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Celebrating 150 years of YORK HVAC Solutions
In 1914, YORK® transformed indoor comfort by introducing air conditioning to a packed theatre on a hot summer’s day. It was a defining moment - and just the beginning. Today, as we mark 150 years of YORK® engineering excellence, that same spirit of innovation continues to shape the way we cool and condition buildings around the world.
From theatres and hospitals to data centres and mission-critical facilities, YORK® systems are trusted for their performance, efficiency, and reliability. And with a future focused on sustainability and smart technology, YORK® remains at the heart of building comfort - now and for generations to come.
Celebrating 150 Years of YORK® Engineering Excellence
YORK® has been shaping the future of climate control for 150 years, delivering trusted performance, premium quality, and global reliability. From cooling theatres and data centres to supporting space missions, YORK® systems have played a vital role in some of the world’s most important environments.
A Legacy of Innovation
The story began in 1874, when a group of entrepreneurs in York, Pennsylvania, set out to solve the problem of unreliable natural ice. Their solution was a mechanical ice machine that revolutionised food preservation and industrial cooling. This breakthrough laid the foundation for the YORK® brand, which quickly became known for engineering excellence.
By the early 20th century, YORK® was delivering commercial refrigeration across the southern United States, designing large-scale dehumidification systems for industry, and introducing comfort cooling to public spaces. These early innovations included the first air-conditioned theatre and the first air-conditioned office building, setting new standards for indoor comfort.
Global Reach and Technical Precision
By the mid-1900s, YORK® systems were supporting essential infrastructure around the world, including hospitals, universities, military bases, and commercial buildings. When NASA required climate control for the Vehicle Assembly Building, the largest indoor space on Earth, YORK® delivered 10,000-ton chillers that helped enable space exploration.
In 2005, YORK® became part of Johnson Controls, combining mechanical innovation with smart building technologies. Today, YORK® solutions are used in some of the most demanding environments, from hyperscale data centres to net zero campuses. These systems are designed to deliver performance, precision, and sustainability at scale.
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate 150 years of YORK®, our focus remains on what comes next. With every new system and every challenge met with ingenuity, we continue to shape the spaces where progress happens and where the future is already being built.
Explore the full range of YORK® HVAC solutions and discover how we’re helping to build smarter, more sustainable environments.