Twin Starfrost Freezers for Grampian Foods Siam
17 September 2007 16:18
Grampian Country Food Group has invested in two custom built spiral freezers from Starfrost for its chicken processing plant in Thailand.
Grampian is the UK's leading agri-food business, supplying fresh, frozen and value added poultry and meat products to major multiples and foodservice. In 2001 the firm formed Grampian Foods Siam Ltd., which is now one of the largest chicken processors and exporters in Thailand.
Grampian's Thailand operation processes around 800,000 chickens per week, supplying value added products to retail and foodservice markets across Asia and Europe. In 2005 Grampian was looking to expand production in Thailand and increase capacity at its processing plant in Nakorn Nayok, near Bangkok.
Worldwide equipment specialist Starfrost had previously supplied a number of freezing and chilling systems for Grampian's UK operation. Following a competitive tender process, Grampian opted for a bespoke freezing system from the UK-based company. Two identical Starfrost Helix Spirals offered the firm the flexibility to freeze a wide range of value added cooked chicken products.
The new freezing system was designed and manufactured by Starfrost in the UK, before being installed on site in Thailand. Both Helix Spirals feature a 28-inch belt and 30 spiralling tiers around a single rotating drum. Each freezer is capable of processing up to 2,000 kg/hr of cooked chicken products to minus 18°C.
The system is currently freezing Grampian's full range of value added chicken products, including coated fillets, drumsticks, thighs, wings and kebabs. Each freezer is designed for non-stop operation for up to 24 hours between defrosts.
The interior of each freezer is constructed in durable stainless steel for ease of hygiene. Both feature a Clean In Place (CIP) automated sanitising system and touch screen computer interface to monitor operation and maximise performance.
Starfrost's engineering team also completed the refurbishment of three freezers on site, to successfully overcome existing operational and maintenance issues. Throughout the project Starfrost worked in close partnership with local engineering company ALS and Micropure Ltd, its Thailand-based sales agent.
Established for over 20 years, Starfrost specialises in the design and manufacture of industrial freezers and chillers, including robust spiral systems. Starfrost's Helix Spirals have a low tension, flat belt design for ultimate durability and require minimal maintenance.
Helix Spirals are available with a range of belt sizes and tier heights. The system is capable of processing from 500kg/hr, up to 6,000kg/hr, depending on product type and temperatures required.
Starfrost's Helix Spiral is suitable for freezing and chilling food that requires medium to long retention times, such as poultry, pizzas, ready meals, potato products, desserts, pastries, and ice-cream. A 'guided flow' air circulation system ensures even freezing without excessive air speeds.
Starfrost is globally renowned for the reliability of its equipment range and commitment to pioneering freezing technology. Starfrost's freezing and chilling systems enable food manufacturers to minimise downtime, boost production and reduce running costs.
Starfrost's freezing and chilling equipment range includes the Spiral Helix, Starlite HT (Hybrid Tunnel), Turbo IQF and StarContact system. The company specialises in low to medium capacity in-line freezers and chillers, as well as larger site-built systems.
As well as designing automated systems to boost manufacturing efficiency, many Starfrost installations are now driven by the customer's need to reduce escalating nitrogen freezing costs.
For more information on this company:
Starfrost - Industrial Freezing and Chilling, Spiral Freezers, IQF Tunnel Freezers, Contact Freezers and CIP Sanitising Systems
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