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History of Frigidaire

The first electric refrigerator was offered for sale in 1913. In 1915, Alfred Mellowes designed a new version of the original unit and in 1916 the Guardian Frigerator Company was organized to manufacture Mellowes' refrigerator. General Motors saw the potential of this company and purchased it in 1918 and gave it the name Frigidaire. Mass production techniques were applied, production facilities were improved and additional sales offices were opened. It was then that Frigidaire took off as a company. Along the way, it has recorded quite a few "firsts" and contributed immensely to the industry as a whole.

Among the milestones:

1921 One-piece metal lining "Hydrolene" that sealed the cork insulation
1924 Began to manufacture ice cream cabinets
1926 The first all-steel refrigerator cabinet
1927 The first porcelain-on-steel refrigerator exterior
1929 The first home food freezer (chest type)
The first self-contained room air conditioner
Frigidaire builds its one-millionth refrigerator! International sales begin
1930 The first "Hydrator", a humidity drawer for fruits and vegetables
1931 The first use of freon as a refrigerant
1933 The "Meter Miser", the first sealed, self-oiling rotary compressor unit
1937 The first "Quickube" aluminum ice tray with a built-in cube release
Frigidaire begins its electric range line with an all-porcelain enamel interior and exterior, as well as fiberglass insulation around the oven itself
1938 The first air-cooled, window-type air conditioner
1947 Laundry product line added
The Frigidaire washer has a vertical pump agitator and spin dry speed of 1,000 rpms
1948 The first refrigerator-freezer combination with completely separate freezer section
1950 The first compact 30" electric range
1952 The first automatic defrosting of the refrigerator compartment "Cycla-Matic"
The first built-in automatic lint removal system in an automatic washer
1954 First color-matched appliances offered by Frigidaire
1955 "Ice Ejector", a storage bin with built-in cube release is introduced
1958 "Frigi-Foam" insulation allowed for the first Frost-Proof refrigerator-freezer
The first automatic soak cycle
Pull 'N Clean oven pulls out for stand-up cleaning
Frigidaire builds its 50 millionth product!
1964 The jet action washer with roller-matic mechanism - not belts, pulleys or gears
1965 The first automatic ice maker which delivers cubes to the ice saver on door
1969 Molded "agi-tub" introduced, a combination spin tub and agitator
First use of polypropylene in a washer tub
1970 The first laundry center with washer and dryer
1974 Ice, juice and water through the door introduced on top mount refrigerator
1975 The first charcoal refrigerator deodorizer
1979 White Consolidated Industries (WCI) purchases Frigidaire from General Motors
1986 WCI purchased by AB Electrolux of Sweden
1996 All U.S. manufacturing facilities are ISO9000 certified
1997 The revolutionary Gallery Tumble Action washer is designed with quieter operation and saves energy and water
1998 Introduced the PureSource Ice & Water Filtration System in side-by-side refrigerators
1999 Frigidaire's freezer factory produces 70 percent of freezers manufactured in the United States
2001 Introduced the Next Generation line of refrigerators
2004 Introduced 60cm counter depth refrigerators with exclusive Precision Air Filtration and Easy Care Real Stainless Steel
2005 The Prestige Pair, all refrigerator and upright freezer, becomes a kitchen centerpiece with 946-liters / 34 cu.ft. of fresh and frozen food storage
2005 Introduced the new color Silver Mist with the look of stainless steel
2006 Introduced the industry's first frost-free chest freezer

 

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