75 Anniversary

Russell - 75 years innovations for a brighter future

75 years & Counting

What began in 1946 as Russell Coil Co., manufacturing coils for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, has grown into a premiere brand of award-winning commercial refrigeration equipment.

Many of those early models are still working today. Check out the Russell Vintage Models Contest page for the winning entries and view the old models.

We want to thank our partners, sales representatives, and customers for their business all these years and for making Russell a trusted brand. We truly appreciate and value the partnership.

Join us in celebrating 75 years of innovation. Take time to Look Back at where we started, how far we’ve come and where we are heading.

Our History

What began in 1946 as Russell Coil Co., manufacturing coils for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, has grown 75 years later into a premiere brand of award-winning commercial refrigeration equipment. View the history and milestones in the timeline below…

1946
Lewis Russell, started the Russell Coil Co in Santa Fe Springs, CA in 1946.

Russell Coil Co. Founder, Lewis Russell, started the company in Santa Fe Springs, CA

1947

Lewis Russell develops the first machine to allow variable fin spacing on a coil.

1948
All-Temp50s product only

The All-Temp Low Profile Unit Cooler line is created and quickly becomes an industry standard. Updated All-Temp “B” model released in 1950.

1965
air condenser 65 RAC model

Russell introduces Air Handling Units; Air Cooled Condensers (Belt-Driven Vertical Discharge – BDVD, Belt-driven Horizontal Discharge – BDHD and Direct Drive – RAC models); and several new unit coolers (2-Way, Panel, Standard, and Wedge) to add to their growing product portfolio.

1967
 

ARDCO Glass acquires Russell Coil Co.

louvered cooler 67

Introduces several new unit cooler models to add to the product portfolio (W,X,Y,Z Models, Low Velocity, Ceiling, Corner Ceiling, Two-Way Ceiling, Reach-in Freezer ERF Models, Low Temperature Water Defrost, Hot Defrost, and Louvered Coolers).

1971
Brea office color

Russell moves to 60,000 sq. ft. facility in Brea, CA.

1980
RussCon image 83

Russell expands product line to include compressorized units with the release of the RussCon and Russ E-Con condensing units.

1983
RussMetic 83 image

Introduces several unit cooler models for warehouse applications including the Ultra-Temp and M-Line High Powered Industrial Unit Coolers; launches Eye-Beam Automatic Demand Defrost Control; RussMetic Outdoor Condensing Units, Mini RC Condensing Units; and air cooled condensers and air cooled fluid coolers.

1984
Russell All-Pak image

The RUSS ALL-PAK™ is launched. It’s an all in one Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating System custom designed for convenience stores and fast food outlets.

1985
 
Yuma Plant Color

Russell expands and opens new 90,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Yuma, AZ.

1987
Multicon TD model 1987

Russell changes its name from “The Russell Coil Company” to “Russell, a division of Ardco.” Introduces MultiCon Air Cooled Condensers.

1989
Evaporative Condenser 1989

Russell launches Fiberglass Evaporative Condensers and DCU Discus Condensing Units.

1990
Centrifugal Condenser HC-Series 1990

Russell increases its product portfolio with the release of the HC Series Centrifugal Air Cooled Condenser, Minicon Air Cooled Condensing Unit, MultiCon Air Cooled Fluid Coolers and MultiCon Computer Room Air Cooled Condensers.

1991
Ripening Room 2 sections 1991

Russell launches Ripening Room Product Coolers, specifically designed for storing and ripening bananas and tomatoes.

1992
RussCon VCU 1992

Russell introduces the Inter-Temp Medium Profile Unit Coolers and RussCon Discus 20 – 80 HP Condensing Units.

1995

Russell launches the C Line Indoor Air Cooled Condensing Units, MW Series Water Cooled Condensing Units, and Sierra™ Hot Gas Defrost Refrigeration System.

1996
 

Russell celebrates 50th Anniversary.

1997

 
Carrier acquires Ardco.

1999
HTPG ariel flyover modified

New 200,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and warehouse facility opened in Scottsboro, AL. Navigator by Russell – Electronic Refrigeration Control launched.

2003
Minicon full grill end large 2002-2003

Russell introduces Minicon R-Series Air Cooled Condensing Units and SAC & SEQ Small Air Cooled Condensers

2010
 

Carrier sells Heat Transfer Products Group (Russell, Witt, Kramer, and ColdZone brands) to Monomy Capital Partners.

2013
 

HTPG is sold to Rheem and joins Rheem’s family of brands as the commercial refrigeration segment of their business. Rheem invests in growing the product portfolio, increasing efficiency and quality in manufacturing, and moving the company towards more energy efficient and innovative solutions.

2015
Russell Next-Gen MiniCon front with shutoff valves-transparent DDA award

Next-Gen MiniCon ½ – 6 HP Air Cooled Condensers are launched. Models win a Silver in the Dealer Design Awards Program sponsored by The Air Conditioning Heating & Refrigeration News magazine.

2016
Russell Quantum Air open side view DDA Award

Quantum Air™ Remote Air Cooled Condensers are introduced. The product is awarded a Gold in the Dealer Design Awards Program.

2017
Russell Next-Gen II front with grill panel door angle

Next-Gen II 3-22 HP Condensing Units and Next-Gen All-Temp Low Profile Unit Coolers are added to the product portfolio.

2018
Russell QV-Series open venturi DDA award

QV-Series 15 to 100 HP Air Cooled Condensing Units™ are launched. The product is awarded a Silver in Dealer Design Awards Program.

EcoNet Enabled Next Gen All-Temp 2 fan unit open EcoNet Command DDA award

HTPG announces the release of the EcoNet® Enabled Unit Coolers and EcoNet® Command Center developed in conjunction with Rheem specifically for commercial refrigeration applications. The product is awarded a Gold in the Dealer Design Awards Program.

2019
Center Mount EcoNet Installed with Command Center DDA Award Web

Center Mount and Low Velocity Center Mount Unit Coolers are launched. Center Mount EcoNet Enabled Unit Coolers are awarded the Silver in the Dealer Design Awards Program.

2020
Slim-Temp ASLA/ASLE Unit Coolers with DDA Award

Several new unit coolers are introduced that are engineered to meet the Department of Energy’s 2020 Annual Walk-in Energy Factor performance regulations: The Medium Profile and Heavy Duty Unit Coolers designed for medium to large walk-in coolers and freezers, and the Slim-Temp ASLA/ASLE Unit Coolers specifically designed for cooling small walk-in coolers and freezers, and display cases. Slim-Temp ASLA/ASLE Unit Coolers are awarded a Bronze in the Dealer Design Awards Program.

Warehouse Unit Coolers designed exclusively for use in walk-in coolers and freezers 3,000 sq. ft and larger are also launched.

2021
 

Russell celebrates 75 years of innovation.

A Look Back

View past product brochures, company brochures, and advertisements from the 1950s to present by clicking on the links below.

Who We Are Today

What began in 1946 as Russell Coil Co., manufacturing coils for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, has grown 75 years later into a premiere brand of award-winning commercial refrigeration equipment.

The company introduced the All-Temp Unit Cooler in 1948, which quickly became the industry’s all-purpose, low profile unit cooler for small to medium walk-in coolers and freezers. It has undergone several redesigns but still remains a top performer today with the Next-Gen All-Temp Low Profile Unit Cooler.

In 1967, Russell Coil Co. was acquired by Ardco Glass Company. Russell became a division of the Heat Transfer Products Group division. The company continued to expand and released numerous new unit coolers, condensers and other commercial refrigeration equipment. Check out the historical timeline for achievements and milestones.

In 1997 and 2010, HTPG and its brands, Russell, Witt, Kramer and ColdZone, went through two additional ownership and management changes. In 2013, HTPG was sold to Rheem and joined Rheem’s family of brands as the commercial refrigeration segment of their business. Rheem invests in growing the product portfolio, increasing efficiency and quality in manufacturing, and moving the company towards more energy-efficient and innovative solutions.

The company continues to create new models designed to increase efficiencies, performance, sustainability, and serviceability. In 2016, HTPG wins its first product design award for the Next-Gen MiniCon ½ to 6 HP Condensing Unit, a Silver in the Dealer Design Award Program sponsored by The Air Conditioning Heating & Refrigeration News magazine. This kicks off six consecutive years of Dealer Design Awards (DDA) wins for product design, performance, application flexibility and service features. Check out the award-winning models and our environmental efforts on our Sustainability webpage.

Awards

  • 2016 Silver DDA Award – Next-Gen Air Cooled Condensing Units
  • 2017 Gold DDA Award – Quantum Air™ Remote Air Cooled Condensers 
  • 2018 Silver DDA award – QV-Series Condensing Units™ 
  • 2019 Gold DDA Award – EcoNet® Enabled Unit Coolers with Command Center
  • 2020 Silver DDA Award – Center Mount EcoNet® Enabled Unit Cooler
  • 2021 Bronze DDA Award – Slim-Temp ASLA/ASLE Unit Cooler

We would not be where we are today if it were not for our partners, sales representatives and customers that have stood by us all these years to make Russell a trusted brand. We are very grateful for your partnership. The passion and dedication of our employees have also brought us to a new level of excellence. We are excited to see where we’ll be in the next 75 years.

Product Brochures

Take a look back to view vintage products, old price lists, and current products. Click on the document image to view.

Advertisements

Take a look at some of the Russell advertising from the 1970s to today by clicking on the document image.

All-Temp Unit Coolers Ad 1976

All-Temp Unit Coolers Ad 1976

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Russell Eye-Beam Automatic Demand Defrost Control System Ad circa 1980s

Russell Eye-Beam Automatic Demand Defrost Control System Ad circa 1980s

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“Russ-E-Con Worth its weight in gold” Prospector Ad circa 1980s

“Russ-E-Con Worth its weight in gold” Prospector Ad circa 1980s

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Russpack Condensing Unit Packages Ad circa 1980s

Russpack Condensing Unit Packages Ad circa 1980s

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Russell System “Convenience is in store for you” Direct Mail Brochure Circa 1980s

Russell System “Convenience is in store for you” Direct Mail Brochure Circa 1980s

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Russell Approach Ad circa 1980s

Russell Approach Ad circa 1980s

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“Can you replace a CFC with an ozone-friendly refrigerant…” Ad 1993

“Can you replace a CFC with an ozone-friendly refrigerant…” Ad 1993

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Coldsaver Ad 1993

Coldsaver Ad 1993

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The Refrigeration Equipment Leader Ad 1983

The Refrigeration Equipment Leader Ad 1983

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Russell Complete Refrigeration Systems Flyer 1993

Russell Complete Refrigeration Systems Flyer 1993

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“We make it easy to get the big heavy ones up there” Ultra-Temp Ad 1994

“We make it easy to get the big heavy ones up there” Ultra-Temp Ad 1994

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R134a, HP-62, AZ-50 Refrigeration Sytems Regional Ad 1995

R134a, HP-62, AZ-50 Refrigeration Sytems Regional Ad 1995

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Sierra Refrigeration Systems “Here’s a real refrigeration advancement…” Ad 1995

Sierra Refrigeration Systems “Here’s a real refrigeration advancement…” Ad 1995

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Sierra Refrigeration Sytems Buy One Get One 2-page Ad 1995

Sierra Refrigeration Sytems Buy One Get One 2-page Ad 1995

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“We’re Saving a Bundle on Refrigeration” Sierra Refrigeration Systems Ad and Article 1998

“We’re Saving a Bundle on Refrigeration” Sierra Refrigeration Systems Ad and Article 1998

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“My Customers are Saving A Bundle” Sierra Refrigeration Systems Ad 1998

“My Customers are Saving A Bundle” Sierra Refrigeration Systems Ad 1998

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High Sierra Systems Flyer 1998

High Sierra Systems Flyer 1998

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Sierra Product launch promotion flyer 1995

Sierra Product launch promotion flyer 1995

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Russell Coil 4-product Ad circa 1995

Russell Coil 4-product Ad circa 1995

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“Ready. Set. Cold” All-Temp & Next-Gen MiniCon Ad 2015

“Ready. Set. Cold” All-Temp & Next-Gen MiniCon Ad 2015

“Ready. Set. Cold” All-Temp & Next-Gen MiniCon Ad 2015

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“Are you ready for Title 24? We are!” Ad 2015 & 2016

“Are you ready for Title 24? We are!” Ad 2015 & 2016

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“Cooling Redefined” Quantum Air Remote Air Cooled Condensers DDA Award Ad 2017 Ad Image

“Cooling Redefined” Quantum Air Remote Air Cooled Condensers DDA Award Ad 2017

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“All-Purpose Cool” Next-Gen All-Temp Low Profile Unit Coolers Ad 2017

“ All-Purpose Cool” Next-Gen All-Temp Low Profile Unit Coolers Ad 2017

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“Walk-In Cool” Next-Gen MiniCon & Next-Gen All-Temp DDA Award Ad  2018

“Walk-In Cool” Next-Gen MiniCon & Next-Gen All-Temp DDA Award Ad 2018

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“Accessible Cooling” QV-Series Condensing Units with DDA Award Ad 2018

“Accessible Cooling” QV-Series Condensing Units with DDA Award Ad 2018

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