Press

  • Spring USA Becomes First Certified Commercial Induction Cooktop Partner Under EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program

    CHICAGO, July 15, 2024 (Newswire.com) – Spring USA, along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announces the first commercial induction cooktops to earn ENERGY STAR® certification. Spring USA’s flagship line of induction ranges, MAX Induction, becomes the nation’s first commercial induction cooktops to be certified within the induction category of the ENERGY STAR Commercial Electric Cooktops program.

    As part of this certification process, each range was tested in a laboratory recognized by the EPA to meet high-performance standards on energy transfer, heat-up response, and energy efficiency. 

    The ENERGY STAR recognition demonstrates that Spring USA is leading the way with efficient foodservice equipment design by targeting energy and emissions within back-of-house and front-of-house operations. Spring USA is the first induction manufacturer to hold this distinction.

    Kristine Holtz, CEO of Spring USA, stated, “As the leader in induction, our products are designed to offer exceptional efficiency and performance that result in cost-savings, safer working conditions by emitting less residual heat, and reduced carbon emissions. We are committed to empowering commercial operators with a proven, energy-efficient option and are honored to have worked closely with the EPA and ENERGY STAR teams to help minimize environmental impact within the foodservice industry.”

    Ann Bailey, Branch Chief for ENERGY STAR Labeled Products at the Environmental Protection Agency, added, “We welcome Spring USA as a new ENERGY STAR partner and commend them on their efforts to achieve ENERGY STAR certification for their commercial grade induction cooktops! The EPA’s ENERGY STAR team is excited to have certified products in this Commercial Electric Cooktop category. Congratulations to Spring USA and welcome to the ENERGY STAR partnership!”

    In addition to being the premier induction partner of the ENERGY STAR Commercial Electric Cooktops program, Spring USA also assisted in the development of the program guidelines and testing protocols, alongside other leading manufacturers in the industry.

    About Spring USA®

    Spring USA, a global leader in the foodservice equipment industry, was first to introduce countertop induction and functional banquet furniture to the United States. Known for its innovation and design of reliable, durable, and beautiful products, Spring USA specializes in induction cooking & warming equipment, induction-ready buffetware & cookware, mobile cooking stations, food protection systems, and custom-built tables with hidden induction and cooling elements. Chosen by industry professionals worldwide, Spring USA’s commitment to quality is unwavering and unmatched. To learn more, visit: springusa.com.

    About ENERGY STAR®

    ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations rely on their partnership with EPA to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. To learn more, visit: energystar.gov.

  • Press Release: Cornerstone Foodservice Group Broadens Equipment Portfolio with Acquisition of Equipex

    Monday, May 20th, 2024, Naperville, Ill.— Cornerstone Foodservice Group (CFG), a leader in premium, innovative foodservice equipment, buffetware, and induction solutions, announced today it has acquired Equipex, a high-quality cooking, holding, induction, ventless hood and display equipment manufacturer since 1996.

    This strategic alliance adds Equipex to CFG’s collection of leading brands, Spring USA, Versa-Gard, LloydPans, and Astra, to offer additional strategic capabilities, product lines, and service abilities to their commercial customer base. Together, the organizations provide a comprehensive solution for restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice companies looking for high-quality back-of-house, cooking, and display equipment. The acquisition also includes SA Vents, Equipex’s patented Small Appliance Ventless Hood System.

    “Combining the power and momentum of what our individual organizations have achieved over the last 25+ years will strengthen our value proposition and kitchen equipment offering for the foodservice market both today and in the future,” said Kristine Holtz, CEO of Cornerstone Foodservice Group, “this investment is a testament to our dedication to providing a comprehensive solution for chefs, operators, and foodservice professionals worldwide.”

    The Equipex portfolio offers products that meet the needs of the foodservice industry and include Rollergrill International panini grills, convection and pizza ovens, warming displays, waffle bakers, salamanders, and other niche-focused cooking equipment. Equipex also offers Adventys cooking and warming induction equipment, along with its patented countertop small appliances ventless hood system.


    Gary Licht, founder of Equipex, will continue with the company in a leadership role.


    “We are excited to join the CFG family of companies,” said Licht. “They have built an impressive business committed to providing quality service and products to the foodservice market. Our acquisition by Cornerstone Foodservice Group allows us to incorporate our vast portfolio of products into their already expansive offering.”


    Equipex will continue to operate out of their facility in Providence, Rhode Island.

    Read The Official Press Release

  • Spring USA Introduces New Class of Powerful, Slimline Countertop Induction Ranges

    The LoPROTM induction range is a new series of lightweight, compact ranges designed for durability and performance backed by Spring USA’s industry-leading induction technology.


    NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS – October 14, 2020 – The LoPRO™ induction range is the next class of innovative induction cooking & holding from the leaders in induction. Spring USA, the first to introduce countertop induction to the United States, releases today their newest lineup of professional induction ranges engineered with a modern, compact design combined with the proven strength & performance of Spring USA.

    Based on the needs of modern-day chefs and foodservice professionals, this new line of induction ranges beautifully blends form and function. Sleek and modern with all-black housing and compact form, the LoPRO™ takes up minimal counter space and discreetly rests beneath induction-ready vessels without overshadowing what’s most important, the food. Superior exhaust design allows for multiple LoPRO™ units to be placed within 3 cm of each other or other tabletop equipment.

    The LoPRO™ family is the latest addition to Spring USA’s line of professional induction ranges known for their durability and performance with less than 1% failure rate and backed by an overnight exchange warranty.

    Spring USA has worked within the foodservice industry for almost 40 years and we’re listening and learning about what matters most when it comes to cooking for and serving guests. Right now, chefs and operators need efficient, cost-effective solutions that support and present food the way it was intended to look and taste. Our high-performing LoPRO induction ranges bring all of that to the table, plus more.” – Kristine Holtz, CEO – Cornerstone Foodservice Group

    Featuring high-grade polymer housing and the thickest, tempered glass top in the market, the LoPRO provides enhanced durability to withstand even the most rigorous commercial conditions. LED touch controls accessible via the easy-to-clean, glass top allow for quick and accurate control at the press of a finger.

    With exclusive SmartScan™ technology, the LoPRO doesn’t just look good, it effortlessly packs industry-leading induction technology into a slimline design less than 2.4″ high. Advanced pan size and pan type recognition allows the range to automatically adjust heat to correct temperature to protect pans from warping or food from burning. Over/under voltage protection corrects any fluctuation of power for optimal performance and energy efficiency.

    The LoPRO provides even and more precise heat that exceeds the performance of conventional gas ranges and other similar models in the market. Automatic Pan Recovery seamlessly adjusts and recognizes pans without losing connection as you lift or tilt from the surface during cooking, sauteing, or flipping – similar to a gas range but with no flash point and better cost savings than conventional gas.    

    With all the features and technology packed into a slimline design, the LoPRO is the most compact and lightweight range compared to similar induction cook and hold models in the market. The LoPRO weighs less than 10 lb. for single ranges and less than 20 lb. for double ranges for easy portability and storage.

    To learn more about Spring USA LoPRO™ induction ranges, visit www.springusa.com/lopro

    +++++++Media Contact:
    Lauren Gelecke
    E: lauren.gelecke@springusa.com
    T: +1 (630) 526-8600

  • Announcement: Cornerstone Business Operations Update in Response to COVID-19 ‘Shelter in Place’ Orders

    Cornerstone Foodservice Group CEO, Kristine Holtz, releases update on business operations for Spring USA, Astra Manufacturing, and LloydPans.

    NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS – March 23rd, 2020

    During this extraordinary time, we feel it is important now more than ever to be of service to our customers, our staff, and our community. Although states throughout the U.S. are beginning to mandate ‘shelter in place’ orders, we understand that business will not cease for many of our customers. We are here to help you.

    Deemed as essential businesses as part of supply chain & foodservice operations, Spring USA, Astra Manufacturing, and LloydPans will continue to operate. Our factories and U.S.-based warehouses are open and orders are being processed every day. We have taken the utmost caution to ensure proper communication, action, and safety are practiced for & by all employees. We are available to assist you with questions, concerns, requests for samples, orders, or just to lend an ear.

    As we navigate these uncharted waters together, we remain dedicated to helping in any way we can. Our thoughts are with each one of you and hope for a swift recovery to those affected by COVID-19.

    With gratitude,

    Kristine HoltzCEO – Cornerstone Foodservice Group  

  • Press Release: Astra Manufacturing® Acquired by Cornerstone Foodservice Group

    Cornerstone Foodservice Group Cornerstone Foodservice Group adds third company to portfolio.


    NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS – January 15, 2019- Cornerstone Foodservice Group, of ShoreView Industries, is pleased to announce that it has acquired assets of Astra Manufacturing, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of premium coffee equipment for both the commercial and home segments.  This is the group’s third acquisition. They acquired Spring USA in September 2016 and LloydPans in July 2017.

    “Cornerstone is a family of innovative and trusted brands,” said Kristine Holtz, CEO of Cornerstone Food Service Group. “We believe Astra’s thoughtful approach to the art of coffee provides a highly profitable solution for our customers in the fast-paced, rapidly growing premium coffee segment.”

    “I am excited to be joining forces with Cornerstone Foodservice Group,” said Richard Hourizadeh, President and Founder of Astra Manufacturing, Inc. “Cornerstone’s vast customer and distribution channels will allow us to bring our products to new markets and help fuel Astra’s long-term growth.”