About Us |
Our Early History
 Eugene Freezing and Storage, a family owned and operated business, was founded in 1957 by Paul R. Lafferty. At the time Paul was a colonel in the US Army Reserve after serving in World War II with the 10th Mountain Division. By 1957 Paul had spent a number of years working with his father in a wholesale grocery business, R.E. Lafferty and Sons. Through his experience with the wholesale grocery Paul sensed a need for a cold storage warehouse to service the growing frozen food industry in the southern Willamette Valley. Thus, Eugene Freezing and Storage was built, all 17,000 square feet of it.
Over the next few years the business expanded to meet the needs of the local market. In 1965 the current plant manager, Jerry Honea, joined Paul's team.
In 1969 Paul's son, Peter returned from his tour in the Navy. Peter, a graduate of the University of Colorado, attained a lieutenant ranking before retiring from the Navy to return home and help his father run a growing cold storage warehouse.
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Agricultural Production Growth Brings Expansion
In 1974, with agricultural production in the Willamette Valley growing and the subsequent increase in vegetable processors, Eugene Freezing and Storage expanded, building a new facility, SnoTemp Cold Storage, in Albany, OR. Assuming the responsibilities of operating this new facility was Peter's brother, Michael. Mike was fresh off his seven year tour with the US Ski Team. During his career Mike established himself as one of the premier downhill ski racers in the world, participating in the 1972 Winter Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan.
That first season's crew at SnoTemp was exceptional. A few of the originals are still working and leading the crew in Albany. Included in this group is current plant manager Charlie Kroeger. Charlie, a graduate of Oregon State University, has been integral in the growth of SnoTemp from a 1 million cubic foot facility to almost 7 million cubic feet.
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Our Current Facilities
Over the years both Eugene Freezing and Storage and SnoTemp Cold Storage expanded to meet the growing needs of their customers. Currently, Eugene Freezing and Storage has 4.1 million cubic feet, while SnoTemp operates with 6.9 million cubic feet.
Recently, the third generation of Laffertys has entered the business. Peter's son Jason, a 1997 graduate of Kenyon College, returned from four years of working in Vail, CO as an event manager and ski racing instructor.
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Our Continued Comittment to Our Customers
Eugene Freezing and Storage was founded on strong family values that have guided it through almost 50 years of success. Integrity, honesty, hard work, balanced with a good dose of fun has anchored this family business.
These same family values are reflected in the company's employees. Current staff members average 10 + years with the company. This commitment to their employees is the basis for Eugene Freezing and Storage's success with their customers. Every employee knows the idiosyncrasies of each individual customer. Staff members take pride in going beyond expectations in providing great customer service.
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