Lang Ice Corporation 2.55

Lang Ice Company was founded in 1920 by Henry Lang, Sr., who purchased a door-to-door ice route and developed it into one of the major ice manufacturing and coal distribution companies in Chicago.

The original location, 5210 S. Wentworth Avenue, was in what is now the path of the Dan Ryan Expressway on Chicago’s south side.

In 1937 the Lang Coal Company was founded at 95th Street and Vincennes Avenue. Although the coal business ended in 1970, the site at the Rock Island Railroad crossing is a well-known south side landmark.

During the 1940’s Mr. Lang, Sr., was the Chicago distributor for Falstaff Beer on Chicago’s south side. In addition, he operated a lumber yard and coal company in Chicago Ridge, Illinois.

The current companies’ operations consist of ice manufacturing, sales and distribution from the main plant at 3600 W. 59th St. in Chicago. The operations were originally organized into two separate corporations: Acme Ice Company, which primarily produced the ice at the main facility and Lang Ice company, which sold and distributed the ice. Both were incorporated in 1932 in Illinois and later combined and incorporated as one company (Lang Ice Company) when Paul Lang purchased the ownership interest from other Family members in May of 2000.

In 1995 Lang Ice Company acquired substantially all of the assets and business of the New City Ice Company of East Chicago, Indiana, and later a major % of Crystal Clear Ice Company and the Aurora Ice Company. These acquisitions were made primarily for long-term strategic reasons and to expand the company’s operations into northern Indiana. Ice making operations have been discontinued at the East Chicago facility, and it now is used only as a warehouse location and distribution center. This facility is furnished with ice supplied from the main facility at W. 59th Street.

Lang Ice Company continues to be a family owned and operated business with 90 years of history. I am proud of our more than 50 employees in season, modern refrigerated ice making facility and truck fleet. We will continue to serve our customers with quality products, prompt service and fair prices.