Imperial Brown Inc. is a premier manufacturer of custom walk-in coolers and freezers, established in 1970 in Portland, Oregon, by Al Zell. Over the years, the company has evolved into one of the leading suppliers in the commercial refrigeration industry, specializing in insulated panels necessary for constructing walk-in units. In 2012, the acquisition of W.A. Brown & Son marked a significant expansion, merging over a century of industry experience and allowing Imperial Brown to broaden its production capabilities.
The company's growth continued with the establishment of additional manufacturing facilities, including a notable expansion in 2017 with a plant in Prague, Oklahoma, which effectively doubled the workforce and significantly increased revenue. In 2023, a new state-of-the-art factory was launched in Tucson, Arizona, strategically positioned to serve clients in the southwestern United States and to reduce shipping costs and delivery times by having two-thirds of the U.S. population within a 500-mile radius. This factory underscores Imperial Brown's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsiveness to market demands.
The company stands out for its commitment to quality and customization, tailoring its solutions not only for food service but also for diverse industries such as biotechnology, medicine, and construction. Its products range from walk-in coolers and freezers to specialized cold storage solutions for sensitive items, including pharmaceuticals and archival documents.
Imperial Brown is proud to be 100% employee-owned, fostering a culture of collaboration and commitment to exceptional service. With four strategically located factories across the United States and plans for further expansion, Imperial Brown is well positioned for continued growth and to meet the evolving needs of its clients while maintaining high standards of product excellence.
