Milestones

Leading the market in premium, built-in undercounter ice making, refrigeration and wine storage products, the U-Line Corporation boasts many notable achievements.

1962
Henry Uihlein, Sr. founds U-Line Corporation as an outgrowth of Ben-Hur. The company develops and patents the first undercounter residential and light commercial ice maker.

1971
U-Line introduces the first undercounter Combo® Model Ice Maker and Refrigerator. The unit maintains two temperature zones in the same cabinet using a single compressor.

1971
U-Line introduces the first portable ice makers, designed with a built-in water tank that allowed owners to move the unit anywhere in the home.

1983
U-Line develops the first and only 12-volt DC ice maker for marine and RV applications.

1985
U-Line is the first U.S. appliance manufacturer to produce an undercounter wine refrigerator for residential wine storage. The Wine Captain® features three temperature zones within the same cabinet to offer proper storage conditions for different varieties of wine.

1987
U-Line develops and patents the industry's first solid state ice maker. Display lights and sound tones alert users when defrosting and other maintenance functions are required.

1989
U-Line continues its theme of improvement and modernization by redesigning its entire product line with an international look. The new designs were conscious of aesthetic value, yet still featured the latest technology, making the products more contemporary and desirable for residential use.

1991
U-Line develops frost-free freezer technology in undercounter refrigeration.

1993
U-Line was the first North American appliance manufacturer to eliminate chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from its foam insulation - more than two years ahead of the scheduled federal government mandate. The company’s 15-inch model family is introduced.

1998
U-Line designs and develops the CLR60 clear ice maker, the most innovative and technologically advanced residential and light commercial ice maker on the market, producing more than 60 pounds of clear ice cubes per day.

2001
U-Line redefines the built-in undercounter refrigeration market with its introduction of the Échelon Series, a diverse collection of luxury ice makers, Combo® Model ice maker/refrigerators, Wine Captain® Model wine storage units, refrigerators and refrigerator/freezers.

2002
U-Line’s introduces the Wine Captain® Full Overlay Frame edition, allowing the Échelon Wine Captain® Model to be fully integrated with custom cabinetry.

2003
U-Line premiers its Échelon Refrigerator Drawer, taking life, home and style to a new level of organization. The company also brings the market the luxury of clear ice and refrigeration behind one door with the addition of the Échelon Clear Combo® Model.

2004
U-Line adds its Combo® Drawer ice maker/refrigerator/freezer and exclusive Wine Captain® Drawer wine storage unit to the Échelon line and introduces the Origins Beverage Center.

2006
U-Line introduces new design and performance innovations that feature refined styling and advanced digital technology to offer the most distinctive undercounter products available in both the Échelon and Origins Series.

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  • U-Line Milestones