Legacy Companies acquires Addison's Blakeslee Co.

The Legacy Companies, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a leading manufacturer and exporter of commercial foodservice equipment, retail appliances and kitchen utensils, has acquired Chicago-based Blakeslee commercial dishwashing/preparation equipment company that began in 1880. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Since their founding, Blakeslee has become a leader in the commercial dishwashing and preparation equipment industry in the U.S and around the world, which complements our acquisition approach to developing and growing these excellent U.S. companies by expanding market share and product mix. Blakeslee's long legacy says a lot about the pride in the quality of the equipment it sells to foodservice operators,” said Neal Asbury, CEO of The Legacy Companies, whose company exports to more than 100 countries.

The Legacy Companies is no stranger to acquiring successful U.S. foodservice companies, having acquired Omega Products (juicers, blenders and food processors); General Slicing (slicers, mixers and cooking equipment); Maxximum (refrigeration and ice machines); and Zeroll (ice cream scoops, dishers and kitchen utensils).

It's hard to believe that prior to 1880, all dishes in restaurants and road houses were washed by hand, so dish washers everywhere celebrated when Blakeslee came out with the first ever automatic model.

Even though Blakeslee is 125 years old, it never stopped innovating, and in 1965 developed the first and only under slung conveyor on a Flight-Type Machine; the only modular tank system for both Rack and Flight-Type machines; and the only low profile Rack and Flight-Type machines available. Blakeslee's modular tank system revolutionized the entire commercial dishwasher industry. Now standard size Pre-Wash, Wash and Rinse Modules can be manufactured in advance.

“We're proud to have Blakeslee join The Legacy Companies family of leading commercial foodservice brands,” added Asbury.