Company History
KPS Global grows from a legacy of innovation and strategic acquisitions. Joining the Viessmann Generation Group strengthens the KPS Global mission to deliver custom enclosures for controlled environments through unrivaled solutions for today and tomorrow.
With roots tracing back to Charles Needham’s pioneering efforts in 1947, KPS Global evolved through decades of strategic acquisitions and mergers, expanding its expertise and capabilities establishing itself as the industry authority. KPS Global brings an unparalleled commitment to customers by leveraging our values of innovation and strong heritage forward thinking.
2024
KPS Global opens innovation center near headquarters in Fort Worth, TX.
2018
Acquired in November, Custom Cooler brings continuous line panels as well as an international customer base to the KPS Global portfolio.
2015
A private equity firm. D3 Group, acquired the Manitowoc Walk-Ins division and the Hillphoenix Walk-Ins division to form what we are currently know as today: KPS Global!
2008
Manitowoc, another conglomerate and manufacturer of walk-in freezers and refrigeration products, purchased Kysor Panel Systems and made us a division of Manitowoc Walk-ins. In 2009, Hillphoenix opened a brand-new walk-in division in Fort Worth, TX.
2006
Kysor Panel Systems moves to its current location: 4201 North Beach Street.
2000
Food service giant and conglomerate Welbilt Corporation, a wholly owned entity of Berisford, PhL., courted Scotsman Industries and Kysor Panel Systems for acquisition for the purpose of creating the largest and strongest food service equipment organization in the world. Within the same year. Hillphoenix was also expanding rapidly through several acquisitions, one being the National Cooler Corporation in Southern California.
1998
Kysor Panel Systems relocated its headquarters to Fossil Creek in Fort Worth, TX.
1997
Kysor Industrial, Co. was sold to Scotsman Industries, consolidating Kysor//Katt and Kysor//Needham to Kysor Panel Systems.
1996
Cooler Technology is purchased in Puyallup, WA.
1996
As business began to expand rapidly, it was decided to open a brand new Kysor//Needham facility in Piney Flats, Tennessee.
1994
Kysor Industrial, Co. sought opportunity to increase their revenue by purchasing the family owned business Kalt Manufacturing, Inc. Through this acquisition, they gained manufacturing facilities in Oregon, Arizona, and Indiana. Kalt Manufacturing, Inc. was then changed to also operate under the name Kysor//Kalt.
1994
Similarly, Hill Refrigeration is purchased by another well-known refrigeration manufacturer, Phoenix Refrigeration Systems, to form Hillphoenix.
1987
Following Mr. Needham’s death, Charles Needham Industries Inc. was purchased by Kysor Industrial Corporation forming Kysor//Needham.
1957
Bud Hewitt founded Kalt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
1956
Mr. Needham officially creates Charles Needham Industries Inc. and purchases a plot of land less than a mile away from where KPS Global Headquarters currently sits.
1947
In another part of the country, Mr. Charles Needham begins a leading industry of walk-ins in his home garage.
1889
Mr. Hill establishes his first manufacturing factory to produce coolers for C.V. Hill Refrigerators Works.
1887
Jersey grocery store owner C.V. Hill wanted a better way to refrigerate perishables for his customers. C.V. built a dairy ice box that he sold for $75, and continued to sell as the newfound business: C.V. Hill Refrigerator Works.
