Perlick refrigeration is made by Perlick Corporation, a fifth generation family owned company headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The brand is known for commercial bar and beverage equipment along with premium residential refrigeration, built on more than a century of brewing industry expertise.
Perlick was founded in 1917 by Robert K. Perlick and has remained in the family for five generations, now guided by a Family Council alongside its leadership team.
Knowing that Perlick has stayed family owned for more than 100 years helps buyers understand the brand’s deep roots in beverage dispensing and refrigeration craftsmanship.
This article covers who owns Perlick, where its products are made, what the brand offers, and answers to common questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Perlick Refrigeration?
Perlick Corporation traces back to 1917, when Robert K. Perlick opened R. Perlick Brass Works in Milwaukee’s Third Ward, producing brass parts for automobiles, trucks, and streetcars.
Prohibition pushed the company toward brewing industry products, and by the 1930s Perlick had become a leading supplier of beer dispensing equipment to Milwaukee’s bars and breweries.
The company remains locally owned and family operated, with the fifth generation of the Perlick family now in leadership roles.
Where Is Perlick Refrigeration Made?
Perlick manufactures its products at a 300,000 square foot facility on Milwaukee’s northwest side, located near homes and the Milwaukee River.
The company moved to its present headquarters and manufacturing facility on Good Hope Road in the 1960s, under the leadership of the third generation, Robert D. and Gordon Perlick.
Perlick has remained committed to keeping its talent and manufacturing in America, in the same Milwaukee community where the company started in 1917.
What Products Does Perlick Make?
Perlick began in commercial bar and beverage equipment, pioneering the first remote beer system capable of transporting cold beer 100 feet and beyond.
In 2000, Perlick debuted premium residential refrigeration for the home, a line that earned three consecutive Platinum Awards for Design Excellence from Design Journal starting in 2005.
Today Perlick’s residential lineup includes undercounter refrigerators, wine and beverage centers, and beer dispensing systems for home bars.
Perlick vs Marvel: Which Refrigeration Brand Should You Choose?
Perlick and Marvel are both long established American refrigeration companies, but they differ in ownership structure.
Perlick remains independently family owned in Milwaukee through its fifth generation, while Marvel has operated under The Middleby Corporation’s Composition Brands portfolio since being acquired by Middleby.
Buyers who value a single family owned manufacturer with deep brewing industry roots often choose Perlick, while those wanting a brand backed by a larger multi-brand kitchen equipment company may lean toward Marvel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perlick Refrigeration
Is Perlick a family owned company?
Yes, Perlick Corporation is a fifth generation family owned business that has remained locally owned in Milwaukee since 1917.
Where is Perlick manufactured?
Perlick products are manufactured at a 300,000 square foot facility on Milwaukee’s northwest side, near the Milwaukee River.
When did Perlick start making residential refrigeration?
Perlick debuted its premium residential refrigeration line in 2000, after decades of focusing on commercial bar and beverage equipment.
What was Perlick’s original business?
Perlick began in 1917 as R. Perlick Brass Works, producing brass parts for the automobile, truck, and streetcar industries before pivoting to beverage dispensing.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.