Washington, D.C.-based private-equity company Acon Investments, LLC, has purchased Katy's Igloo Products Corporation, known for their coolers and ice chests. Connecticut-based J.H. Whitney, the previous owner of Igloo, bought the company in 2008. They will maintain a small stake in the company.

"We've been talking to several different companies about investing in Igloo and expanding for the last year or so," Igloo marketing specialist Katie Davis said. "We wanted to have someone else come in and revitalize our resources and help us expand."

Presently, Igloo produces more than 500 different products and is the No. 1 cooler manufacturer in the world. Under Acon's ownership, Igloo's expansion plans include developing new products in its existing product categories and expanding into new categories.

"We are really focused on expanding categories," Davis said. "We're big in outdoors and we have a presence in sporting goods, but we're looking to expand our presence in home and housewares."

The change in company ownership has not resulted in any personnel changes or layoffs, and none are expected, Davis said.

Last year, Igloo had a hiring push and brought on many new employees. Hiring is expected to continue or even increase following Acon's purchase of Igloo, Davis said.

The company also opened its new 420,000-square-foot distribution facility last October at 28501 Highway Blvd. in Katy.