In 1947, Nor-Lake was founded in the garage of a creamery in Hudson, Wisconsin (located just east of St. Paul and Minneapolis). In the beginning, Nor-Lake designed refrigeration products for bar and restaurant operations and some of its first products are still being used today.

Nor-Lake originally manufactured ice cube makers. Over time, Nor-Lake expanded its operation to include a large variety of foodservice refrigeration products. In 1982, Nor-Lake created a separate Scientific Division.

Nor-Lake has been a consistent leader in refrigeration innovation and design.