ABOUT US

 

 

 

North America’s Finest Display Showcase Manufacturer

In 1985 Vega Manufacturing (then Lentia Manufacturing) started developing a European-style showcase that was “cooled right to the top,” says Kollenberg, who managed the feat by equipping the cases with a unique, computerized air-flow, system that maintains optimum temperatures under even the most adverse conditions. Solid-State components and a coolant injection system result in trouble-free operations and energy savings of at least 20 percent over competing models.

In March of 1991, Lentia Manufacturing (The original founder of Vega Mfg Ltd), one of a trio of Lentia Companies, closed its doors for the last time. Prior to it’s closing, Lentia carved a name for itself as one of the premier companies to introduce food retailers to the merchandising capabilities of the European-designed showcase.

Walter Kollenberg, past president and design force behind Lentia Manufacturing, was convinced there was still a viable position in the market for a company providing upscale, custom showcases. Kollenberg noted, “with the continued sophistication of the consumer, food retailers, whether they be bakers, delicatessens, chocolate shops, or supermarkets, must continue to upgrade their display systems. Providing a good product does not, in itself ensure success. Retailers must present their products in attractive display settings that not only entice customers into the shop but also create an atmosphere which stimulates impulse purchases.”

Armed with his philosophy of: “quality workmanship and attention to detail” Kollenberg, along with Ricky Fehland, another former Lentia Manufacturing employee, formed Vega Mfg Ltd.

Since opening their doors in March 1991, Vega Mfg Ltd, Port Coquitlam, B.C. has already provided showcases for stores from coast to coast across Canada and the USA. Showcases are also in: Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Japan, Sweden, Mexico, Bahamas, Bermuda.

 

 

The Embodiment of Design, Functionality and Craftsmanship

All Vega showcases are designed with your product in mind. The internal environment of a showcase is critical to the shelf life of the product. For that reason, Vega showcases are specifically geared to the different needs of baked goods, deli products, chocolates, as well as other specialty products. This means starting with a cooling system that minimizes the inherent drying effect of cold air. Then, where necessary, humidification is added (Vega uses an oversized coil system that fills the entire refrigeration pan to introduce humidity into the showcase) to specifically cater to items particularly sensitive to drying such as cheesecakes, cut meats, and salads.

 

Previously, you could only choose from either one-level European design showcase or a North American one with cooling that had all the

 esthetic appeal of a coffin. In the cooled cases, poor air flow, condensation spots and other technical problems meant food spoiled

quickly or froze and profits quickly went into the garbage.

“The essence of a great showcase is when it is filled with product and the lights are switched on the showcase disappears.

That is a Vega showcase.” – Walter Kollenberg, President – Vega Manufacturing

This effect is achieved through a combination of factors, including the use of warm-tone lighting and light coloured extrusions that are

pleasing to the eye. The curvature of the glass and the way the interior is designed are also calculated to ensure maximum visibility. The

interior design is the result of many years of research.

 

The cases are scientifically designed and have gone through years of evolution. The height was carefully chosen to allow customers and staff to communicate across the top – what we call a continuous flow design – and it is set up so the curvature of the glass and the space between the shelves give maximum product visibility: 100 percent on the top, 80-85 percent on the second shelf, and 75 percent on the bottom. Of course, since all our cases are

custom designed, the number of shelves and the amenities can be selected to suit each customer’s needs.