Viking Range Corp., a pioneer of commercial type ranges for home use, has formed a division to offer chefs and high-end restaurants an array of cooking equipment.

The Viking Commercial Products Division will offer ranges of all styles, ovens, broilers, griddles, cheesemelters, induction units and island suites, as well as under-counter refrigeration, the company said Friday.

Viking Range is headquartered in Greenwood. The commercial products operation will be based in southern California.

Daniel Garvin, a 25-year food-service equipment industry veteran, has been appointed vice president for Viking Commercial Products.

Eric Deng, who has 13 years of experience in the appliance industry, will be director of engineering.

“We feel that the product line we are designing, with a number of unique features not commonly found with typical U.S. equipment, is something that many American chefs and designers are wanting,” Fred Carl, Viking founder and CEO, said in a news release.

Viking plans to preview its initial commercial products in May 2008 at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago with anticipated production beginning later in 2008, Carl said.

On the Net:

Viking Range Corp., http://www.vikingrange.com