Wholesale Distributors of Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Equipment, Parts, and Supplies
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Over a Century of Excellence

Family Founded. Customer-Focused. Proudly serving the industry since 1914!

Over a Century of Excellence

Family Founded. Customer-Focused. Proudly serving the industry since 1914!

1914
Wittichen Chemical founded by Carl F. Wittichen in Birmingham, Alabama
1930s-1960s
Pioneers use of refrigerants, obtains new partnerships, and expands branches
1970s-1980s
Adds HVAC equipment to inventory, branch expansion, and leadership transitions
1990s-2000s
Expands with 15 new branches and satellites and upgrades to new POS
2010s
HQ moves to new facility in Birmingham while adding to the Gulf Coast branches
2020s
Now globally with Beijer Ref, with the same people, principles, and purpose
1914
Wittichen Chemical founded by Carl F. Wittichen in Birmingham, Alabama
1930s-1960s
Pioneers use of refrigerants, obtains new partnerships, and expands branches
1970s-1980s
Adds HVAC equipment to inventory, branch expansion, and leadership transitions
1990s-2000s
Expands with 15 new branches and satellites and upgrades to new POS
2010s
HQ moves to new facility in Birmingham while adding to the Gulf Coast branches
2020s
Now globally with Beijer Ref, with the same people, principles, and purpose

The Beginning: 1914–1930s

Wittichen Supply Company began in 1914 as a division of Wittichen Chemical, founded by Carl F. Wittichen in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1930, Carl Wittichen pioneered the first use of Anhydrous Ammonia, Sulfur Dioxide, and Methyl Chloride. "FREON" was then introduced by DuPont in the mid 1930s and cooling and heating systems began to develop as we know them today.


Under the direction of Mr. Carl F. Wittichen and Mr. Drexel Daily, Wittichen Chemical started stocking refrigerants, parts, supplies, and equipment needed to service the industry. It was during this time Wittichen partnered with innovators such as DuPont, Allied Chemical Company, Honeywell, and others. These early decades built the foundation for Wittichen’s commitment to growth and innovation in the HVAC/R industry.

Expansion & Separation: 1940s–1960s

After WWII, Mr. Wittichen and Mr. Daily returned home to continue where they left off. In the mid 1950s, Wittichen Supply officially split from the Chemical operation and focused exclusively on HVAC/R distribution. Mr. Wittichen, being a chemical engineer, continued his focus on the Chemical Company, while Mr. Daily and a dedicated team (Fred Sharp, Ferrell Stephens, Jim Hallmon, J.C. Herring, Jack Cummings, and Waylon Taylor) led the company’s early expansion.


They began opening new branches across Alabama in Huntsville 1963, Tuscaloosa 1967, Gadsden 1968, and Sheffield 1969. These locations helped establish Wittichen’s long-term commitment to local access and service-first distribution. After selling the Chemical Company in the 1960s, Mr. Wittichen returned to the Supply Company and served as President.

Expansion & Separation: 1940s–1960s

After WWII, Mr. Wittichen and Mr. Daily returned home to continue where they left off. In the mid 1950s, Wittichen Supply officially split from the Chemical operation and focused exclusively on HVAC/R distribution. Mr. Wittichen, being a chemical engineer, continued his focus on the Chemical Company, while Mr. Daily and a dedicated team (Fred Sharp, Ferrell Stephens, Jim Hallmon, J.C. Herring, Jack Cummings, and Waylon Taylor) led the company’s early expansion.


They began opening new branches across Alabama in Huntsville 1963, Tuscaloosa 1967, Gadsden 1968, and Sheffield 1969. These locations helped establish Wittichen’s long-term commitment to local access and service-first distribution. After selling the Chemical Company in the 1960s, Mr. Wittichen returned to the Supply Company and served as President.

Growth & Leadership Change: 1970s–1980s

The 1970s brought full HVAC equipment lines into inventory, as well as new product categories like air movement supplies. The company continued to expand with branches in Anniston 1972 and Decatur 1973. In 1977, David Henderson, son-in-law of Mr. Wittichen, joined the company as a warehouse/delivery person and was to be groomed to someday take over for Mr. Wittichen.


Following the sudden passing of Mr. Drexel Daily in December 1979, David Henderson stepped into the role Vice President. Mr. Daily will forever be remembered for his contribution and pioneering of the HVAC/R industry. Wittichen continued to grow by expanding branches in Montgomery 1981 and in Dothan 1987. Bringing the total number of branches to 9 by the end of the 1980s.

Rapid Expansion & Technology Investment: 1990s–2000s

During the 1990s, Wittichen saw a wave of expansion as they began opening satellite branches. Charles Herring became the Birmingham Branch Manager after his father retired and oversaw the satellites stores. Opening stores in Pelham 1991, Trussville 1992, Athens 1993, Bessemer 1993, Cullman 1995, Jasper 1995, and Opelika 1997. Finishing off the 90s by expanding beyond Alabama for the first time, acquiring Refrigeration Air Conditioning Supply in Rome, Georgia 1998.


By the start of the 2000s, additional locations followed in Albertville 2000, Columbus, Georgia 2000, LaGrange 2001-2018, and Foley 2003. Now at 21 branches, Wittichen acquired Refrigeration Supply Company and continued it's growth with Mobile 2006, Pensacola, Florida 2006, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida 2009. At the same time, Wittichen introduced a new POS automation system and launched its first website portal in the 2000s.

Rapid Expansion & Technology Investment: 1990s–2000s

During the 1990s, Wittichen saw a wave of expansion as they began opening satellite branches. Charles Herring became the Birmingham Branch Manager after his father retired and oversaw the satellites stores. Opening stores in Pelham 1991, Trussville 1992, Athens 1993, Bessemer 1993, Cullman 1995, Jasper 1995, and Opelika 1997. Finishing off the 90s by expanding beyond Alabama for the first time, acquiring Refrigeration Air Conditioning Supply in Rome, Georgia 1998.


By the start of the 2000s, additional locations followed in Albertville 2000, Columbus, Georgia 2000, LaGrange 2001-2018, and Foley 2003. Now at 21 branches, Wittichen acquired Refrigeration Supply Company and continued it's growth with Mobile 2006, Pensacola, Florida 2006, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida 2009. At the same time, Wittichen introduced a new POS automation system and launched its first website portal in the 2000s.

Modern HQ & Gulf Coast Growth: 2010s

With satellite branches all across the region, Wittichen grew again with Gardendale 2011 – making that 5 fully-stocked branches in the Birmingham region. Then in 2015, Wittichen moved its corporate office and Birmingham branch location into a fully renovated, state-of-the-art facility in the central business district downtown. They also added another satellite branch to their Gulf Coast area, with Daphne 2015 being the last addition thus far.


The Wittichen Supply Company now operates with 25 branch locations serving across 3 states (21-AL, 2-GA, 2-FL), over 250 hard-working and dedicated employees, and a driving passion to continue serving you, the customer, The Wittichen Way!

New Ownership & Global Platform: 2020s

In 2021, the Wittichen family made the decision to "pass the torch", selling their interest to Gryphon Investors. David Henderson retired that October after 44 years of service, and Charles Herring became President. Matt Helms, formerly Tuscaloosa Branch Manager, moved to the corporate office and assumed the newly created role of Branch Operations Manager. Gryphon Investors established Heritage Distribution Holdings (HDH) as a holding company for Wittichen and their subsequent acquisitions.


Two years later, in 2023, Beijer Ref – one of the world's largest global refrigeration wholesalers – acquired HDH, bringing Wittichen into an international HVAC/R distribution platform. Despite this change, Wittichen continues to operate under the same leadership, guided by the same principles, and committed to delivering trusted, customer-first service across the Southeast. Thank you, our customer, for your continued trust and support. We look forward to serving you – and future generations – for years to come.

New Ownership & Global Platform: 2020s

In 2021, the Wittichen family made the decision to "pass the torch", selling their interest to Gryphon Investors. David Henderson retired that October after 44 years of service, and Charles Herring became President. Matt Helms, formerly Tuscaloosa Branch Manager, moved to the corporate office and assumed the newly created role of Branch Operations Manager. Gryphon Investors established Heritage Distribution Holdings (HDH) as a holding company for Wittichen and their subsequent acquisitions.


Two years later, in 2023, Beijer Ref – one of the world's largest global refrigeration wholesalers – acquired HDH, bringing Wittichen into an international HVAC/R distribution platform. Despite this change, Wittichen continues to operate under the same leadership, guided by the same principles, and committed to delivering trusted, customer-first service across the Southeast. Thank you, our customer, for your continued trust and support. We look forward to serving you – and future generations – for years to come.