Two Industry Leaders Unite: Zamboni Company Acquires Jet Ice Limited

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January 8th, 2024 – 11:00 a.m. PST

For decades, Zamboni and Jet Ice have worked closely together, collaborating on industry events and education seminars to foster the development of best practices supporting the continued growth of the ice arena business. Today, the companies are announcing the acquisition of Jet Ice by the Zamboni Company. The Jet Ice team will continue to manage its operations and support customers through its current distribution network from its Bradford, Ontario corporate headquarters and Saskatchewan distribution facility.

Since its founding in 1979 by Doug Moore, then the Chief Engineer of Maple Leaf Gardens, Jet Ice has brought continuous innovation to the ice making process. Its range of products and services includes ice paints, ice painting services and products, custom in-ice logos, and water treatment systems. In 1996, Doug’s daughter Deborah Wilcock stepped in as his successor, and she has continued to build upon Doug’s vision, while successfully growing the company.

Jet Ice is respected by elite ice technicians and ice sports associations for their commitment to training and providing service and support to facilities of all sizes. The company’s reputation for high quality products and exceptional service has earned the loyalty of premier ice sports groups including the National Hockey League, Hockey Canada, Curling Canada, USA Curling, World Curling and the Winter Olympic Games.

As the industry leader in ice resurfacing machines and related equipment, the Zamboni Company celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024. Continuing its tradition of innovation, the company introduced the first IoT system for ice resurfacers; produced the first OEM lithium-ion powered models of ice resurfacers; and most recently, introduced the Model ZX5 with a long list of features to ensure better ice quality and enhanced operator and service functionality.

The unification of Jet Ice and Zamboni combines the company that “Brings Ice to Life” with the world’s leading manufacturer of ice resurfacing products, benefiting arena owners and operators with a collective 120 years of industry leadership.

 

For more information, contact:
info@zamboni.com
info@jetice.com

Zamboni and Pininfarina unveil the new ZX5 at FSB 2023

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The new addition to the fleet embodies a revolutionary approach to ice resurfacing, merging unparalleled design with functional excellence

Cologne, Germany—October 24th, 2023, Zamboni and Pininfarina are thrilled to unveil the cutting-edge ZX5, the newest addition to Zamboni’s fleet, at the FSB 2023 Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany. The ZX5 embodies a revolutionary approach to ice resurfacing, merging unparalleled design with functional excellence.

In an exclusive collaboration, the design minds at Pininfarina and Zamboni have seamlessly integrated the essence of the Zamboni brand with a new aesthetic. The end product showcases Pininfarina’s iconic design principles of Elegance, Innovation, and Purity, while staying true to Zamboni’s legacy.

Two companies sharing a long-lasting legacy of continuous innovation have this way joined forces to create the first Zamboni model designed by a third-party house. What resulted was familiar, yet decisively new. A design that pays tribute to the iconic styling of the 500 Series machine models, while communicating at the same time a sense of advancement and innovation.

The ZX5 stands out with its harmonious blend of the machine’s interior and exterior elements, ensuring operators engage with their environment efficiently. Dynamic contours coupled with advanced features amplify the machine’s modern appeal, while practical configurations make it an industry frontrunner.

The initial production will be all-electric, using lithium-ion power and offering precision electronic controls that are suited to any facility and any operator, regardless of their level of experience. The new tech will seamlessly reduce the inconsistency between operators and ensure savings in time, labor, water, and other valuable resources. New optional features, including the on-board edger and quick blade change system, ensure that the machine is designed to produce the best sheet of ice possible while improving safety.

In addition to this, there are significant internal improvements, such as a redesigned drive train and hydraulic system to maximize efficiency. The interior of the machine is thoughtfully designed to simplify maintenance.

Frank J. Zamboni, the visionary behind the Zamboni brand, himself had strong Italian roots, with his family having emigrated from Italy. In 1949, he unveiled the world’s first ice resurfacing machine, setting the stage for a legacy of innovation that now extends to the ZX5.

“We are honored to partner with Zamboni, a family brand with a strong heritage focused on relentless innovation that has become synonymous with its own product category. Our shared vision has led to the birth of the ZX5, a pure representation of Zamboni’s DNA projected to the future thanks to this innovative and intuitive design,” remarked Paolo Trevisan, VP of Design for Pininfarina of America.

“When we set out to design the next generation of our 500 series ice resurfacer, we knew that it would be imperative for the visual impression of the machine to communicate the magnitude of this step forward in technology and innovation,” stated Michael Zamboni, Engineering Product Development Manager for the Zamboni Company. “Partnering with Pininfarina was the natural choice given the company’s unmatched design expertise, and this collaboration led to unprecedented synergies between functional enhancements and design excellence.”

The ZX5 is a testament to the extraordinary potential that emerges when two historic brands converge in pursuit of perfection. It is not merely a resurfacer; it is an embodiment of Italian excellence, meticulously crafted to set new standards in the world of ice maintenance.

As the ZX5 makes its grand debut at FSB 2023, it signals the dawn of a new era in ice resurfacing—one that honors tradition while embracing innovation, and one that brings the extraordinary collaboration between Pininfarina and Zamboni to life on rinks around the world.

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ABOUT ZAMBONI
The Zamboni Company is the industry leader in ice resurfacing equipment. The company was founded by Frank J. Zamboni in 1949 in Paramount, California and currently has operations in the US, Canada, and Sweden. As a tireless inventor and resourceful businessman, Frank introduced the world’s first ice resurfacing machine to improve the efficiency of ice rink maintenance. Frank’s invention soon found favor with ice rink operators as an indispensable piece of equipment and the Zamboni Company began selling machines to meet global demand.

Zamboni has a legacy of innovation, reliability and quality with an extensive product portfolio to suit the needs of any ice rink operation. Zamboni ice resurfacers are the product of choice for arena owners and operators around the world.

https://zamboni.com/

ABOUT PININFARINA
Global icon of Italian style, with offices in Italy, United States, China and Germany, Pininfarina is recognized for its unparalleled ability to create timeless beauty through its values of elegance, purity, and innovation. Founded in 1930, Pininfarina has evolved from an artisan concern to an international service Group, supreme expression of automotive styling and an established reality in industrial and experience design, architecture, nautical and mobility beyond automotive. Over the course of nine decades Pininfarina has designed more than 1,300 automotive and mobility projects and more than 650 product and architecture projects, receiving more than 70 international design awards in past 10 year.

Starting in 2021, for three years in a row, Pininfarina of America’s design studio has been certified among the top Great Place to Work in the United States, where it counts offices in Miami and New York City.

https://pininfarina.it/en/

Zamboni Showcase – March 17, 2022

The event for ice rink industry professionals!

March 17th from 8 am to 12 pm.
The Plex, Saugeen Shores, Ontario, Canada
Learn more about Lithium-ion Zamboni Machines

Limited Space Available, So Register Now!

 

Product Demonstrations, On-Ice “Test Drive” Opportunities and Q & A:

  • Zamboni Model 450 Electric Lithium-ion
  • Blade Changing Assistant
  • EZIII™ Electric Edger

Talk With Industry Experts and Learn More About:

  • Lithium-ion Battery Technology
  • Zamboni Connect System Tour
  • Energy Efficiencies, Reduced Consumption of Resources and Financial Savings
  • Service Maintenance Program
  • Machine/Product Options Demonstrations

Scheduled to Present (Some Guests May Attend Virtually):

  • Marty Elliott from Zamboni Sales
  • Zamboni Engineering
  • Canoe Procurement Group of Canada

Schedule

 8:00 – 9:00 – Welcome; coffee + pastries
 9:00 – 10:00 – Lithium-ion intro and overview
10:00 – 10:15 – Break
10:30 -12:00 – Guests can Operate the Zamboni Model 450 Electric Lithium-ion
12:00 – Lunch

One lucky attendee will win a Zamboni rolling cooler!

Please Note
It is free to enter the drawing for a free Zamboni Cooler, no purchase is necessary. Participants must be present at the time of drawing to win.
Event Safety Measures
Regional Health Unit (RHU), proof of vaccination is required to access this event. You must be fully vaccinated in order to attend. Masks are required for everyone.
Notice of Filming and Photography
When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.

Location

Name(Required)
Facility Address
RSVP(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Water Level Sight Gauge

The water level sight gauge allows operators a very simple and visual way to monitor ice making water during resurfacing. A small neon float is clearly visible from the operator’s seat to provide a reference to the current water capacity, preventing an empty tank from becoming a show-stopper. 

Joystick and Touchscreen Control

Operators can monitor and control operations and performance using the on-dash digital display screen. Preset speed options are tailor-made for ice maintenance, ice hockey and bandy.

Zamboni Showcase Nov 24 2021

The event for ice rink industry professionals!

November 24th from 8 am to 12 pm.
Healthy Planet Arena, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Learn more about Lithium-ion Zamboni Machines
Limited Space Available, So Register Now!

Product Demonstrations, On-Ice “Test Drive” Opportunities and Q & A:

  • Zamboni Model 552AC Electric Lithium-ion
  • Blade Changing Assistant
  • EZIII™ Electric Edger

Talk With Industry Experts and Learn More About:

  • Lithium-ion Battery Technology
  • Zamboni Connect System Tour
  • Energy Efficiencies, Reduced Consumption of Resources and Financial Savings
  • Service Maintenance Program
  • Machine/Product Options Demonstrations

Scheduled to Present (Some Guests May Attend Virtually):

  • Marty Elliott from Zamboni Sales
  • Zamboni Engineering
  • Canoe Procurement Group of Canada

Schedule

 8:00 – 9:00 – Welcome; coffee + pastries
 9:00 – 10:00 – Lithium-ion intro and overview
10:00 – 10:15 – Break
10:30 -12:00 – Guests can Operate the Zamboni Model 450 Electric Lithium-ion
12:00 – Lunch

One lucky attendee will win a Zamboni rolling cooler!

Please Note
It is free to enter the drawing for a free Zamboni Cooler, no purchase is necessary. Participants must be present at the time of drawing to win.
Event Safety Measures
Regional Health Unit (RHU), proof of vaccination is required to access this event. You must be fully vaccinated in order to attend. Masks are required for everyone. You are required to scan a QR code or visit peterborough.ca/screening to complete a mandatory self screening before entering City of Peterborough facility.
Notice of Filming and Photography
When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.

Location

Name(Required)
Facility Address
RSVP(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Zamboni Showcase Nov 18 2021

The event for ice rink industry professionals!

November 18th from 8 am to 12 pm.
Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex, Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Learn more about Lithium-ion Zamboni Machines
Limited Space Available, So Register Now!

Product Demonstrations, On-Ice “Test Drive” Opportunities and Q & A:

  • Zamboni Model 552AC Electric Lithium-ion
  • Blade Changing Assistant
  • EZIII™ Electric Edger

Talk With Industry Experts and Learn More About:

  • Lithium-ion Battery Technology
  • Zamboni Connect System Tour
  • Energy Efficiencies, Reduced Consumption of Resources and Financial Savings
  • Service Maintenance Program
  • Machine/Product Options Demonstrations

Scheduled to Present (Some Guests May Attend Virtually):

  • Marty Elliott from Zamboni Sales
  • Zamboni Engineering
  • Canoe Procurement Group of Canada

Schedule

 8:00 – 9:00 – Welcome; coffee + pastries
 9:00 – 10:00 – Lithium-ion intro and overview
10:00 – 10:15 – Break
10:30 -12:00 – Guests can Operate the Zamboni Model 450 Electric Lithium-ion
12:00 – Lunch

One lucky attendee will win a Zamboni rolling cooler!

Please Note
It is free to enter the drawing for a free Zamboni Cooler, no purchase is necessary. Participants must be present at the time of drawing to win.
Event Safety Measures
Regional Health Unit (RHU), proof of vaccination is required to access this event. You must be fully vaccinated in order to attend. Masks are required for everyone.
Notice of Filming and Photography
When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.

Location

Name(Required)
Facility Address
RSVP(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Zamboni Showcase Nov 17 2021

The event for ice rink industry professionals!

November 17th from 8 am to 12 pm.
The Plex, Saugeen Shores, Ontario, Canada
Learn more about Lithium-ion Zamboni Machines

Limited Space Available, So Register Now!

 

Product Demonstrations, On-Ice “Test Drive” Opportunities and Q & A:

  • Zamboni Model 450 Electric Lithium-ion
  • Blade Changing Assistant
  • EZIII™ Electric Edger

Talk With Industry Experts and Learn More About:

  • Lithium-ion Battery Technology
  • Zamboni Connect System Tour
  • Energy Efficiencies, Reduced Consumption of Resources and Financial Savings
  • Service Maintenance Program
  • Machine/Product Options Demonstrations

Scheduled to Present (Some Guests May Attend Virtually):

  • Marty Elliott from Zamboni Sales
  • Zamboni Engineering
  • Canoe Procurement Group of Canada

Schedule

 8:00 – 9:00 – Welcome; coffee + pastries
 9:00 – 10:00 – Lithium-ion intro and overview
10:00 – 10:15 – Break
10:30 -12:00 – Guests can Operate the Zamboni Model 450 Electric Lithium-ion
12:00 – Lunch

One lucky attendee will win a Zamboni rolling cooler!

Please Note
It is free to enter the drawing for a free Zamboni Cooler, no purchase is necessary. Participants must be present at the time of drawing to win.
Event Safety Measures
Regional Health Unit (RHU), proof of vaccination is required to access this event. You must be fully vaccinated in order to attend. Masks are required for everyone.
Notice of Filming and Photography
When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.

Location

Name(Required)
Facility Address
RSVP(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Ice-Making Innovations Combine For Savings of Time, Labor, Energy and Water

Our continuing innovation: Lithium-ion battery technology, FastICE®, Zamboni Connect, Level-Ice® and more means facilities can have ice quality only previously accessible to world-class or “league-level” venues.

Take it from these Big League ice makers who have embraced our Options for Sustainability. Their Zamboni machines have the innovative tech that improves efficiency and consistency between operators, saving money, time and valuable resources.

FastICE®
Ice Making System

Create superior ice with an accurate and automated high pressure fine mist water application, resulting in significant savings of time and energy.

icon water drops

Save Time and Resources
Less gases trapped in the ice minimizes the need for temperature adjustments. Build ice faster at higher temperatures. Use significantly less water.

icon superior ice surface

Superior Ice Surface
Precision spray nozzles deliver a pressurized mist of fine droplets for exceptionally accurate control of water distribution at any speed. Less snow pickup and disposal.

icon digital console

Digital Console
Live data for spray volume, ground speed, water flow and application rate scaling, water pressure/ temperature and total water used. Output to USB for reporting.

Drive to Net Zero – FASTICE® ICE MAKING SYSTEM
The continued innovation of this product has resulted in ice quality that had only previously been experienced in world-class or “league-level” venues. FastICE creates the ice surface with a computer controlled high pressure pump for an even and accurate fine mist water application. The smooth and consistent application freezes and bonds quickly and evenly with the existing surface, dramatically improving the quality of the ice.
Read the whitepaper.

Level-Ice®
Laser Leveling System

Automated precision blade control provides consistently level ice and significant savings of energy, water and time.

icon savings

Efficiencies Deliver Savings
Reduced wear on the ice resurfacer and extended blade life. Significant savings from reduced energy and water consumption, less labor, and more ice time to sell.

icon exceptional accuracy

Exceptional Accuracy
Laser and receiver units work together to provide an accurate reference point to within a half millimeter, allowing the ice to be built to an even and optimal height and dramatically reducing ice maintenance needs.

icon auto blade adjustment

Automatic Blade Adjustment
Programmed settings maintain a minimum and maximum cut standard which can be controlled by one user, allowing a consistent resurfacing from the entire ice maintenance team.

Drive to Net Zero – Laser Leveling System, Level-Ice
Laser technology has been available to arena operators for nearly two decades and word has spread regarding the benefits of using laser leveling to improve the quality of the ice surface, as well as controlling costs and the consumption of resources.
Read the whitepaper.

Lithium-ion
Model 552AC / Model 450 / Model 612

Lithium-ion powered resurfacers provide cost savings and meet the green goals that will help to ensure ice sports are sustainable for future generations.

icon ice surface size

Ideally Suited for Rink Industry Use
the quick charge time of Lithium-ion affords operators a fast return to the ice with maximum capacity, supporting busy arena schedules and with no overnight downtime

icon-battery-bms-smart-charge

BMS Smart Charge
no worry of over-charging or monitoring charger performance as the battery management system monitors and optimizes health and longevity of the system

Drive to Net Zero – Lithium-ion as a Powerful Tool for Sustainability and Savings
Maybe your facility is considering switching from fuel to electric. Lead acid battery powered electric equipment is a solid choice and you may be confident that it is right for your arena. There is a lot of interest in lithium-ion, but it’s new so is it right for your next ice resurfacer?
Read the whitepaper.

Zamboni Connect

Monitor consumption and optimize performance with predictive insight and resource management.

icon ice making water

Resource Management
Monitor and evaluate detailed results of your fuel / electric / water consumption for opportunities to conserve resources and money. Fleet managers can compare group data to identify potential savings.

icon-customized_reporting

Customized Reporting
Use a wide variety of data points to develop custom spreadsheets and reports suited to your facility’s needs. Identify trends in consumption and performance to forecast maintenance and service needs.

icon-constant_access

Constant Access
Zamboni Connect is accessible on demand around the clock on web and mobile (iOS and Android).

Zamboni Connect – Harness the Power of Intelligence Onboard Your Machine
The ice business is notoriously difficult with high costs related to equipment maintenance and utilities being an ever-present challenge. The ability to monitor energy and water consumption and other variables during resurfacing provides a new vantage point to save valuable resources and improve your bottom line.
Watch the Video

Hear how others have leveraged FastICE, Level-Ice, and Lithium-ion machines to improve their facilities.

 

 

 

FastICE Testimonials

Because you’re using the spray system and you’re only putting a certain amount of water down and not overflooding the rink. By not having that water sit on the surface while it’s setting up you’re able to make a lot harder sheet of ice and we’ve definitely noticed that.

Ryan Gowan
Operations Manager, The Sports Centre at Western Fair District
London, Ontario, Canada

My favorite part about the FastICE system is having access to the data. From there I can see at what PSI the water is being put out, what the flow percentage is, and it’s very convenient to be able to see what the machine is doing.

Cole Butler
Zamboni Machine Operator
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

Level-Ice Testimonials

While working on budgets, I was able to gather information demonstrating our labor savings of $13,000.00 a year. With a number of new efficiencies in the building, we will drastically reduce the heat load on our slab as well as the load on our dehumidification and HVAC systems.

Ryan Shaffer
Recreation Director, White Township Public Parks, S&T Bank Arena

Our biggest game-changer is the maintenance time. We aren't edging corners down. We're not doing that hard grinding on the machines. We edge once a day and our ice is perfectly flat.

Brandon Radeke
Director of Ice Operations Pittsburgh Penguins

One of the biggest game changers in our building is how level our ice is. I still do ice maintenance, but this is a fast facility so it’s a big game changer for me. Level-Ice helps me keep it in the parameters we need for an OHL game.

Dillon Learn
Chief Engineer and Special Projects Manager
Budweiser Gardens, Ontario, Canada

Why do I have Level-Ice? As a facility manager looking to find ways to raise the bar, reduce expenses, to create more energy efficiencies throughout the building and the operation, that is one thing that I have put a lot of research into. It was a no-brainer at the end of the day. When you do the cost analysis on it and the savings that we were looking at, it was less than a two year payback.

Justin Fidler
Community Services Operations Manager
Middlesex Centre