Howe Corporation

Howe Corporation

1650 N. Elston AvenueChicago, IL 60642

AboutHowe Corporation

OEM Ice Maker Manufacturer

For over 110 years, Howe has been the global leader and continues to be the best choice for flake ice and refrigeration equipment.

Our Mission

Develop, manufacture, and sell innovative refrigeration equipment with superior quality, setting the standard for customer service in the industry.

Our Vision

Develop and deliver innovative solutions to refrigeration problems that improve global sustainability through energy efficiency, refrigerant selection, and novel design.

Company History

It all started in 1912 with a vision of improving the refrigeration industry.

As a Midwestern farmer, William Henry Howe knew a lot about fixing things. By the turn of the century, working as a mechanic at a small dairy and ice cream plant, he quickly saw a need for improvements in the plant's refrigeration equipment. Soon Howe and his three sons were designing, producing and servicing state-of-the-art refrigeration equipment on their own.

At that time much of the area's natural ice was harvested from Geneva Lake in Wisconsin and shipped by rail in huge sawdust-covered blocks. As "artificial ice" began gaining ground, the Howe family's reputation for innovative design and quality service put the Howes out in front.

William's sons, Harold, Earl and Clarence, took over in 1914. By this time, Howe equipment was cooling local theaters, apartment buildings and churches. Before long, meat packers, grocers, dairies and fisheries across the country depended on Howe Corporation for their growing refrigeration needs. And, as the frozen food industry developed, Howe Corporation was always in the front lines.

William's grandson, Richard, joined the company after serving in World War II. Dick soon became the Howe "idea man." His designs, sometimes in response to a particular industry need, were just as often industry-advancing innovations made in the spirit of those with which founder William Howe launched the company back in 1912.