STORAGE PROFILE
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illbrook Coldstores, a division of Larne-based Topping Meats, has made a significant investment over the past year in upgrades. As well as a new computer and stock control system, the business has installed a new racking and handling system, and new blast freezing system. “Trade has been good,” says Alan Topping of Millbrook Coldstores. “We are seeing high demand from customers. I wouldn’t say there have been any particular challenges over the past year; there are different challenges for different customers.” The cold store was set up 25 years ago and has since evolved into a state-of-the-art facility with capacity to store 4,000 tonnes of produce and a convenient location; minutes
away from the Port of Larne and on the main dual carriageway with easy access to Belfast Port and local airports. The site offers blast freezing and tempering facilities and can provide cold-storage solutions for a wide range of companies, regardless of size, in the food sector. Additional features include 3,500 pallet spaces, racking systems, labelling and a computerised stock control system. The facility is also BRC-accredited. And New Year wishes for the business? “Lower energy costs,” says Alan. “They are always rising, and less bureaucracy would be good too.” Millbrook Coldstores also has plans to add another storage chamber this year. Parent company Topping Meats meanwhile
occupies an adjacent site, offering capacity to process 500 head of cattle per week through its boning hall, which is fully equipped with up-to-date processing and weighing technology. Its production line can handle vacuumpacked cuts of beef and lamb; catering cuts; PAD Beef; fresh and frozen manufactured beef; quality carcase beef and carcase lamb; and fresh and frozen beef and lamb offal. EC-approved, the premises are inspected regularly by official Veterinary inspectors and are also BRC-accredited. The outlook for 2014 is positive, says Alan, with the business actively seeking new export markets in GB and continental Europe. “Help with getting more exports going would be great,” he says.
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