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Tag: cold chain

Thermo King supplies Hapag-Lloyd with 950 generator sets

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Thermo King, a leader in transport temperature control solutions, has supplied 950 of its latest clip-on SG-5000 generator sets to Hapag-Lloyd, one of the global leaders of container shipping. The Thermo King SG-5000 can power all ISO reefers on the market and ensures complete temperature control and protection of the refrigerated cargo. The new fleet of SG-5000 generator sets will serve in Hapag-Lloyd’s intermodal operations throughout North America.

Designed and manufactured specifically for the North American market, the Thermo King SG-5000 gensets’ engine is compliant California Air Resource Board (CARB), for the lifetime of the product, protecting the customers’ investment and removing the need for retrofit or replacement. As with the CARB regulations, the SG-5000 also enables lifetime compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 standards for off-highway diesel engines.

“Thermo King’s generator sets deliver a mix of performance, connectivity, low running costs, and no-compromise load protection we were looking for,” said Andrea Schoening, Senior Director Container Steering, at Hapag-Lloyd. ”Their compliance with the strictest emissions requirements is also aligned with our sustainability strategy to implement technology that reduces carbon emissions, fuel and energy consumption.”

”We are committed to supply our customers with the most innovative product portfolio for generator sets – and to be a trusted partner through the product’s lifecycle,” said Bruno Fusciani, Commercial Leader Thermo King Marine. “In the SG-5000, we incorporated proven and reliable technology with variety of innovations and enhanced connectivity. We’re sure the lifetime CARB compliance of the product will help Hapag-Lloyd to focus on making the most of current and future operations with the peace of mind they need.”

The market leading performance and modular design of the SG-5000 clip-on units allows to power any reefer – including the SuperFreezer – maximizing operational efficiency and helping lower lifetime operational costs. Additionally, the SG-5000 features an advanced controller that combines simple, easy to use navigation with advanced diagnostics offering intelligence, control and telematics capabilities including:

  • Automated pre-trip testing
  • Advanced self-check features, including alarms
  • Auto restart
  • Data logging of events, alarms, and messages
  • Real-time monitoring and management of position, fuel, engine hours and running parameters on rail, by road or at terminal.

The SG-5000 are manufactured in the USA, in a state-of-the-art production line featuring the latest industry automated quality control processes.

 

AAH automates pharma supply chain processes

Posted on by David Priestman

AAH Pharmaceuticals, a leader in the wholesale distribution of medicines in the UK, will partner with RELEX Solutions, provider of unified retail planning solutions to improve supply chain planning and processes across the wholesale business, trading under the AAH, Enterprise, and Trident brands.

AAH is a distributor of pharmaceutical and healthcare products and services in the UK and works with manufacturers to supply pharmacies, hospitals, and dispensing doctors across the country. AAH provides a twice per day delivery service to more than 14,000 customer locations, enabling access to more than 20,000 products.

Prior to RELEX, AAH Pharmaceuticals used manual processes to manage their supply chain and needed a centralised system to automate stock supply and enable effective data-driven decision making across their supply chain.

AAH Pharmaceuticals will use RELEX to manage its forecasting and replenishment with over 1,000 vendors, support demand and supply planning across multiple product categories and characteristics such as seasonality and promotional activity, and improve efficiency through delivery flow smoothing.

“RELEX’s AI-driven solution gives us the accuracy and visibility we need to ensure our customers have the products they need while optimising our inventory investment,” says Steve Wilson, Head of Supply and Inventory. “Implementing the solution across our UK business is an exciting next step in our mission to improve both customer outcomes and the efficiency of  our supply chain.”

“Expanding the use of RELEX in our business supports our strategy to deliver significant value through digitising our processes with cloud-based technology, and introduces a platform that allows us to scale and adapt over time,” adds Ranjit Gill, CIO.

“At RELEX, we are proud to expand our partnership with AAH Pharmaceuticals and support them as an essential services distributor across the country,” says Jason Berry, VP Sales for Central Europe and South Africa at RELEX. “We understand the importance of product availability in this market, and our relationship with AAH Pharmaceuticals is a clear sign of our expanding strength and presence in the pharmacy wholesale and retail sector.”

 

Thermo King exhibits solutions for today and the future

Posted on by David Priestman

Thermo King, a leader in transport temperature control solutions, is exhibiting at the ITT Hub in Farnborough, UK to showcase technology developments that lead to sustainable and zero-emission refrigerated transport industry. From 11th to 12th of May, at the Thermo King booth 1251, visitors will find the latest advancements in transport refrigeration to prepare themselves for the future: truck and trailer units with market leading fuel efficiencies, hybrid or 100% electric and zero-emissions refrigeration.

“Sustainability, fuel efficiency, electrification and transition of conventional architecture is what is being discussed in the industry today. We’re coming to the ITT Hub to help transport operators keep abreast of the rapid changes in technology, address the environmental requirements and prepare themselves for the future, today,” said David O’Gorman, regional director North and Western Europe at Thermo King.

“The discontinuation of the red diesel rebate is one of the issues on the minds of our customers today. It’s fair to assume though, that only eliminating rebated diesel is not going to impact the environment – whether operators burn red or white diesel, they are still burning the same amount of fuel. Choosing a sustainable refrigeration technology will. At the ITT Hub we will showcase the advanced, future-ready transport refrigeration solutions from Thermo King and Frigoblock that give operators a plethora of options, both from the business and environmental point of view,” said O’Gorman.

Thermo King’s booth 1251 will spotlight the most comprehensive offering of sustainable transport refrigeration technologies. This includes the truck and trailer units with market leading fuel efficiencies, hybrid or 100% electric and zero-emissions refrigeration systems like:

  • Advancer A-Series trailer systems together with the new Whisper Pro and Hybrid units. The A-Series offers market leading fuel efficiency and can be operated as hybrid and with the new AxlePower technology with BPW’s ePower axle. The AxlePower energy recovery system and battery storage technology for trailer refrigeration units was designed to deliver immediate and long-term sustainability benefits while also helping cut day-to-day operating costs.
  • Single and multi-temperature V-1000 vehicle-powered units (pictured) designed for larger rigid trucks of up to 25 tonnes. The new V-1000 is equally or more powerful as its nearest equivalent diesel units and offers large truck operators the benefit of advanced vehicle drive technology – low cost operation, fuel savings, low weight and compact size.
  • New FK2 electric, alternator-powered units from Frigoblock for medium to heavy-class rigid trucks featuring integrated telematics and extended ambient capabilities for wider operating maps. For more sustainable transport operations, FK2 units are compatible and can be installed on both hybrid and electric-powered trucks.

Providing sustainable solutions for refrigerated transportation is part of Thermo King’s (part of Trane Technologies) overall approach to reducing carbon emissions in the industries it serves. It helps advance the 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion metric tons.

Noyes collaborates with Viessmann on refrigeration system

Posted on by David Priestman

Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions GmbH, a leading supplier of commercial refrigeration solutions, and Noyes Technologies, the first supplier of an automated and highly flexible nano-storage system, are cooperating to develop an innovative, modular and fully automated refrigeration system for the revolutionary NoyesStorage.

This will be a valuable addition to the Noyes and Viessmann offering, intended to radically simplify and streamline storage of products with complex requirements such as temperature and hygienic safety. The offering is aimed to be available by 2023 and sets the foundation for a long-term partnership between the two companies.

Noyes Technologies builds compact, modular storage solutions for smaller – typically urban – spaces with its NoyesStorage. Especially within the Q-Commerce business, it is essential to store a large variety of products with complex requirements in a confined space. Suppliers are faced with a particularly difficult challenge given strict specifications for the storage of groceries.

Refrigeration has repeatedly been named as one of the biggest challenges; compliance with the cold chain must be ensured, perishable products such as fresh meat and dairy products must be constantly checked for their best-before date, and different environments must be maintained for individual product groups. In high-rent urban storage areas, storage systems should additionally be as space efficient as possible.

The innovative refrigeration system, which incorporates Viessmann’s extensive expertise in refrigeration with the automatised warehouse solution from Noyes, provides an answer to these challenges. The modular design enables the storage system to be assembled according to the customer’s individual requirements and with a precise fit.

Furthermore, the accurate product storage temperatures can be specified individually ensuring food safety compliance by cooling individual units. Simultaneously, a maximum space efficiency for the storage system is guaranteed. The automated nano-warehouse will be developed to have minimum ecological impact, based on the natural refrigerants, and ensuring energy optimisation.

Marco Prueglmeier, co-founder and CEO of Noyes, says: “Until now, there has been no solution on the market to store different products with varying temperature requirements in a confined space and in an energy-efficient, flexible way. By partnering with Viessmann, we are now developing a revolutionary system with measurable added value for customers. We are proud to have a market leader like Viessmann at our side to jointly shape the storage system industry of the future.”

Frank Winters, CEO of Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions, comments: “We are proud to partner with such an innovative company as Noyes, with its extended expertise in robotics. Their strengths combined with Viessmann’s digital, sustainable, and integrated solution offering will create a future-oriented offering specifically for urban logistics. Both traditional retailers as well as the Quick commerce companies are welcome to contribute to a revolutionary new eco system for bringing food to people.”

White paper: pharma cold chain technologies compared

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The vital role that temperature-controlled packaging plays in transporting pharmaceuticals around the world has been highlighted in a new white paper from Tower Cold Chain, with the aim of helping stakeholders find the right solution for their needs.

Compounded by the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, the white paper provides practical advice on the various options available, with insight delivered by seven leading industry experts from across the supply chain. These include senior decision makers from Johnson & Johnson, DHL and LOT Polish Airlines, who deliver an unbiased guide that is ideal for specifiers in pharmaceuticals, 3PL and air freight looking to make informed choices.

Free to download from the Tower website, the white paper – titled ‘Passive v Active in a globally disrupted age’ – collates the key findings of a 90-minute webinar organised by Tower in late 2021. Amongst the topics covered are the rapid changes affecting the industry; the new challenges that are arising in delivering vaccines to remote areas; and the considerations that must be made in selecting the optimum container type for the task.

At the heart of the publication is an assessment of the relative merits of Active, Passive and Hybrid temperature-controlled packaging solutions with detailed insight on their use across the global pharmaceutical supply chain.

In an unbiased review of the technologies the white paper identifies a place for all types of temperature-controlled solutions within the market.

“In some circumstances, active methods are ideal. In others, passive is the only sensible choice to de-risk the shipment,” explains Kevin Doran, Global Head of Supply Chain at Tower Cold Chain.

“When it comes to patient care and the effective delivery of critical pharmaceuticals there’s no benefit in being partisan. We felt it was vital that decision makers can get a balanced view, which is why this white paper brings together a wide range of voices to survey the whole landscape and identify the scenarios for the best use of each technology.

“We’re grateful to all of the experts who gave their time and provide such a rich source of insight and information – and we look forward to sharing it with others.”

CLICK HERE to download the white paper

 

Tower takes cold chain containers on the road

Posted on by David Priestman

In its first appearance at the renowned LogiPharma conference, Tower Cold Chain is speaking about the key challenges in temperature-controlled logistics, as well as exhibiting its robust, reliable and reusable containers.

With the world’s biggest names in pharmaceutical manufacturing and cold chain logistics attending the Nice-based conference, Tower will share insight and advice on helping companies to transport temperature-critical products around the world.  The company’s Global Head of Supply Chain, Kevin Doran, will be speaking at the LogiPharma conference as part of a panel discussion on using technology to improve sustainability in global logistics.

Tower’s container range uses phase-change materials to keep contents at a stable temperature, and integrated datalogger technology to monitor performance during transit. Backed by a growing global network of hubs, Tower can meet all pharmaceutical temperature configurations and standards, in a variety of consignment sizes from multi-pallet to pallet to sub-pallet.

Visitors to the Tower stand (booth #21) at LogiPharma will be guided through the specific features and benefits of the Tower range – which is built to meet customers’ needs by combining robust construction, reliable temperature control and reusability.

Kevin Doran will be sharing Tower’s perspective on a panel at 14:30 on Tuesday 5th April titled, “How can you harness the latest technologies and develop relationships with key suppliers to improve the sustainability of global logistics operations?”

“We’re very excited to exhibit at LogiPharma for the first time and to be speaking at the conference alongside industry leaders from across the globe,” commented Niall Balfour, CEO of Tower Cold Chain. “Demand for our solutions continues to grow, as we partner with pharmaceutical brands, airlines and 3PL providers to deliver pharmaceuticals and other life-science products in an efficient and sustainable manner.”

Tower’s presence at LogiPharma is part of a renewed focus on exhibitions globally, as face-to-face events re-emerge following COVID-19 restrictions. During Spring 2022, the company is also demonstrating its solutions at CTS & Temperature Logistics in Madrid; Biologistics World Asia in Singapore; and GCSG in San Antonio, Texas.

“We can’t wait for visitors to these shows to see our containers up close, to discover all of their benefits as a robust, reliable and reusable solution for the pharmaceutical cold chain,” added Niall Balfour.

 

DoKaSch strengthens presence in Japan

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DoKaSch Temperature Solutions continues to expand its business in Asia. With the dedicated subsidiary DoKaSch Temperature Solutions K.K. in Tokyo and a new service station at Narita International Airport, customers in Japan now have optimal access to the “Opticooler” – high-quality and reliable temperature-controlled packaging-solution by DoKaSch Temperature Solutions.

Additionally, the specialist for temperature-controlled packaging solutions will be presenting its active container solutions at INTERPHEX Japan 2021 from 8th – 10th December at booth 8-36.

Japan is considered an important production and export centre for pharmaceuticals in the Asian-Pacific region as well as worldwide. Especially in terms of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, the demand for pharmaceutical cold chain capacity is increasing. Narita International Airport has one of the largest temperature-controlled storage facilities for airports in Japan, the Cargo Climate Control Terminal (CCC). The airport handles half of all pharmaceutical trade in Japan, making it one of the most important hubs for both import and export.

With its office in Tokyo and the new depot at Narita International Airport, DoKaSch Temperature Solutions is strengthening its network in the region and worldwide. In this way, the solution provider for temperature-controlled packaging contributes to a reliable cold chain for highly sensitive pharmaceutical products, especially during the pandemic.

The capacities of RKN and RAP Opticooler at Narita Station can be increased at any time and immediately so that the required number of containers is available for each flight. Back in July, for example, DoKaSch Temperature Solutions K.K. provided Opticoolers for a large-scale and very important transport operation of vaccines.

“I see many opportunities for Opticooler in the important Japanese pharmaceutical market and beyond, because of its technical characteristics, exceptional reliability and availability. Because of our proximity and extensive network, we can serve customers quickly and reliably,” said Kazuyoshi Kakizawa, Head of DoKaSch Temperature Solutions K.K.. The experienced industry expert is responsible for the further development and expansion of DoKaSch’s business in Japan and also for the company’s operational activities in the East Asian island state.

Andreas Seitz, Managing Director of DoKaSch Temperature Solutions, added: “Japan is a major production and export centre for pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. Therefore, we decided to open a new DoKaSch office and station at Tokyo. It is directly related to our growth strategy in Asia and ideally complements our extensive global network. This allows us to further ensure that our Opticooler reaches our customers quickly and thus contribute to a smooth and reliable cold chain.”

DoKaSch says Opticooler is an extremely reliable, temperature-controlled packaging solution. Electrically powered and fully climate controlled, the active containers can both cool and heat without using dry ice or other refrigerants. They maintain the desired temperature level, e.g. between 2°C and 8°C at all times and regardless of external climatic conditions. This makes them the ideal solution for the safe transport of highly sensitive and valuable pharmaceutical products that must always be protected from temperature fluctuations.

Customers who would like to see and inform about the Opticooler can meet Kazuyoshi Kakizawa at this year’s INTERPHEX Japan 2021 from 8th – 10th December at booth 8-36.

INTERPHEX Japan 2021 is Japan’s largest exhibition for pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturing/packaging technologies. With 23 years of history, INTERPHEX Japan is known as the best business platform to network with industry top leaders from pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry in Japan and Asia. The show is held inside INTERPHEX Week Tokyo; Asia’s leading comprehensive pharma and cosmetics event.

 “Game-changing” solution for ultra-cold pharma transport

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The launch of the latest solution from pharmaceutical thermal protection specialist Tower Cold Chain is cited as a “game-changer” by customers who have tested the new KTM42D Tower Double Euro Pallet Ultra Cold in the field.

The KTM42D is a fully reusable double-pallet temperature-controlled packaging container, for the transportation and extended storage of products that require an internal temperature range of -80˚C to -60˚C.

It is therefore ideally suited for the transportation of vaccines, life science products and any other product requiring a stable temperature environment during transportation or storage.

The “game-changing” nature of the KTM42D lies in the use of Tower’s proven robust, reliable and reusable technology, to achieve the optimum balance between ultra-low temperatures, shipment size, simplicity of use, and reusability.

“All of our solutions are developed to meet the needs of pharmaceutical manufacturers, 3PL providers and airlines,” commented Niall Balfour, CEO of Tower Cold Chain. “As such, the KTM42D has been designed to accept two full Euro pallets and maintain the stored contents at less than –60°C for over 94 hours.

“Initial feedback has been beyond our expectations, with one partner calling it a ‘game changer.’ We can’t wait to show customers everything that the KTM42D can do,” he added.

The KTM42D is compatible with all major modes of transit delivery, including wide-bodied aircraft, reefers and all road-transport options.

By using a passive temperature control system that removes the need for external power, and datalogging technology to provide real-time confirmation of the internal temperature, no human intervention is required during transportation.

Instead, the KTM42D features an easy load and unload process through double door access. With less than five-minute load-and-reload time, human contact with dry-ice is minimised to help maintain industry-leading health and safety working conditions.

Temperature is consistent throughout the payload to prevent any temperature differentiation in container. Indeed, when stored in a (-20°C) freezer unit the KTM42D maintains temperatures of under -60°C for over nine days and can be replenished with dry ice in under five minutes, providing unlimited deep freeze time.

The KTM42D is available across Tower’s growing global network of strategically located hubs, providing availability within 24 hours or less. In addition, all KTM42Ds are fully reusable, helping customers to meet sustainability targets with a circular solution for their pharmaceutical supply chain.

Tower Cold Chain launches new brand identity

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Pharmaceutical thermal protection specialist Tower Cold Chain has launched a new brand identity, supported by a new website that provides an enhanced experience for the company’s growing global customer base.

Both the branding and website reflect Tower’s global focus on promoting circularity and driving innovation in cold chain delivery to offer added customer value and best-in-class technical support services.

The website has been designed to be fully customer-centric, including the introduction of a new technical resource area, streamlined product information and the provision of a personalised dashboard that helps users configure the specific requirements for their cold chain payloads.

In addition, following specific customer feedback, the site also incorporates a dynamic map of the Tower’s global network with detailed information on its strategically located hubs throughout Europe, the USA, Asia-Pacific, India, and South Africa.

The website includes full details of Tower’s complete range of robust, reliable and reusable containers, which covers all pharmaceutical temperature configurations and standards, as well as meeting the different requirements of Euro, US, single and double pallets, and the smaller sub-pallet consignments. This enables customers to easily compare models and identify the most appropriate solution for their requirements.

Niall Balfour, Tower Cold Chain’s CEO, said: “Our new website and branding reflect both our global capabilities and our commitment to deliver the highest standards of products and services.

“Through simplifying what is a highly technical and highly regulated supply chain, we believe we can deliver real value for our customers. Our website is central to this, enabling them to find the information they require with the very minimum of clicks and helping them to specify and book the services they need.”

Tower’s latest investment and digitalisation of its services follows the recent opening of its new global headquarters in Theale, UK, where its Innovation Centre and expanded laboratory facilities will play a key role in delivering the next generation of cold chain products.

The company was one of the first to adopt phase-change materials to protect temperature-sensitive materials, as well as developing an integrated data logger for its products. More recently, Tower introduced a range of unique biotechnology deep frozen pack-out solutions.

“Innovation has driven Tower’s development and our new brand and website will spearhead our commitment to becoming the provider of choice in digitalised thermal protection solutions,” concluded Balfour.

“I am delighted at the positive feedback we have already received as we continue to develop the Tower offer and provide the high-performance containers our customers demand to deliver pharmaceuticals to patients safely and efficiently worldwide.”

 

UK chilled haulier collapses into administration

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Logistics company EVCL Chill, the cold-chain subsidiary of the EV Cargo Group, has fallen into administration. PwC has been appointed as the administrator of EVCL Chill Ltd, EVCL One Limited, EVCL Two Limited and EVCL Three Limited. The current driver shortage affecting the UK was cited as one of the reasons for the company’s failure.

EVCL Chill operates primarily in the chilled food logistics market, storing and delivering products for a number of retail customers – including Sainsbury’s and Asda – and suppliers to the UK food retail market. Headquartered in Alfreton, Derbyshire, the business employs 1,092 full-time employees operating from warehouses and depots in key locations across the UK including, Daventry, Alfreton, Rochdale, Crick, Bristol, and Penrith.

EVCL Chill was formerly known as NFT Distribution and purchased by investment firm EmergeVest in 2014. In 2016 NFT Distribution acquired chilled food and drink 3PL NR Evans.

The business operates 374 trucks and 432 trailers across its transport network, alongside more than 20,000 pallets of warehousing capacity, servicing blue-chip food retailers and manufacturers nationwide.

In the period to December 2020, turnover at the business exceeded £167m and was cash generative. However, EVCL Chill has struggled with a loss of a number of key customers and acute driver shortages during 2021 which given its fixed cost base, created significant liquidity challenges. A number of sale options were explored but generated limited interest and management took the difficult decision to enter administration.

658 roles and a number of services have been transferred to key customers under their contractual arrangements, which provides continuity for parts of EVCL Chill and those customers. The administration does not affect other businesses within the wider EV Cargo Group, which continue to trade as before.

Eddie Williams, joint administrator at PwC, said: “This has been a very difficult situation and involved intense discussions with key stakeholders on an accelerated basis to get to this position. As businesses move from survival mode to recovery, the financial climate is still very volatile.

“I am pleased that at least 658 roles will continue in a sector that is already facing many difficulties and challenges around inventory, personnel and the wider supply chain. Some vital continuity and stability has been ensured for a number of EVCL Chill’s stakeholders.

“We will continue to fully support all affected staff members during this difficult time.”

Creditors mentioned by the administrator include HMRC, the UK’s tax office.

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