50 Years with Manitowoc Ice
In 2024, Manitowoc Ice celebrated an incredible milestone, 60 years of innovation in ice-making technology. For AJ Baker & Sons, the celebrations carried even more meaning, this year we are proud to celebrate 50 years in partnership with Manitowoc Ice.
To mark the occasion, we chose 24 June 2026 as our official anniversary date. It was on this day in 1976 that AJ Baker & Sons placed its very first order with Manitowoc Ice.
As part of the celebrations, Peter Baker spent time digging through our company archives and uncovered the original handwritten ledger recording that first sale. The records show the very first Manitowoc ice machine supplied by AJ Baker & Sons was delivered to the Shepards Hotel in Geraldton, Western Australia, now known as the Ocean Centre Hotel.
It’s a special reminder of how long both businesses have been supporting Australian hospitality, foodservice and commercial refrigeration industries together.
Manitowoc Ice has long been recognised as one of the world’s leading ice machine manufacturers. Since its founding in 1964, the company has helped shape the global ice industry through innovation and engineering. One of its most important developments came in 1966, when Manitowoc patented the vertical evaporator, a breakthrough that revolutionised commercial ice production by improving efficiency and simplifying operation.
AJ Baker & Sons’ partnership with Manitowoc Ice began in Western Australia has since grown into a nationwide relationship supporting businesses across Australia. From hotels and pubs through to hospitals, mining camps, supermarkets and restaurants, Manitowoc ice machines have become a trusted part of countless operations around the country.
Today, AJ Baker & Sons remains a national importer of Manitowoc Ice machines and dispensers across Australia, providing supply, installation, service and ongoing support nationwide.
The partnership has grown alongside both companies, built on shared values of innovation, reliability and long-term customer support. While technology has evolved dramatically since that first order in 1976, the commitment to quality products and strong customer relationships has remained the same.
As we celebrate 50 years working alongside Manitowoc Ice, we look forward to continuing the partnership well into the future.
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