WHO WE ARE

Krowne is a third-generation, family-owned American manufacturer
celebrating 78 years of innovation, integrity, and excellence. We
specialize in premium custom bar systems, refrigeration, beverage
dispensing, and plumbing fixtures—backed by precision engineering,
a customer-first culture, and industry-leading automation.

Becoming Krowne

This timeline traces more than seven decades of steady momentum—where craft,
discipline, and curiosity fueled continuous progress. What began as a small,
family-run operation evolved through an unwavering belief that excellence is
built in the details, sharpened through iteration, and sustained by people who
take pride in doing things the right way. Each decade captures not just growth,
but intention—how focus, adaptability, and long-term thinking compound over
time. Together, these moments reveal a trajectory that moves from foundation to
scale, from tradition to transformation—leading directly to a future shaped by
collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose.

1940s — The Foundation

The story begins in the late 1940s with a simple but powerful idea: build reliable,
functional stainless-steel equipment with integrity. Founded in Newark,
New Jersey, Krowne Metal Corp. took root during a post-war era defined by rebuilding
and opportunity. From the very beginning, the focus was on doing honest work,
building by hand, and serving customers with products made to last.

1948 Nat Krowne founded Krowne Metal Corp. and started with primarily basic stainless bar equipment.
Original Krowne Metal Products formation announcement Original Krowne logo

1950s — Earning Trust Through Craft

As the hospitality industry expanded, Krowne grew steadily alongside it. This
decade was less about scale and more about reputation—earning trust through
consistency, craftsmanship, and reliability. Products were still basic, but the
standards were already high. The groundwork was laid for a culture where quality
was non-negotiable.

Vintage Krowne Spacesaver bar sinks drawing Vintage Krowne Standard Series equipment drawing

1960s — Quiet Momentum

The 1960s marked a period of steady momentum. Without fanfare, Krowne
refined its processes, strengthened customer relationships, and deepened its
manufacturing expertise. These years shaped a philosophy that progress does not
always announce itself—but it compounds.

1970s — Expansion & Partnership

The 1970s brought meaningful change. Krowne expanded operations and entered
a new phase of leadership and partnership. With additional space, new voices, and
fresh ambition, the company began to transition from a small operation into a
structured, growing manufacturer—while remaining deeply hands-on.

1976 Peter Miller and Bob Forman acquired Krowne in Newark, NJ.
1978 Frank Bastante joined Krowne as Plant Manager. Krowne relocated to Hamilton Street in Newark, NJ.
Peter Miller
Peter Miller
Frank Bastante Frank Bastante

1980s — Culture Takes Shape

This decade helped define what Krowne would become. New leadership roles, expanded
facilities, and a growing sales organization transformed the company's reach. More
importantly, the culture solidified: pride in craftsmanship, accountability at every level,
and the belief that how something looks, feels, and performs all matter equally.

1984 Roger Forman joined Krowne as the Sales Department Leader.
1986 Frank and Roger entered an equal partnership, acquired Krowne, and relocated to 257 Verona Ave., Newark, NJ (20,000 sq. ft.).
1989 Expanded with the purchase of an additional 12,000-sq.-ft. building next to 257 Verona Ave.
Krowne first conference show booth
Roger Forman
Roger Forman

1990s — Diversification & Capability

The 1990s were marked by bold investment in capability. New product lines launched,
advanced equipment was introduced, and Krowne moved deeper into custom solutions.
From stadium installations to premium bar systems, the company proved it could scale
without losing attention to detail.

1991 Launched our faucet division.
1992 Expanded with the purchase of a 24,000-sq.-ft. building above 257 Verona Ave.
1993 Purchased a Hydraulic Draw Press to manufacture hand sinks.
1995 Launched our Royal Series.
1996 Purchased the first Pega 357 Turret.
1998 Paul Bastante joined Krowne in Operations.
  • Acquired the first CNC laser cutter.
  • Unveiled our new logo.
1999 Obtained the Hydraulic CNC Press Brakes.
Krowne facility sketch Machine Pega 357 Turret Cleveland Browns Stadium installation Krowne faucet
Paul Bastante
Paul Bastante
Krowne logo

2000s — Technology Meets Tradition

Entering the new millennium, Krowne embraced automation, laser cutting, refrigeration,
and advanced manufacturing technologies. The company balanced innovation with
tradition—using modern tools to elevate timeless principles. Growth accelerated, but
discipline remained central.

2001 Launched our Refrigeration division.
2002 Obtained the 358 Vipersous King Turret.
2004 Launched our first website.
2007 Relocated our main facility (100 Haul Road, Wayne, NJ).
2008 Obtained a TruLaser 2030.
2009 Won Yankee Stadium contract, one of Krowne's biggest projects at the time.
  • Obtained our first Trumpf CNC TruLaser & Finn-Power Panel Bender.
TruLaser 2030 Original Krowne website from 2004 Krowne 100 Haul Road facility Yankee Stadium Krowne installation

2010s — Leadership Transition & Acceleration

The 2010s represented a turning point. New generations stepped into leadership,
major facilities were added, and landmark projects took the brand onto the global stage.
This decade proved that growth, when paired with clarity of vision and the right people,
could accelerate without eroding culture.

2011 Acquired new land for our second facility (400 Newark Pompton).
2015 Kyle Forman joined Krowne in July as National Sales Manager.
2017 Frank Bastante officially retired after serving 40 years with the company.
  • The expansion of second facility is completed, adding 55,000 sq. ft.
  • Krowne launched the Gas Connector product line.
  • A new Krowne logo is introduced.
2018 Launched the first-ever World Class Bar Ambassador Program.
2019 Released BarFlex, the industry's first bar system configurator.
400 Newark Pompton facility
Kyle Forman
Kyle Forman
Krowne logo

2020s — Resilience, Alignment & Scale

Amid global disruption and rapid change, Krowne doubled down on long-term thinking.
Investments in advanced automation, expanded distribution, and new product platforms
reshaped how work was done and how solutions were delivered. More importantly, this
decade sharpened alignment—from strategy to execution, from factory floor to customer
experience. As scale increased, values became the true differentiator, proving that growth
rooted in discipline, adaptability, and pride in craft is what carries a company forward
into its next chapter.

2020 Roger Forman officially retired after serving 37 years with the company.
  • Formalized an equal partnership between Kyle Forman and Paul Bastante to lead the company forward.
  • Amid the unprecedented challenges of COVID, Krowne continued to deliver key advances and maintain momentum.
  • Released FaucetFlex, expanding its configurator offerings to its plumbing line.
  • The year also marked continued innovation with the acquisition of fiber optic laser/turret technology and expansion into the AR/VR space.
2021 Continued its growth with the purchase of its third facility (411 Newark Pompton). The new facility supported expanded operations and innovation.
2022 Continued its product innovation with the release of BeerFlex.
2023 Became the #1 largest bar equipment manufacturer in the USA.
  • Launched Krowne Home.
  • Relocated distribution center to a fourth facility (125 Algonquin Parkway) which supported ongoing growth.
  • Operations expanded at the fourth facility.
  • Announced their new BarPro Program.
  • Moved into its new HQ in the main facility.
2024 Expanded its product portfolio with the release of BarFlexPro.
2025 Krowne announced a strategic partnership with Behind Bars, Europe's leading bespoke premium bar design company.
  • Transformed its second facility into the Northeast's first fully automated, lights-out Smart Factory, powered by end-to-end robotics.
  • Launched the Alchemy Series.
2026 Released its Adaptive Scupper System in collaboration with Death & Co.
Advanced fiber optic laser turret FridgeFlex configurator on mobile BeerFlex configurator 411 Newark Pompton facility 125 Algonquin Parkway distribution center BarFlexPro configurator Alchemy Series Adaptive Scupper System NomadBar Mobile Bar Oak & Brass Mobile Bar

Engineering Excellence Since 1948

By 2026, this journey reaches a defining moment—where heritage, partnership, and innovation
converge. What began decades ago as a commitment to craftsmanship now extends into new
forms, new environments, and new ways of thinking about how spaces are built, moved, and
experienced. Static systems become adaptable. Manual processes evolve into intelligent
automation. Design is no longer confined to place—it moves, transforms, and responds to how
people live and work in real time. This is not a finish line, but a turning point: a future shaped
by those who believe excellence is earned daily, through thoughtful design, disciplined
execution, and the courage to rethink what's possible.

Mission Statement

Mission Statement

To create innovative solutions and sustainable designs through collaboration, cutting-edge technology, and world-class engineering.

Integrity Statement

Integrity Statement

Rooted in family values, we place the customer at the center of everything we do. Every call is answered directly, and our team undergoes weekly product training to ensure fast, premium support. Trust, transparency, and service excellence guide every interaction.

Sustainability Statement

Sustainability Statement

Sustainability is core to who we are. From water-saving designs and eco-conscious packaging to our transition to hydrocarbon refrigerants with zero ozone depletion, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and building a more sustainable future.

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