Built on Quality. Performance Driven
About Flot-Aire Floral Refrigerators
Family-owned and operated, Flot-Aire Floral Refrigerators located in Rolla, MO designs and manufactures custom refrigeration solutions. Focusing on reliability, efficiency, and long-term performance, we create refrigeration that meets real world demands and helps businesses protect their products.
Every Flot-Aire system, from floral and commercial refrigeration to specialized cooling applications, is crafted with precision and purpose.
Nationwide Reach with Personal Service
Serving clients and businesses across the United States, Flot-Aire takes pride in providing customized service with the flexibility and expertise of a seasoned manufacturer. Regardless of the scope of your project, our team will strive to provide dependable solutions. With more than 34 years of industry experience, Flot-Aire believes in the values of quality, integrity, and building lasting partnerships.
The History of Flot-Aire Floral Refrigerators
1927
Twenty-year-old Karl Lauer migrated from Germany to the United States with his master’s papers in copper smith and sheet metal fabrication. Karl designed what he called the ‘pancake refrigeration system’ – a small, compact system used in the wall-hanging pie cases, commonly used throughout the restaurant industry.
1947
Originally named Karl’s Equipment Co., started in Los Angeles, Karl specialized in restaurant kitchen items, refrigerated pie cases, and of course – walk in coolers.
1951
Just a few years after starting his own company, Karl sold it to Pacific Refrigerator Mfg Company. He became a salesman for Pacific and on the side he continued to do independent design and lay out for other companies in California. It was during this time he came up with the original Flot Aire floral cooler system – the system that used low air velocity and a large coil surface, powered by an undersized compressor giving extra humidity and allowing flowers and other fragile items to last considerably longer.
1962
Karl Lauer Sr and his son Karl Lauer Jr branched out and started Flot Aire Inc. For the next 34 yrs they operated in Ontario California building the most desired and professional -looking floral and convenience coolers. It was not before long that Flot-Aire made a name for themselves in the floral industry.
1990
Karl Jr’s son Wayne moved to mid-Missouri, looking to expand the company to the East and find a place to start a family.
2000
The hand-crafted, professional wood look that made the company the leader in floral coolers transitioned to cost effective, non-wooden boxes. These new units not only saved customers money but lasted longer than a commercial metal panel box.
2015
Flot-Aire expanded their field with foodservice coolers. Event Companies, Meat Processing, Convenience Store, walk-in coolers and freezers.
2020
We launched new PF models that will give customers all the features that they used to pay for, but are now included.
2021
Introduced an economy storage cooler that came in 6×8 and 8×8 sizes.
2024
Even with higher cost we kept our prices down and even offered free freight on selected models.
2026
As we expand into more avenues that require quality refrigeration, Flot-Aire continues to provide the best service, working closely with each customer.
Let’s Build the Right Refrigeration Solution
Start your custom refrigeration project with the Flot-Aire team, trusted by professional florists across the country. Contact Flat-Aire to discuss your needs, explore custom options, or request a quote.