History of Hansberger Refrigeration Since 1952

The History of Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric

Edwin and Delia were farmers and developers in early Yuma. The original Hansberger Refrigeration shop was located on the family farm, 'El Rancho de las Palmas,' which at the time was known for growing, packing, and shipping pecans, dates, and citrus worldwide. They also grew several crops, including alfalfa, sudan, safflower, and even two seasons with a two-acre tomato hot house. They raised hogs and chickens and boarded horses in the pecan and citrus-shaded pasture.

After World War II, the brothers started building custom homes, developing the north end of the family farm as the 'Hansberger Subdivision.'
They found that the 'air-cooled' Air Conditioning units available in the 1950s struggled with the high ambient temperatures Yuma experienced in the peak of summer. Those air-cooled units' capacity to provide cooling was compromised when it was needed most, while at the same time, their electricity consumption skyrocketed in the heat.

The trend to new air-cooled systems had a predictable outcome.

With less first cost and less maintenance, the demand for air-cooled prevailed over the custom water towers. The last Hansberger Custom Water tower system was built and installed in 1980.

Mark Hansberger, current owner and Kenneth's son, began his career sweeping the shop every day after school and on Saturdays starting at age 11. He worked part-time as a service helper and in fabrication until his full-time job with Hansberger began in 1971. He is a graduate of Yuma High and has two-plus years at Arizona Western College, starting with a trades focus in Welding Technology, Metallurgy, and Drafting.

Mark immediately realized how much he did not know. He desperately needed targeted education to help him deal with the new challenges of managing employees and the financial needs of a small family business.

Mark is thankful for Arizona Western College and its night classes available, including Business Law, Accounting, and Personnel Management. AWC night classes were instrumental in helping to develop the family business properly. He soon found that a business-related curriculum is just as crucial to a company's success as his previous technical focus.

In 2000, Mark negotiated to purchase Air Temperature of Yuma from Paul Burns and Hansberger Refrigeration from his dad and uncle. A combined opening under the Hansberger name became official on Jan. 1, 2001. Mark credits his friends, family, and professional team for successfully negotiating these agreements and securing financing.

"I owe much of my success to Accountant Dan Gray, Attorney Wayne Benesch, and Wells Fargo Banker Mike Higgins. Without their encouragement, guidance, and wisdom, I never could have secured these deals," Mark said.

Involvement in local civic organizations, trade-specific associations, and boards also helped shine a light on the path for the company. Boards served on include the Arizona Contractors Association Board, Mechanical Advisory Board City of Yuma, Yuma Southwest Contractors Board, Hospice of Yuma Community Advisory Board, The Yuma Rotary Club, and several years as a member of Caballeros de Yuma. Participation in these organizations shaped the focus of HRE over the years to where it is now.

While much has changed over the years, many things haven't, including a defined set of values that foster a true sense of family and a commitment to only the best in service and craftsmanship. Couple that with a desire to build relationships based on old-fashioned principles like trust and integrity, a genuine respect for the individual, and a willingness to give back to the community, and you begin to understand why Hansberger has become such a special place over the many decades in our beautiful community.

'Count on Us' is our tagline.

'The only thing you need to know about Air Conditioning is Hansberger' is our promise.