Manitowoc Ice, Inc. entered the foodservice market in the mid 1960's by purchasing the name and manufacturing rights to the Kodiak brand ice machine. By that time, Manitowoc had already developed considerable refrigeration technology as a manufacturer of residential refrigerators/freezers. In 1968, it patented a breakthrough evaporator that catapulted it to a dominant position in the US ice-making industry. Manitowoc Ice, Inc. is now America's #1 selling brand of ice cube machine. Manitowoc also produces ice storage bins and ice-machine accessories. The company is also a significant competitor in the market for commercial reach-in refrigerators and freezers. Product technology and innovation have been major factors in Manitowoc's leadership position in the ice machine industry. Manitowoc was the first to offer two and three year product warranties; first to convert to alternative refrigerants; first to develop an automatic cleaning system; and first ice machine manufacturer to be ISO Certified. International growth is also significant. Manitowoc has a wholly owned manufacturing operation in China. Manitowoc ice machines are manufactured in modern, fully-equipped facilities encompassing 360,000 square feet located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.