San Jamar

We make stuff

About Us

At San Jamar, our innovative new ideas for food safety, counter service, personal safety and washroom products come directly from insights we gain from our customers. That’s why we work alongside our customers in every facet of their operations. We listen to their challenges, identify potential problems and look for the small changes that could make big improvements in safety and efficiency. Finally, we respond with ground-breaking new products that make their operations smarter, safer and more sanitary. Then, when we’re finished, we go back and start all over again.

Of course, just as our customers look to us for the innovative ideas that define “what’s next” in the industry, we remain committed to them by continually providing outstanding customer care, unsurpassed quality and a world-class supply chain. Sure, it’s a simple philosophy. But it’s an approach that has made San Jamar an industry leader for over 20 years, and one that will help us continue to guide the way well into the future.

San Jamar is part of the CFS Brands family.

Our History

1984 >

San Jamar is formed by three investors consisting of Lake Geneva Spindustries, A-1 Creating Packaging and Paul Omdoll. Griffith-Hope Co. of Milwaukee is also purchased.

1986 >

Landmark Twin 9” JBT tissue dispenser & in-counter napkin dispenser launches under the name “Grif-Ho” San Jamar.

1991 >

Launches line of plastic water cup dispensers. Launches the Vision line of washroom products, the first transparent dispensers available for the washroom industry.

1992 >

San Jamar West is established with the purchase of Barco Manufacturing, an introduction to the foodservice industry. The Gourmet line is introduced, the first foodservice dispenser line for San Jamar.

1994 >

San Jamar is purchased by Charles Colman forming the new organization, and The Colman Group.

1996 >

San Jamar Europe opens their offices in the UK.

1998 >

San Jamar office, store assembly and warehouse moves to new facility in Elkhorn, WI.

1998 >

TDM Engineering Motor Shop, formerly, Freiheit Electric Motor Service, is sold. TDM Engineering, formerly Modern Tool & Die is sold.

1998 >

San Jamar West in Reno, NV closes. The revolutionary EZ-Fit® Cup Dispenser line is launched. Off-shore production begins.

2000 >

Ultra Coat, formerly Lake Geneva Spindustries Powder Paint Division, and Lake Geneva Spindustries – Lake Geneva Division are sold.

2001 >

Katchall is acquired and relocated from Cincinnati, Ohio and integrated into San Jamar Elkhorn facility giving them a solid hold in the Food Safety category. The Oceans® line of dispensers is launched at NRA.

2002 >

The first electronic roll towel dispenser, the Smart System and Cut-N-Carry® cutting boards are launched.

2003 >

San Jamar closes the UK offices and moves operations to a Jan San Distribution facility aquired in Belgium.

2003 >

The Dome® Garnish Center is launched.

2005 >

The Venue® Napkin Dispensing system is launched.

2006 >

The Colman Group acquires Best Value Textiles. San Jamar Mexico sales and distribution facility opens.

2007 >

The Colman Group / San Jamar acquires the assets of Chef Revival, which then merges with Best Value Textiles.

2008 >

SJCR Canada opens. Universal Touchless Tear-N-Dry Essence and Smart System w/ I.Q. Sensor dispensers are introduced. The Saf-T-Wrap® Station launches, expanding the Safe Food Preparation product line.

2009 >

Fresh Chef Jackets and Table Top Venue products are launched.

2010 >

Chef-Tex®, a new quick-drying high performance fabric is introduced.

2011 >

The Allergen Saf-T-Zone™ system and the Element™ Lever Roll Towel products are introduced.

2011 >

UltiGrips® and BestGrip™ oven mitts are introduced.

2012 >

San Jamar – Chef Revival is sold to Kinderhook/DDI.

2013 >

Chef Revival, formerly Best Value Textiles-Chef Revival, was sold.