Grampian Convenience Foods boost cold storage capacity

Article dated : 29/05/2002

Grampian Convenience Foods, part of the Grampian Country Food Group, have increased their cold storage capacity by 70% with the addition of three 31-pallet portable cold storage units from AHR - Accessible Hire & Refrigeration.

Based in Attleborough, Norfolk, Grampian Convenience Foods process chicken for a broad base of national retailers and wholesalers who require high quality 'prepared' foods.

According to Deputy Engineering Manager, Stuart Merritt, the equipment from AHR has, among other things, provided Grampian Convenience Foods with 'greatly increased storage capacity and additional flexibility.'

"We are a diverse company who provide a dynamic service to our customers which, in turn, enables them to satisfy ever stringent consumer demands. Furthermore," adds Stuart "in keeping ahead of the game, we require high quality equipment, low running costs and excellent back-up service - attributes which we expect to see strengthened with the recent engagement of AHR."

Constructed from 5-element sandwich panels with high gloss g.r.p interior and exterior surfaces, the boxes are steel framed with multi-bearer carborundum-coated floors thereby ensuring durability and optimum thermal control.

Refrigeration is provided by Hubbard SG7 mains powered cold store units which can be operated in single or twin evaporator mode thereby allowing the flexibility of single or dual temperature operation. Also, being ceiling mounted, the evaporators deliver better air-flow and provide extra loading space along the length of the box.

With a powerful 7kw output at -25°, the units not only pull down fast and maintain precise temperature control but also, with an exceptionally low decibel output of 54dba, noise pollution and running costs are kept to an absolute minimum.

Good back-up service, according to Stuart is an absolute pre-requisite for Grampian Convenience Foods, particularly when stored goods must be maintained within critical temperature bands.

"The equipment from AHRis brand new but if we should experience any problems, there is a 24 hour call out service and all we do is dial 0800 0180460 for a guaranteed site response within 4 hours. Operator gaining is also provide) as well as site checks & commissioning should we need to relocated any units to another site. Overall" concludes Stuart "we needed additional cold storage with low noise, low running costs and reliable back-up service. To date, with AHR these requirements have been met."