Hajoca Corporation has announced its acquisition of American Refrigeration Supplies (ARS), a move that bolsters its HVAC platform across the Southwest and western United States. The deal, revealed on February 2, 2026, adds 34 branches and two distribution centers to Hajoca’s portfolio, bringing its North American location count to over 450.
The Phoenix-based ARS, which has been operating for 85 years, serves seven states: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. The company offers an extensive online catalog of more than 20,000 products in categories including HVAC, refrigeration, controls, filtration, foodservice, tools, and instruments. ARS was acquired from Kitchell, a real estate development company that had owned it since 1970 and supported its growth over several decades. Financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.
"ARS is a natural fit with Hajoca, driven by its values, people, manufacturer partnerships, and commitment to customers", said Hajoca President and CEO Rick Fantham in a release. "We look forward to supporting the team’s continued success and see them thrive for decades to come."
The acquisition marks Hajoca’s sixth significant entry into the HVAC sector over the past 20 years. It follows the company’s 2023 purchase of Gustave A. Larson Company, which added 54 locations to its portfolio. With ARS now part of its network, Hajoca operates over 175 HVAC-focused locations across North America, enhancing its service capabilities in the region.
ARS will continue to operate under its established brand name and leadership team, led by President John White. "We are thrilled that ARS has found its forever home with Hajoca", White remarked.
Founded in 1858, Hajoca is a major privately held distributor specializing in plumbing, HVAC, pool, and industrial supplies. The company has a history of operating under more than 60 regionally recognized trade names. On MDM’s 2025 Top Distributors Lists, Hajoca was ranked No. 4 in Plumbing and No. 35 in Industrial Supplies.
This latest acquisition underscores Hajoca’s commitment to expanding its HVAC offering, solidifying its footprint in key regions across the U.S. Southwest and West. As ARS joins Hajoca’s extensive network, it is poised to continue its legacy of serving customers and maintaining strong manufacturer partnerships under its new ownership.
