Confidence is running high for the storage and logistics arm of The Ice Co°, one of Europe’s largest ice manufacturers, following the specification of its first four Carrier Transicold Vector™ 1550 transport refrigeration units with E-Drive™ all-electric technology. Carrier Transicold helps improve global transport and shipping temperature control with a complete line of equipment for refrigerated trucks, trailers and containers, and is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The Vector 1550 units, which are all fitted to bespoke tri-axle trailers from Schmitz Cargobull and sporting the familiar catchy slogans of The Ice Co°, came as a result of an initial meeting with Carrier Transicold at the IAA Show in Hannover in September 2012.

“The right technology is clearly essential, but you can never underestimate the value of good service and the confidence you need to have in the service provider,” said Trevor Hudson, managing director, The Ice Co° Storage & Logistics. “It was clear when we met the Carrier Transicold team, and subsequently its service partner in Maltby, which will maintain the units, that they were passionate about both their technology and working with our company. In short, they bowled us over, and that kind of enthusiasm goes a long way to instilling trust.”

In addition to the refrigeration units and Golden Cold®maintenance contracts, Carrier Transicold is providing The Ice Co° with its dual view trailer bulkhead-mounted digital temperature display, which features a reverse image option to enable drivers to view temperature readings through their rear view mirror whilst on the road. This equipment also provides an instant cooling cycle status and warning alarm notifications.

Based in West Yorkshire, The Ice Co° Storage & Logistics operates a third party logistics service from three cold stores across the UK, predominantly managing deliveries into major retail distribution centres nationwide as well as groupage work for wholesalers and catering companies.

The mono-temperature Vector 1550 units present the ideal solution for the company by delivering faster temperature pull-down, reaching the desired set point up to 25 per cent faster compared to conventional technology, and also offering low fuel consumption – reducing the unit’s overall carbon impact by up to 35 per cent compared to more traditional systems.

The new Vector 1550 units represent the first order from Carrier Transicold to join The Ice Co°’s fleet of 24 trucks and 46 refrigerated trailers. According to Hudson, in addition to the robust technology, the provision of a strong service network and good customer service are what really helped make the sale.

“With previous suppliers, we have experienced issues with service; however, having looked at the network and level of expertise Carrier Transicold has in place, we have confidence that the Golden Cold repair and maintenance contracts will restore our faith,” added Hudson.

Counting on longevity, The Ice Co° plans to operate its new trailers for an initial five-year period before carrying out planned chassis and bodywork refurbishment and sending them back into frontline operation for a similar length of time.

Scott Dargan, operations director, Carrier Transicold, commented, “In combination with Golden Cold maintenance contracts, we are providing The Ice Co° with access to our online management service, My Fleet, which provides real-time support.

“We will also perform temperature calibrations to the customer’s precise requirements and carry out operator training to ensure equipment efficiency and reliability levels are optimised,” added Dargan. “It was pointed out to us from day one by

the customer that the purchase of refrigeration equipment is heavily driven by service support so, clearly, our overriding objective is to ensure that the package selected is the best possible fit for their operations.”

For more information on the Vector 1550 and other products and services from Carrier Transicold, visit www.transicold.carrier.com or www.coolbycarrier.com.