Ice House America, the pioneer in automated ice vending technology, announced this week the signing of the company’s first area developer, Joe Tooke, for the greater Tucson area, including Nogales.

This announcement follows on the heels of the company’s recently created franchise program to further expand its existing network of over 2,400 locations, which collectively produce over one billion pounds of ice per year.

There are more than  100 corporate-owned locations with the balance independently owned and operated.

Ice House America manufactures a convenient retail ice destination offering a soft, chipped and chewable ice, which is typically offered in 20 lb. bulk ice (direct to cooler) and 16 lb. bagged ice — always filtered, clean and made on demand, according to a company press release.

Tooke joined Lifetouch National School Studios as a photographer, which led to several advancements within the company including territory manager for West Texas and Southern New Mexico. Tooke’s territory grew from working at home out of his garage with one employee and 25 school accounts to 20 employees and over 250 school accounts. In 2010, his territory was named Lifetouch Territory of the Year for all of the United States and Canada.

Tooke plans to open 10 Ice House America locations in the first year and 50 units over five years in the greater Tucson area, including Nogales. Additional Ice House America market development opportunities include Arizona, California, and the Northeast with plans to open 300 new units in 2012 and 1,000 in the next three years.

“Ice House America is excited to welcome Joe as the company’s first franchise area developer,” says Pete Cotter, CEO of Ice House America. “We are looking for more entrepreneurs like Joe who are seeking a low cost and fully automated business venture with minimal overhead and maintenance required to operate.”

Ice House America, headquartered in Jacksonville, FL and founded in 2003, already has more than 2,400 independently owned ice house locations in 27 states. In less than 10 years, Ice House America has become one of the top ice brands in the country. Ice House America offers four different models, ranging from the “Ice House” to the “Mini” — all manufactured at a 160,000 sq. ft. integrated manufacturing facility located in Moultrie, GA.