Established in Detroit, Michigan, in 1914 by Nathaniel B. Wales, Kelvinator takes its name from William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, who developed the concept of absolute zero, and for whom the Kelvin scientific temperature scale is named. By 1923, Kelvinator held 80 percent of the American market for electic refrigerators. During World War II, Kelvinator manufactured military equipment and contributed to field testing airplane components at ultra-low temperatures. Today, Kelvinator is a leader in refrigeration equipment, producing a comprehensive line that includes reach-ins, under-counters, milk coolers, merchandisers, food prep tables, chest freezers, and bar equipment.
