is still the responsiveness of Zero Zone employees that differentiates Zero Zone from their competitors. Keeping food fresh and helping industry keep its cool is what Zero Zone is all about. Here’s to the next 60 years and the exciting developments it will bring.
For more information about Zero Zone and their product lines, visit www.zero-zone.com.
About Zero Zone
Established in 1961, Zero Zone has display case facilities in North Prairie, Pewaukee, and Waukesha, WI, and a refrigeration systems plant in Ramsey, MN. Zero Zone is a leading manufacturer of refrigerated glass door display cases, multi-decks, and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, drug, dollar, and convenience stores, and manufactures industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, ice arenas, and the pharmaceutical/biomedical industry.
Press Release
North Prairie, WI—June 7, 2020—Zero Zone, a leading manufacturer of refrigerated display cases and refrigeration systems, announces the introduction of the Zero Zone Reveal Merchandiser® with Doors display case product line.
Food retailers have long expressed their love of the original Reveal Merchandiser® open multi-deck cases for their horizontal merchandising platform and easy access to products. They have increasingly asked for a closed-case version with glass doors for certain applications in order to help control their burgeoning energy costs. The Reveal Merchandiser® with Doors gives them the best of both worlds: as much as 71% energy reduction (compared to open multi-decks) and the ability to merchandise their products either in a 48-inch horizontal planogram or in a 24-inch vertical planogram.
According to Dan O’Brien, VP of Sales & Marketing for Zero Zone, “the Reveal Merchandiser® with Doors complements its other Zero Zone display case counterparts, creating a sleek, consistent appearance throughout the store. Choosing Zero Zone merchandisers helps retailers pull together the look of their entire store design.”
The Reveal Merchandiser® product line has flourished and grown since its introduction in 2017, adding Tall, Meat Exclusive (MX), Produce Exclusive (PX), Hybrid™, and now Reveal™ with Doors. Whatever the case may be, the Reveal Merchandiser® with Doors is the open and shut case for merchandising flexibility and energy savings.
Learn more about the Zero Zone Reveal Merchandiser® with Doors line of products.
About Zero Zone
Established in 1961, Zero Zone has display case facilities in North Prairie, Pewaukee, and Waukesha, WI, and a refrigeration systems plant in Ramsey, MN. Zero Zone is a leading manufacturer of refrigerated glass door display cases, open multi-decks, and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, drug, dollar, and convenience stores, and manufactures industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, ice arenas, and the pharmaceutical/biomedical industry.
Reveal Merchandiser® is a registered trademark of Zero Zone, Inc. in the United States.
Press Release
North Prairie, WI—July 10, 2019—Zero Zone is proud to introduce a new product from the Reveal Merchandiser® line of cases, the Zero Zone Reveal Merchandiser® PX, designed exclusively for the display of fresh produce.
This new open multi-deck will give retailers a competitive edge. The angled, tiered shelving and the product temperature is specifically set to improve the shelf life of produce. ChillBrite® LED lighting provides bright and reliable illumination to enhance the natural appeal of produce and catch the eyes of shoppers. Its open display allows for higher product visibility and easy shopping.
“I’ve been in the grocery business for 51 years, and I think this is one of the best produce presentations I’ve ever seen,” said a store manager of a Wisconsin retailer.
Not only does it provide optimal accessibility for shoppers, but it also saves time for retailers. It is easy to install, easy to maintain, and easy to fill, allowing store owners to cut back on stocking times.
Retailers can choose between 80″ or 82″ tall cases with either low or medium sills, allowing them to customize the display depending on their needs. Glass fronts are also available as an option, as well as angled end frames with windows.
Zero Zone provides innovative products made with the highest quality materials to ensure performance and durability. The new Reveal Merchandiser® PX reflects the Zero Zone commitment to listening to the needs of their customers and providing a solution that is both stylish and energy efficient.
Learn more about the Reveal Merchandiser® PX display case
About Zero Zone
Established in 1961, Zero Zone has display case plants in North Prairie and Waukesha, WI, and refrigeration systems facilities in Ramsey, MN. Zero Zone is a leading manufacturer of refrigerated glass door display cases, open multi-decks, and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, drug, dollar, and convenience stores, and manufactures industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, and ice arenas.
Press Release
North Prairie, WI—July 10, 2019—Zero Zone, Inc., a leading manufacturer in the refrigeration industry known for its responsiveness to customers, announced the introduction of the Zero Zone Reveal Merchandiser® MX, designed exclusively for selling fresh meat.
This new open multi-deck is specifically designed to optimize the display of fresh meat. It incorporates the sleek design and energy performance of all Zero Zone products while maximizing the appeal and freshness of meat. Featuring ChillBrite® LED lighting, shoppers will be drawn to this case whether it’s displaying beef, poultry, pork, or lamb.
“That bright red meat color really pops, and it’s all about ‘eye appeal is buy appeal.’ I feel that the Reveal case does a better job at showing the fresh meat program,” said the general manager of a Louisiana retailer.
Retailers can choose between 75″ or 80″ tall cases, low or medium sills, optional angled end frames with windows, and optional glass fronts. As the responsive company™, Zero Zone is proud to offer you choices so you can select the case that best fits your needs.
Zero Zone provides innovative products made with the highest quality materials to ensure performance and durability. As part of the Reveal Merchandiser® product line, the new MX display case is built to emphasize product visibility and accessibility.
Learn more about the Reveal Merchandiser® MX display case
About Zero Zone
Established in 1961, Zero Zone has display case plants in North Prairie and Waukesha, WI, and refrigeration systems facilities in Ramsey, MN. Zero Zone is a leading manufacturer of refrigerated glass door display cases, open multi-decks, and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, drug, dollar, and convenience stores, and manufactures industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, and ice arenas.
Press Release
North Prairie, WI—July 8, 2019—Zero Zone is pleased to unveil a new environmentally friendly cooling unit, the Zero Zone LCCU ETP (Liquid-Cooled Condensing Unit Electronic Technology Package).
Working as a seamless bundled package with Zero Zone Hybrid™ display cases and a pump skid, the new LCCU ETP is a smart and clean choice. With up to 96% refrigerant leak reduction, 25% energy savings, and as much as two additional days of fresh food life, the LCCU ETP is the efficient solution. It operates at the warmest evaporator temperature while maintaining optimal product temperature, which minimizes energy consumption. While other cooling units may use R-404A with a global warming potential of 3,922, the LCCU ETP uses R-448A, which has a lower global warming potential of just 1,273.
Besides its efficiency, it is also easy to install. The pre-charged refrigerant lines between the condensing unit and display case are connected using quick-connect couplings. It uses a glycol/H2O loop to cool the refrigerant.
The LCCU ETP also contains advanced monitoring that runs preventive diagnostics. Retailers with the LCCU ETP will receive real-time performance overviews of their cooling system to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
Additionally, this cooling system is equipped with noise reducing insulation. Using rotary compressors instead of louder piston compressors, the LCCU ETP is quieter than the noise level in a typical store, improving the shoppers’ experience.
Zero Zone designs innovative products that provide environmentally friendly solutions. Known as ‘the responsive company™’, Zero Zone is just a phone call away to help answer any questions about the LCCU ETP or other products.
“Any time we reach out to Zero Zone, they’re Johnny-on-the-spot. They are there to answer any questions and help us out of any pickle we get into. Zero Zone keeps us up and running and helps us keep our shoppers happy,” said a refrigeration manager for a southwest retailer.
For more information about Zero Zone, the LCCU ETP, Hybrid™ display cases, or pump skids, visit www.zero-zone.com.
About Zero Zone
Established in 1961, Zero Zone has display case plants in North Prairie and Waukesha, WI and refrigeration systems plants in Ramsey, MN. Zero Zone is a leading manufacturer of refrigerated glass door display cases, open multi-decks, and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, drug, dollar, and convenience stores, and manufactures industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, and ice arenas.
Press Release
NORTH PRAIRIE, Wis. – May 10, 2018: Zero Zone, Inc. has designed a new ultra narrow display case to save space in tight conditions, particularly in small format stores like convenience stores or at the end of grocery aisles. The new Crystal™ Merchandiser Ultra Narrow Display Case is the latest addition to the Crystal™ Merchandiser product line.
The Ultra Narrow case was developed to solve a customer’s needs concerning space restrictions. Grocery stores and small format stores need coolers that maximize product visibility while preserving limited floor space. Zero Zone designed the Ultra Narrow case to give shoppers total visibility of the contents inside the cooler without compromising the store layout.
“At Zero Zone, we pride ourselves in our responsiveness to our customer’s needs,” said Carl Petersen, Marketing and Advertising Manager at Zero Zone, Inc. “The Ultra Narrow case was designed in response to a retailer’s need, and the customer couldn’t be happier with our innovative solution.”
The Ultra Narrow case is available as either a single-sided or back-to-back unit. The single-sided case is perfect as a grab-and-go end cap case on the end of shelving. The space-saving back-to-back unit fits in line with gondola shelving.
Every case in the Crystal™ Merchandiser product line beautifully displays sandwiches, salads, produce, fresh meat, and beverages. The Ultra Narrow case continues the trend of Zero Zone products, which are manufactured to maintain freshness and ensure longer shelf life for the products inside.
For more information about the Crystal™ Merchandiser Ultra Narrow or the other cases in the Crystal™ Merchandiser product line, visit www.zero-zone.com/reach-in-coolers.
Press Release
NORTH PRAIRIE, WI – October 6, 2016— Zero Zone, a leading manufacturer of refrigerated display cases and commercial refrigeration systems, announced today the introduction of the Zero Zone Reveal™ Merchandiser line of medium-temperature multi-decks.
“For years, our customers have been asking when Zero Zone would be coming out with an open multi-deck that has the same quality and versatility as our reach-in glass door cases,” explained Lance Van Der Ploeg, Senior Product Manager for Zero Zone. “We’re pleased to announce that the time is now. The new Reveal™ Merchandiser cooler incorporates the legendary quality, sleek design, and exceptional facings and packout for which Zero Zone is known, but in a package without glass doors. Although many retailers are using reach-in cooler cases today, there is still a large demand for open merchandisers for certain applications around the store. We are happy to now be equipped to answer this demand with the Reveal™ Merchandiser product line. After all, Zero Zone prides itself on being ‘The Responsive Company’.”
Zero Zone aims to exceed customer expectations with high-quality, innovative products and personalized support. The Reveal™ Merchandiser extends the range of merchandising options offered by Zero Zone, giving retailers a wider array of choices. These new, open multi-decks are complementary to the Zero Zone glass door display cases in style, merchandising characteristics, quality, and responsible energy performance. They come equipped with Zero Zone ChillBrite™ LED lighting, adding sparkle to retailers’ products and making them ‘pop’. The Reveal™ Merchandiser is ideally suited for effective display of dairy, deli, beverage, produce, and fresh meat products.
Learn more information about the Reveal™ Merchandiser line of products
The Reveal™ Merchandiser line is manufactured by Zero Zone, Inc. Established in 1961, Zero Zone is a leading manufacturer
of refrigerated display cases and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, drug, dollar, and convenience stores.
With display case plants in North Prairie and Waukesha, WI and a refrigeration systems plant in Ramsey, MN, Zero Zone also
manufactures industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, and ice arenas.