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.
Zero Zone is incredibly proud of the hard work and expertise that John Collins, Industrial Sales Manager – East for Zero Zone, displayed in researching, writing, and presenting his technical paper, “Analysis of Package Chiller Systems – Comparison of Natural (NH3 & CO2) and HFC Refrigerants.” He presented it at the International Institute for Ammonia Research (IIAR) 2020 Virtual Conference, and he was awarded the well-deserved IIAR 2020 Award for Presentation Excellence – Food/Retail Refrigeration.
Collins thoroughly analyzed the data from 3 ice arena chillers that used different refrigerants in order to demonstrate statistically and strategically the advantages afforded by each refrigerant. Collins applied his study by presenting his findings as practical criteria that can help buyers choose a refrigerant that matches their goals and priorities for safety, cost, sustainability, serviceability, and more.
Collins also thanks his colleagues, Global Refrigeration Manager Masood Ali and Systems Engineering Manager Adam Ciesielski, for their insight and assistance in developing and reviewing the manuscript, and Zero Zone gratefully acknowledges their collaboration.
Click here to read the full paper for yourself: “Analysis of Package Chiller Systems – Comparison of Natural (NH3 & CO2) and HFC Refrigerants”
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.
You need a trusted refrigeration partner that will be there when you need them, help grow your sales, and save you money. So we think you’ll be interested in what a few of our retail partners have to say about why they chose Zero Zone.
Whether you prefer open multi-decks or reach-in display cases, Zero Zone has it all. “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,” a store manager said about the Reveal Merchandiser®. Regardless of whether you prefer open or reach-in, each of our cases is ready to deliver fresh products to your shoppers. Our white paper explains their merchandising strategies and the results.
You also need a quality refrigeration system to keep your product at the ideal temperature, and our retail partners benefit from our decades of experience with both large and small format stores. Refrigeration systems are complicated machines, but we pride ourselves on making them easier to install, operate, and service. This is how we deliver a high-quality product to you.
Most importantly, the foundation of our partnership with you is responsiveness. But don’t take our word for it. An operations director said, “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.” A store director said, “We couldn’t have asked for a better company to work with.” Read our “We’ve Got Your Back” white paper to see why these retailers chose to build a trusted partnership with Zero Zone.
You have great ideas for your stores, but it is challenging to bring them to life. As you consider the possibilities, Zero Zone is here to help, and the Zero Zone Technology Center is the place to get inspired. Picture this…
As you enter the building, you’ll be greeted with the sight of our main conference room through impressive double glass doors. As you continue walking, you’ll see a mural that honors our legacy of innovation, quality, and responsiveness. Turn the corner and admire a vintage Zero Zone freezer that operated for nearly 30 years.
Get your shopping carts ready! Just past the mural and vintage case, you will feel like you are stepping into a real grocery store. Our main showroom exhibits a fantastic collection of Zero Zone display cases for all applications, including frozen food, ice cream, beverage, wine, dairy, floral, bakery, prepackaged meat, fresh meat, bagged produce, and fresh produce. Compare how different products look between an open multi-deck and a reach-in display case. Black interior, white interior, different exterior colors, we have it! All of our main product lines are displayed—the industry-leading Crystal Merchandiser®, the robust Highlight Merchandiser®, and the sleek Reveal Merchandiser®. We also show off special case configurations such as Ultra Narrow, Back-to-Back, Rear Load, Tall, Meat Exclusive (MX), and Produce Exclusive (PX). And don’t forget about our fully operational Hybrid Merchandiser™, which keeps drinks cold for your visit.
Glancing around the main showroom, your eyes will fall on double stainless steel doors. Do we have more cases back there? No, it’s our systems showroom featuring our Edge™ XT (exterior) distributed system. This system is designed to be installed outside of your store, so it is built with heavy-duty steel housing to withstand the elements. Our systems showroom also gives you a glimpse at our extensive refrigeration system capabilities, which run the gamut of indoor and outdoor systems, large parallel systems and single compressor units, and a wide range of refrigerants, including CO2 transcritical and ammonia. Our experienced team is on the forefront of refrigeration technology, and our engineers have contributed to the IIAR’s CO2 Task Group and the ASHRAE Handbook.
Walking out of our systems showroom, you’ll see a door and a long hallway that you may have missed before. This leads to our state-of-the-art DOE Research & Development Test Labs. Our engineers are actively improving our products every day, and this facility is an impressive sight!
The Zero Zone Technology Center is a wealth of information and inspiration that you have to see for yourself. Whether you are looking for merchandising ideas and new display cases for your stores, or if you want a behind-the-scenes look at our innovation at work, let our refrigeration professionals help you find your inspiration at the Zero Zone Technology Center. Sneak a peek at our Technology Center Video and then contact your Zero Zone Sales Representative to arrange your visit. You’ll be glad you did.
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.
On March 1, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) moved its new CO2 safety standard to public review. Titled the “Safety Standard for Closed-Circuit Carbon Dioxide Refrigeration Systems,” the standard will be open for public review until April 15. John Collins, Industrial Sales Manager for Zero Zone, Inc. and chairman of the IIAR CO2 Task Group, presented the new standard at a panel and at the closing forum for the 2019 IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference & Expo.
CO2 continues to gain momentum across the refrigeration industry with thousands of CO2 systems operating worldwide. However, the industry lacks a definitive, detailed standard to guide engineers and contractors. As a standards developer accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), IIAR is equipped and positioned to fill this need for natural refrigerants. Many members of the CO2 Task Group have contributed to other safety standards. They also partnered with the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) as they branch into regulations for commercial refrigeration.
The CO2 Task Group and the NASRC have developed the standard to cover the full life cycle of a CO2 refrigeration system, including design, installation, startup, inspection, testing, and maintenance. The standard establishes minimum requirements for a safe system, defining baseline requirements for the proper application of CO2 refrigeration.
After April 15, the CO2 Task Group will sort through the public comments, respond to them, and revise the standard as necessary. Speaking from experience with the process, Collins says it is common to have additional public reviews, whether of the whole safety standard or excerpts of it. After that, the standard will be evaluated, voted on, and submitted for approval. After approval, it will be published as an ANSI standard, which will become a resource for commercial and industrial CO2 systems.
Collins has served as the chairman of the IIAR CO2 Task Group since the project formally began in 2016. He has also served on the IIAR CO2 committee, the standards committee, and as a board member.
Collins describes the work as “gratifying” because they can see the interest across the industry. “Now is an exciting time for CO2 refrigeration. New and old contractors want to gain experience with working on CO2 systems,” he explained. This CO2 safety standard will provide the necessary guidance.
