Minus Forty Technologies and QBD, two Canadian manufacturers of propane (R290)-based commercial refrigeration display cabinets, have merged to create “merchandising powerhouse” Due North, according to a recent statement from the company.
The new company, based in Toronto, will “reimagine retail refrigeration” and support customers in a variety of market segments, including beverage, ice cream, pet food, grocery and convenience stores, food service and pharmacy.
“Due North has been purpose-built to create solutions that advance our customers’ business interests and enhance their business performance in an ever-evolving retail landscape,” said Troy Shannan, CEO of Due North. “We are absolutely committed to supporting our customers’ success by investing in new product and service innovations that give them true competitive advantage and help them maximize their sales.”
“Due North has been purpose-built to create solutions that advance our customers’ business interests and enhance their business performance in an ever-evolving retail landscape.”
Troy Shannan, True North
Minus Forty has provided R290-based refrigeration display cases for a variety of refrigerated and frozen products, including ice cream and pet food. In 2017, the manufacturer converted its entire portfolio to propane due to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regulations.
QBD has produced a range of R290-based beverage coolers and refrigerated cabinets. In 2021, the manufacturer received an Energy Star Partner of the Year award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). QBD’s award recognized its continued leadership in the development of energy-efficient products.
In September 2021, Ronin Equity Partners, a New York City-based investment firm, announced that it had acquired the two manufacturers. Despite coming together to create a “merged group,” Ronin specified that the two brands were to continue to be marketed “under their own names.” There was no mention of the investment firm in Due North’s recent statement, but the two manufacturers are still included in Ronin’s investment portfolio.
By bringing the two businesses together, Due North hopes to create an “unparalleled retail refrigeration merchandising solutions” to better align with its customers’ business growth strategies. It also aims to simplify its customers’ “refrigerated retail merchandising programs.” To help achieve this, the company plans to boost its domestic manufacturing capacity.
“Our newly combined brands and businesses gives our customers even more opportunities to operationalize the most suitable refrigerated retail merchandising program for them,” explained Julian Attree, Chief Strategy Officer at Due North. Attree was the Founder and former CEO of Minus Forty Technologies.
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