In 1947, Norlake was founded in the garage of a creamery in Hudson, Wisconsin (located just east of St. Paul and Minneapolis). In the beginning, the company designed bar and restaurant refrigeration products and some of its first products are still in use today.

One of their original products was ice cube makers. Over time, they expanded operations to include a large variety of foodservice refrigeration products, and, in 1982, they created a separate Scientific Division.

Through the years, Norlake remained a family-owned business until 2003 when it became part of the Standex Foodservice Equipment Group. In 2020 Ten Oaks Group acquired the company and, along with Master-Bilt, formed Refrigerated Solutions Group.

Norlake, Inc. has grown to be a leader in designing and manufacturing quality refrigeration products and has earned one of the most respected names in the refrigeration industry.