Sub-Zero Freezer Compan History
Monday, December 20th, 2010
Sub-Zero was founded by Westye F. Bakke in 1945. The name was chosen because Sub-Zero freezers were the first to consistently hold temperature below zero degrees Fahrenheit, meeting quality standards for safety freezing food.
Sub-Zero made commercial products for local industries.
In the 1950’s Bud Bakke joins his father at Sub-Zero, and the first ever built-in refrigerator for the home was produced.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s Sub-Zero continued its focus on residential refrigeration products.
In the 1980’s Jim Bakke, Westye’s grandson and current President and CEO, joins the company.
In the 1980’s and 1990’s the 500 and 600 series are launched, introducing Dual Refrigeration, and later adaptive defrost and microprocessors.
In 1995 Sub-Zero introduced Integrated Refrigeration to the North American market.
In 1999 TRUE Wine Storage was released.
In March 2000 Wolf Gourmet joins the Sub-Zero family, and a 350,000 square foot manufacturing facility is built to product current and new designs.
In 2005 the PRO 48, an icon and design and quality, was introduced to the market.
In 2008 the Built-In Line replaces the 600 Series, showing the quality and innovation Sub-Zero is known for.
Today, Sub-Zero is still family owned and operated, made with the same quality and innovation, and manufactured in the United States.

