Buus Refrigeration

What Buus Refrigeration does

BUUS Refrigeration (BUUS Køleteknik A/S) is a Danish privately held manufacturer of custom-built industrial ice machines and refrigeration equipment, founded in 1958 by Arne Buus in Frøslev, Denmark, and currently led by manager Frank S. Olesen with a staff of approximately 15 employees. The company's product portfolio centers on a proprietary rotating evaporator drum technology that produces flake ice across horizontal (200 kg to 10,000 kg/24h) and vertical (4,500 to 88,000 kg/24h) configurations, with a unique capability to switch between flake and slurry ice production on the same evaporator. The product line spans BUUS Iceflaker horizontal and vertical units, FIP containerized block ice plants, slurry ice generators, water chillers, and process cooling systems, with refrigerant compatibility across HFC, ammonia (NH3), brine/glycol, and CO2. The wholly-owned subsidiary BUUS Ice A/S, established in 2006 after acquiring the Sabroe/Atlas/York V and VD vertical product line, manufactures the vertical machines and spare parts.

Revenue is generated primarily through one-time sales of custom-built equipment priced via quote-based inquiry (no public price list), supplemented by spare parts (shipped same-day express mail if ordered before 12 AM) and worldwide engineering service for repair supervision and system overhauls. Approximately 90% of production is exported, with ice plants installed in more than 30 countries, led by Scandinavian markets, the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Chile, and the USA, and expansion underway into the Middle East, India, Far East, and Africa. Customer segments are primarily the fishing industry (on-board and on-land flake ice for vessel preservation and fish processing), with meat processing, industrial process cooling, and hot-climate construction applications as secondary verticals. Distribution operates through direct enterprise sales (inquiry form, email, phone, Skype), a registered dealer network via the Dealers Hub portal, and direct global engineering service. Certifications include ISO 9001:2015, the Danish Smiley food-safety scheme, KMO, and ISPM-15. The ownership remains founder/family-controlled with no external institutional investors disclosed.

Name

Buus Refrigeration

Legal name

BUUS Køleteknik A/S

Website

https://buus.dk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Buus Refrigeration is a Danish privately held manufacturer, founded 1958, of custom-built flake ice machines, slurry ice generators, and vertical iceflakers serving fishing, meat processing, construction, and industrial customers in more than 30 countries, with 90% of production exported.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Ice Making Equipment

NAICS

Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415)

SIC

Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Refrigeration & Service Industry Machinery (3580)

akta.pro primary industry

Cold Chain & Temperature-Controlled Storage Equipment (IMAHAKAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Refrigeration Components & Controls (Compressors, Valves, Sensors) (IMAHAKAH), Chillers & Cooling Plant Equipment (IMAHAKAE), Ice Machine Installation, Cleaning & Repair (HSAOAJAH)

Keywords

• Industrial ice machines
• Flake ice equipment
• Slurry ice generators
• Marine refrigeration systems
• Process cooling equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Frøslev

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ice Machine Manufacturing and Sales: BUUS manufactures and sells flake ice machines, slurry ice generators, vertical ice machines, block ice plants, water chillers, and processing cooling equipment. Machines range from 200 kg to over 60 tons per 24 hours. Both standard models and fully custom-built solutions are offered.
2. Spare Parts: Spare parts for ice machines are sold and shipped. Spare parts ordered before 12 AM can be shipped by express mail the same day. Spare parts include evaporators, complete flake ice units, shaft seals, bearings, and O-rings.
3. Engineering and Service: BUUS engineers travel worldwide for repairs, system overhauls, and supervision. Service visits are offered alongside repair services for NH3 and other installations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Buus Refrigeration designs, manufactures, and sells custom-built industrial ice-making and refrigeration equipment, including horizontal and vertical flake ice machines, slurry ice generators, block ice plants, water chillers, and process cooling systems. The machines are engineered for fishing vessels, meat processing plants, construction sites in hot climates, and industrial processors, with capacities ranging from 200 kg to over 60 tons of ice per 24 hours. The company also provides spare parts, on-site engineering service, and acts as an authorized dealer of Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps.

Product overview

BUUS Refrigeration is a Danish ice machine factory offering a comprehensive portfolio of refrigeration and ice production systems. The core offering centers on the BUUS Iceflaker technology, available in horizontal and vertical configurations, producing flake ice from 200 kg to over 60 tons per 24 hours. The product range includes: (1) Horizontal Iceflakers (SM, S, A, B series) for 200-10,000 kg/24h capacities with various refrigerant options including HFC/HCFC, ammonia (NH3), brine/glycol, and CO2; (2) Vertical Iceflakers (V & VD series) for 4,500-88,000 kg/24h capacities; (3) FIP Block Ice Machines for producing block ice in 20x20 cm dimensions; (4) Slurry Ice Generators capable of producing both flake and slurry ice from the same evaporator; (5) Water Chillers with outlet temperatures as low as 2°C; (6) Process Cooling Systems for industrial applications; and (7) Marine Refrigeration solutions for fishing vessels. BUUS Ice A/S, a subsidiary, manufactures V and VD vertical ice machines. The company also offers Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps as a complementary product. Approximately 90% of production is exported to over 30 countries worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BUUS Horizontal Iceflakers Horizontal rotating evaporator drum ice maker producing flake ice from 200 kg to 10,000 kg per 24 hours. Available for HFC/HCFC, ammonia (NH3), brine, and CO2 refrigerants. Features a dual sealing system to prevent refrigerant leakage. Used for fishing vessels, meat processing, and construction applications.
• BUUS Vertical Iceflakers (V & VD Series) Vertical rotating evaporator drum ice maker producing 4,500 to 88,000 kg per 24 hours, including V156, V316, V373, V619, VD746, and VD1206 models. Features hot-dip galvanized frame, open design for easy maintenance, and can produce both freshwater and seawater ice. Manufactured by subsidiary BUUS Ice A/S.
• BUUS FIP Block Ice Machines Block ice plant machines that convert various types of ice into 20x20 cm block ice. Available in containerized solutions (FIP-10000-ULT: 10,000 kg/24h; FIP-5000-ULT: 5,000 kg/24h) built into standard insulated 20-foot containers for deployment in hot-climate regions.
• BUUS Slurry Ice Generators Ice machines capable of producing both flake ice and slurry ice on the same evaporator. A simple one-minute adjustment switches between flake ice and 40% slurry ice. Slurry ice units available from 3 tons per day, with capability to make fine slurry ice down to approximately 1% salt content. Ice is formed on the outside of the rotating evaporator, making it insensitive to salt content.
• BUUS Sjapis (Slurry Ice) Machines Slurry ice machines producing approximately 40% more ice than standard flake ice machines. A 1000 kg/24h flake ice machine produces 1,400 kg/24h of pure ice, which when mixed with approximately 70% water yields 4,700 liters of slurry ice per day. Designed for fishing vessels and seafood processing where rapid chilling is required.
• BUUS Water Chillers Industrial water cooling systems with outlet temperatures as low as 2°C. Used in slaughterhouse industry and for cooling applications such as plastic molding machines. The 160 kW water chiller in Oman delivers 7,500 liters of 3°C water per hour at 50°C ambient temperature.
• BUUS Process Cooling Systems Industrial cooling systems for various industries including plastic molding, slaughterhouses, and root crop processing. Features custom solution proposals and process water cooling with recirculation. Used for cooling and freezing meat products with heat recovery.
• BUUS Marine Refrigeration Refrigeration and ice machines specifically designed for fishing vessels and marine applications. Horizontal ice machines (types M, C, D, E, F) with capacities from 200 kg to 10,000 kg/24h, designed for installation on shelter deck or cargo hold. Can be combined with glycol-based fish hold cooling systems.
• BUUS Type O Iceflakers Specially designed iceflakers for fluids with a high content of dry matter. Built according to customer specifications for specialty industrial applications.
• SM Series Iceflakers Smallest iceflaker series including SM200, SM350, SM500, and SM550 models producing 200-550 kg/24h. Available in land and marine versions with stainless steel cabinets, using R404A/R22 refrigerants.
• SC/SD/SE/SF Series Iceflakers (HFC/HCFC) HFC/HCFC iceflakers including SC (800-2000 kg/24h), SD (1000-3500 kg/24h), SE (3000-4500 kg/24h), and SF (5000-10000 kg/24h) models.
• AD/AE/AF Series Iceflakers (Ammonia) NH3/Ammonia iceflakers available in AD (1000-2500 kg/24h), AE (3000-4500 kg/24h), and AF (5000-10000 kg/24h) models. Available for both direct expansion and pump circulation systems.
• BC/BD/BE/BF Series Iceflakers (Brine/Glycol) Brine iceflakers using glycol and Temper secondary refrigerants. BC series (800-1400 kg/24h), BD series (1000-2500 kg/24h), BE series (3000-4500 kg/24h), BF series (5000-10000 kg/24h).
• Mitsubishi Electric Air-to-Air Heat Pumps Air-to-air heat pumps from Mitsubishi Electric offered as a complementary product line under Buus Køleteknik A/S as an authorized dealer. Includes MSZ-FH, MSZ-SF, MSZ-KJ, and MSZ-EF models, delivering full capacity down to -15°C. Complete installation including electrical work typically costs between 15,000 and 22,000 DKK including VAT.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ice plants installed in more than 30 countries worldwide
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Skaginn hfcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBUUS delivers flake ice machines to the Icelandic company Skaginn hf, which produces 'Liquid Ice Systems' (Sjapi/slurry ice systems) of any size. Skaginn integrates BUUS ice machines into their liquid ice solutions for fishing vessels and seafood processing facilities.
• Mitsubishi ElectricminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBUUS Køleteknik A/S is an authorized dealer offering Mitsubishi Electric air-to-air heat pumps. BUUS provides complete installation including electrical work (BUUS is also an authorized electrical installer). Products include MSZ-FH, MSZ-SF, MSZ-KJ, and MSZ-EF models. Complete installation costs typically between 15,000 and 22,000 DKK including VAT.
• Dansk Transfer Tryk A/SminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBUUS developed a special refrigerating plant for printing cylinders for the globally patented 'Cotton Art' textile printing system by Dansk Transfer Tryk A/S. The system uses reactive transfer printing where inks are printed on transfer paper using highly refrigerated printing cylinders.
• JOM Rustfri A/SminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJOM Rustfri A/S supplies stainless steel solutions referenced alongside BUUS Sjapis machines for food cooling applications. JOM provides custom stainless steel tanks and equipment that complement BUUS ice machines in food processing facilities.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• GEA Group: Large industrial refrigeration and processing equipment manufacturer with broad portfolio including chillers and refrigeration components. Overlaps with BUUS on industrial water chillers and process cooling equipment at much larger scale.
• Ice-O-Matic (an Ali Group company): U.S.-headquartered commercial ice machine manufacturer (cube, flake, nugget) within the Ali Group portfolio. Comparable on industrial flake ice but as part of a much broader commercial refrigeration portfolio rather than a marine/specialty focus.

Direct peers

• Hoshizaki America: One of the largest global manufacturers of commercial ice machines (cube, flake, nugget) plus commercial refrigeration. Directly comparable on the industrial flake ice product category BUUS competes in, though at materially larger scale.
• North Star Ice Equipment: Direct competitor that has historically built industrial flake ice and refrigeration equipment for marine and industrial markets. Both companies compete for custom-spec flake ice builds on fishing vessels and processing plants.
• Scotsman Ice Systems: Major commercial and industrial ice machine manufacturer with strong global distribution. Comparable on flake and cube ice product lines serving foodservice, fishing, and processing customers.
• Manitowoc Ice (now part of Ali Group / Welbilt): Long-established industrial and commercial ice machine manufacturer (Indigo, QuietQube, etc.) overlapping with BUUS in flake ice for foodservice and processing, but operating at much larger volume and broader customer base.
• Geneglace (Générateur de Glace): French manufacturer specializing in flake ice and slurry ice machines for fishing, seafood, and food processing — directly overlapping with BUUS's core marine and slurry ice product lines.
• MAJA Food Technology: German manufacturer of industrial ice machines including flake and slurry ice systems, with direct competition to BUUS in meat processing and seafood chilling applications across Europe.

Emerging players

• Skaginn hf: Strategic BUUS partner that integrates BUUS flake ice machines into its 'Liquid Ice Systems' (slurry ice) for fishing vessels and seafood processors. Comparable as an adjacent systems integrator in the same slurry/seafood cold-chain niche.

Regional players

• Perlick Corporation: U.S.-based commercial refrigeration and ice equipment manufacturer. Comparable on commercial ice machines but with primary U.S./North America distribution versus BUUS's European and emerging-market focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/buuskoleteknik
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/buus-refrigeration

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Buus Refrigeration