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Press Release

Zero Zone Launches Services Division

NORTH PRARIE, Wisconsin – September 15, 2025– Zero Zone announced the launch of its new Services Division, a key milestone in its 5-year growth plan. This new division is focused on expanding services capabilities to enhance the overall Zero Zone customer experience.

The new Services Division will integrate program services, field service, customer service, warranty, training, and engineering services into one customer-focused organization. It will offer installation assistance, safety inspections, recommissioning, parts service, component refurbishment, and a training platform for technicians, customers, and employees. This structure will help Zero Zone respond more quickly to customer needs, deliver a smoother service experience, 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.

“Our customers count on us to keep their products cold and their businesses running,” said Dan O’Brien, Vice President and General Manager of Services. “By bringing our service functions together, we’re creating a more efficient and responsive organization. This is a great opportunity to strengthen how we support our customers—from installation and maintenance to training and parts availability—and to build a division that reflects our long-term commitment to customer service.”

About Zero Zone
Established in 1961, Zero Zone is a leading manufacturer of refrigerated glass door display cases and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, drugstores, dollar stores, and convenience stores. With display case plants located in North Prairie, Mukwonago, and Waukesha, WI, Zero Zone also manufactures commercial and industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, retail supermarkets, and ice arenas at its system plants in Ramsey, MN, and Dyersville, IA.

 

Zero Zone is proud to be a key contributor to Walgreens’ first-ever net-zero energy store in Evanston, Illinois, a project that sets a new benchmark for sustainable retail. At the core of this achievement is our Genesys™ CO₂ Transcritical Rack System, an integrated solution that delivers refrigeration, HVAC, and hot water—all powered primarily by onsite solar energy.

Unveiled at the ATMO America Summit, this installation showcases how our rack system supports Walgreens’ ambitious carbon reduction goals while maintaining high performance and reliability. The system’s transcritical CO₂ technology not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also improves energy efficiency across the store’s operations.

Key Rack System Highlights:

This project is a testament to how Zero Zone’s engineering and innovation are helping retailers transition to cleaner, smarter energy solutions.

Read the Full Article to see how Our Rack System is Powering the Future of Sustainable Refrigeration.

Our Legacy and Commitment to Community and Family

On June 8, 1961, George Johnson, Duke Wegner, and K. Hirata founded Zero Zone in a rented barn in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Since then, their dedication to customer satisfaction, through personalized support and customizable options, has fostered a legacy of trust for over six decades. Consequently, today, we remain committed to upholding these values while we continue to serve our community.

At Zero Zone, we prioritize the care and support of our family. Recognizing the importance of people, we place support and empathy at the heart of our culture. Whether you are an employee, customer, or partner, Zero Zone responds to your needs with attentiveness and care.

Addressing the Skilled Trade Workforce Shortage

The skilled trade workforce shortage is becoming increasingly critical as the American workforce ages and new technologies emerge in the industrial and commercial refrigeration industries. Consequently, training a new generation of workers has become essential. To tackle this issue, Zero Zone collaborated with Apprentice Now to create an apprenticeship program aimed at training new technicians.

The 14 candidates selected for the program completed their 10-week training on December 3. Although they have graduated from the program, these students will continue their hands-on education as they advance in their careers.

Zero Zone helped train these technicians without the expectation that students would take a position with us. They will have the opportunity to apply for a position with Zero Zone or other companies within the industry. Apprentice Now aids the new technicians with placement in open roles throughout the industry. Recognizing the demand for technicians in the industrial and commercial refrigeration industry, we see this partnership as a proactive step.

Press Release
Mukwonago, WI—July 12, 2023

Zero Zone Opens New Warehouse

Zero Zone opens new warehouse in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, which reflects the growth of the manufacturer and their customers. This 183,200 square foot 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.

Do you love working with your hands? Now is the time to join our growing Zero Zone team. Current openings include both office and production positions, with leadership opportunities available.

You will be a valued member of the Zero Zone team, able to take ownership of your own career path. Gain access to professional development through internal training and tuition reimbursement. Enjoy wellness incentives, casual dress code, free coffee, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our people are known for excellent customer service, and we believe they are the best coworkers, too. We want to join you in your career goals.

We have opened a new manufacturing facility in Dyersville, Iowa, to meet the demand for quality refrigeration systems. For over 60 years, we have been a leader in refrigeration from our locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and now in Iowa. We have grown through dedication to our mission: “To exceed customer expectations through innovation, quality, and responsiveness.”

Zero Zone is growing. Come grow with us.

Coming Soon to the Dyersville Community!

Zero Zone brings the CHILL… We design refrigeration systems that keep fresh food cold, pharmaceuticals safe, and ice rinks frozen!

Now, you can be part of our COOL Team. Zero Zone is expanding our refrigeration systems manufacturing to Dyersville, Iowa! We need enthusiastic people for our new facility and are offering competitive wages and a collaborative environment to those who want to grow with our company! Become part of a skilled labor force where variety, cross-training, and advancement opportunities are the norm (not monotonous assembly work). Whether you’re interested in management, engineering, or manufacturing positions, now is the time to take action. Come grow with us. We have Midwestern values and a genuine do-it-right-the-first-time work ethic. If you do too, see available positions and APPLY NOW at: /careers/ or email careers.ia@zero-zone.com.

Zero Zone Systems Division, based in Ramsey, Minnesota, is a respected manufacturer of commercial and industrial refrigeration systems and chillers for retail food stores, cold storage, food processing, pharmaceutical/biomedical manufacturing, and ice arenas.

The Systems Division is part of Zero Zone Inc., headquartered in North Prairie, Wisconsin. From three facilities in Wisconsin, its Display Case Division has been manufacturing commercial coolers and freezers for supermarkets, grocery, convenience, dollar, and drug stores for over 60 years.

Zero Zone Systems Division designs and builds some of the finest refrigeration systems in North America from its main manufacturing facility in Ramsey, Minnesota and, now, from its new manufacturing location in Dyersville, Iowa.

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.

Bruce Hierlmeier PE, the Director of Regulatory Compliance & Refrigeration Technology for Zero Zone, was announced as a recipient of the Richard C. Schulze Award at the 2020 Air-Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Virtual Leadership Forum. The Richard C. Schulze Award is presented at the opening session to 3 individuals whose contributions influenced both AHRI and the industry as a whole. Zero Zone is incredibly proud of Bruce Hierlmeier’s contributions to the refrigeration industry.

In the presentation, Hierlmeier was recognized for his dedication to commercial refrigeration, both through AHRI and the Commercial Refrigerator Manufacturers Association (CRMA), which later merged with AHRI. Hierlmeier was credited for being instrumental to the growth of the refrigeration sector of AHRI during his service as the inaugural chair of the Refrigeration Regulatory Committee. He contributed to major revisions as chair of the Safety Standards Committee, accomplishing those revisions in less than a year to allow the safe use of flammable, low-GWP refrigerants in refrigeration systems. Hierlmeier was also regarded as an expert in regulatory compliance whose valuable input helps others understand EPA SNAP regulations and state regulations.

Additionally, Hierlmeier served as the engineering chair and later the section chair for the AHRI Commercial Refrigeration Division after the merger with CRMA. He also served as the section chair for the compressor and condensing unit section.

Bruce Hierlmeier’s contributions to the refrigeration industry extend far beyond AHRI. Hierlmeier has been a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) since 1993 and the International Institute of Ammonia Research (IIAR) since 2016. Hierlmeier has authored and contributed to sections of the ASHRAE Handbook on Refrigeration in 2014 and 2018, a handbook that is published every 4 years and drives industry requirements. For IIAR, he served as chair of the chapters 5 & 6 subcommittees for the CO2 Handbook. He has also authored or professionally commented on sections within UL Standard 471, NSF Standard 7, DOE regulations for commercial refrigeration, and CARB regulations.

Hierlmeier’s background includes an MBA from UW-Milwaukee in 1993 and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UW-Platteville in 1983. He has earned and maintained his professional engineer (PE) license since 1988, and he has belonged to the Order of the Engineer since 1983. He also holds a patent for an innovative air duct design that assures uniform product temperature inside Zero Zone Crystal Merchandiser™ coolers.

After being selected for the 2020 AHRI Richard C. Schulze Award, Bruce Hierlmeier was approached by his peers, who complimented his efforts and congratulated him for winning the award. Everyone at Zero Zone extends the same enthusiasm and appreciation.