Sub-Zero Group Inc history

Market: Founded in 1945, Sub-Zero is the leading United States-based manufacturer of refrigeration, freezer and wine storage products.

Bakke's son Lawrence 'Bud' Bakke joined the company in 1948 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in mechanical and agricultural engineering, and his expertise allowed the company to move beyond its usual markets.

1953:Company sells its first built-in refrigerator.

1972:Firm reorganizes, hires outside executives.

Westye Bakke died in 1973, and the leadership of the company passed to his son.

By 1982, the company was firmly entrenched as the leader in luxury refrigerators.

By 1990, sales at Sub-Zero had surpassed $100 million.

The company expanded its facilities in 1993, building a new 60,000-square-foot building next to its Madison headquarters.

The company began building a huge warehouse near Madison in 1998.

With the acquisition of Wolf Range Company in 2000, Sub-Zero added the industry specialist in residential cooking appliances, with products including ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, warming drawers and ventilation equipment.

In 2003, they introduce a dual fuel range with gas burners above and dual convection electric ovens below.

To add to their kitchen appliances, Sub-Zero introduces its Cove brand dishwashers in 2018.