Maersk Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Cold Store Facility in India for HyFun Foods
In a significant move towards enhancing cold chain logistics in India, A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk), the globally renowned integrated logistics company, has initiated the construction of its cutting-edge Cold Store facility in Mehsana, Gujarat. This facility, designed exclusively for HyFun Foods, a prominent brand in frozen processed food items, will provide advanced temperature-controlled storage solutions.
The importance of maintaining an unbroken cold chain for preserving the integrity of frozen food items is well-understood. Maersk’s new facility in Mehsana is set to meet the highest standards of temperature compliance, featuring a customized racking system tailored to the customer’s exact needs and incorporating modern technology to ensure impeccable operational accuracy.
Vikash Agarwal, Managing Director of Maersk South Asia, emphasized that the new Cold Store, strategically located near the customer’s manufacturing facility, will serve as the primary facility. With a substantial capacity of 14,700 pallet positions, it will rank among India’s largest single-shed cold stores. This large-scale facility offers HyFun Foods the advantage of consolidating all cargo in a single location, streamlining logistics operations.
Continuing its commitment to providing an integrated cold chain solution, Maersk ensures an unbroken cold chain as the cargo moves from the manufacturing facility. This comprehensive solution covers landside transportation to the port via road and rail, coordination at the port, customs clearances, and ocean transportation for all export cargo. This holistic approach marks a significant step towards achieving a truly integrated end-to-end logistics solution.
Maersk further extends its support with the “Captain Peter” solution, a Remote Container Management system that provides customers with real-time visibility during cold chain transportation. This system monitors temperature and critical elements, ensuring the integrity of the cold chain logistics throughout the journey.
Expressing their commitment to food security and quality, Kamlesh Karamchandani, Director – Sales & Marketing at HyFun Foods, highlighted the importance of an unbroken cold chain in their supply chain model. The Maersk solution, coupled with the new cold store facility, simplifies supply chains and strengthens their commitment to delivering high-quality products.
The exclusive nature of the cold store facility underscores Maersk’s dedication to HyFun Foods. The facility will incorporate operational and sustainable excellence by utilizing Ammonia refrigeration, a natural gas with zero Global Warming Potential (GWP). High-efficiency compressors with lower power consumption, PIR panels designed for fire resistance and lower thermal conductivity, and modern warehouse management systems are integral features of the facility.
In addition to ensuring efficient inventory management, the warehouse management systems offer real-time visibility to customers, enabling informed decisions on inventory management. Safety standards are paramount, with features such as a human-friendly staging area and a robust fire detection and firefighting system.
Maersk’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its decision to invest in solar energy to power the facility. Aligning with the company’s decarbonizing targets for NetZero by 2040, the facility will adhere to Green Building requirements, incorporating rain harvesting, Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), and zero discharge practices into its construction and operations plan.
The construction of the facility will adhere to world-class design and engineering parameters, ensuring compliance with all quality and regulatory requirements. This reaffirms Maersk’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art logistics solutions that prioritize customer satisfaction, food safety, and environmental sustainability.
About A.P. Moller – Maersk: A.P. Moller – Maersk is a globally recognized integrated logistics company dedicated to connecting and simplifying its customers’ supply chains. Operating in more than 130 countries with over 100,000 employees, Maersk is a leader in logistics services. The company aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 across its entire business through the adoption of new technologies, innovative vessels, and sustainable fuels.
In conclusion, Maersk’s groundbreaking initiative in constructing a state-of-the-art Cold Store facility for HyFun Foods in Mehsana, Gujarat, is a testament to its commitment to revolutionizing cold chain logistics in India. The facility’s advanced features, coupled with Maersk’s integrated cold chain solutions, promise to elevate the standards of temperature-controlled storage and transportation for frozen processed food items. As the world moves towards greater sustainability, Maersk’s investment in environmentally friendly practices, such as solar energy, reflects its dedication to meeting both customer and global environmental expectations. This project not only signifies a milestone for Maersk and HyFun Foods but also exemplifies the potential for creating a more efficient, sustainable, and customer-focused cold chain logistics ecosystem in India.
