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The Big Issues in Cold Chain Today – Do More with Less
Nov 07, 2022

The Big Issues in Cold Chain Today – Do More with Less

Temperature controlled cold stores and clean rooms being designed and installed today in the UK need to be resilient enough to perform in temperatures of over 40 degrees heat. It is predicted that the cold chain will grow significantly due to both population growth and the need to keep vaccines at very specific temperatures. However, inflation, soaring energy costs, energy insecurity and concerns around climate change and sustainability, means that the best cold stores will need to operate using less energy. So how do you achieve more with less?


The materials specified for the installation must meet regulations, have superior thermal performance, be extremely durable and hygienic, and meet fire regulations.


Insulated metal panels which contain a PIR system (polyisocyanurate) can meet all these requirements, whilst also facilitating quick and straightforward installation, which reduces build time in the warehouse.


Hemsec steel faced insulated panels have a high thermal performance and airtight joints which provide a structure to limit heat transfer, prevent air movement, and helps to ensure humidity and air quality levels are consistent. Thermal breaks and rebates can be incorporated into walling to suit ceiling thicknesses.


The closed cell structure within the PIR core prevents moisture absorption which makes them preferable to products such as mineral wool as they prevent moisture becoming trapped within the core, which could affect the structural integrity.


Hemsec metal insulated panels are self-supporting and allow for single spanning capability. This means they can be used for large areas with no need for supporting pillars, increasing storage capacity and improving the ease with which personnel and machines navigate storage areas.


Steel is robust and when it is laminated with the required coatings, it makes the insulated panels ideal for aggressive environments, such as pharmaceutical and food production, where cleaning with abrasive materials is necessary to maintain high levels of hygiene.


Hemsec metal insulated panels can be manufactured with a wide variety of finishes depending on requirements, including food-safe finishes, which means no further materials or labour are required to build your structure. This saves time and money, as well as increases the internal space available.


Our panels can be installed in line with LPS 1208 certificate: 558A to achieve FR30 or FR60 fire resistance and comply with current requirements for reaction to fire classifications.


Applications for metal insulated panels include:

  • Chilled storage between 0 to 5°C (food, pharmaceuticals, vaccines)
  • Frozen storage between -1 to -50°C, often -18°C 
  • Food and drink processing and preparation
  • Technological and electrical manufacturing
  • Data centres
  • Spray booths
  • Cleanrooms
  • Controlled Environment Agriculture


Saving energy means reducing costs

There are a wide range of options for cold storage businesses looking to produce their own energy to protect themselves against volatility in electricity prices and disruption to supply. In the future it is likely that most cold stores will include solar panels but, in the UK, solar power alone is unlikely to provide enough power for the whole cold storage operation. On site energy generation may also include energy management mechanisms like battery storage, centralised cooling and heat recycling.

 

The future of the cold chain…

The cold chain industry must assess the potential for local collaboration as part of energy strategies, to harness the potential offered by district cooling and heating schemes. Many businesses are aiming to be able to go off-grid and even sell excess energy as a new revenue stream.


If you have a project in mind where you could benefit from using Hemsec’s metal insulated panels, contact us here.


Image credit: JBJ Installations

LCR Mayor Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Press at SIP Panel Hub

By Stuart Cottle • 24 Apr, 2024
(4 min read) Liverpool City Region Mayor Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Press Machine at Hemsec’s New £4 Million SIPs Manufacturing Hub. Today (Liverpool, UK - 22 April 2024) marks a significant milestone in the region’s manufacturing landscape as Mayor Steve Rotheram officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art press machine at Hemsec’s new £4 million Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Manufacturing Hub, located in the heart of Knowsley, Liverpool. The unveiling ceremony, attended by key stakeholders and industry leaders, showcased Hemsec’s ambitious vision and cutting-edge capabilities of the press machine, which stands as the only one of its kind in the world. This groundbreaking technology is positioned to drive crucial innovation in the construction sector and a fabric-first approach to achieving a net zero built environment, particularly in the area of social and affordable housing. With a manufacturing capacity unlike any other, the new manufacturing hub and press promise unparalleled efficiency and precision in the production of SIPs, a building material known for its superior energy efficiency, speed of build and long-term sustainable impact. This advancement comes at a crucial time as the UK faces a significant shortfall in social housing, with communities across the country in dire need of affordable and high-quality accommodation. Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram emphasised the importance of this new manufacturing hub and its potential to address the housing crisis and other key issues important to the region's communities. Managing Director at Hemsec, Stephen Painter commented: "The opening of Hemsec’s SIPs Manufacturing Hub represents a transformative moment for Liverpool and the British manufacturing industry. With the capabilities of this pioneering press machine, we have an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate the construction of much-needed truly affordable social housing, providing safe and sustainable homes for our communities. A fabric-first approach to sustainable buildings is crucial for ensuring the performance of our homes is optimised now and remains for the lifetime of the building, securing longevity in energy efficiency."

Hemsec Donates 23 Mental Wellbeing Boxes for Families via UK Unplugged

By Stuart Cottle • 08 Apr, 2024
(3 min read) Hemsec are committed to reshaping the build environment for a better tomorrow. We are proud to sponsor 23 mental wellbeing boxes created by UK Unplugged and support families in our local community in the North West. The 23 boxes will help 23 families promote and prioritise mental wellbeing, in a time where this has never been more crucial. UK Unplugged started as a local community group in 2019, dedicated to supporting parents and carers to balance their family time on and off screens. The group is made up of professional and student volunteers from Liverpool John Moores University, who create learning activities and experiences for families in Liverpool in the form of an activity box. Families can subscribe to the boxes on a monthly basis. UK Unplugged work to bring local, regional and international communities together to share experiences, all whilst ensuring that the activities reduce screentime and improve mental wellbeing for the families they support. In April, UK Unplugged will be working to donate their boxes to low-income families & those on the CAMHS waiting list. They have pulled together a team of Architecture students and volunteers who are creating specialised boxes and Hemsec has agreed to sponsor the creation of 23 these boxes. The boxes provide: · 10 hours of screen-free fun · Education on new ideas and cultures · They are accessible & eco-friendly This year UK Unplugged – Architecture box are focusing on Sustainability and diversity; the boxes will educate families on different living spaces and sustainable choices around the world. Investing in the education of sustainable buildings for families across the northwest is a brilliant cause that we are proud to be part of.

Hemsec hosts Riverside College & Cronton Sixth Form students at SIPs Manufacturing Hub for Aspire Week

By Stuart Cottle • 15 Mar, 2024
(2 min read) Hemsec hosts Riverside College & Cronton Sixth Form students at SIPs Manufacturing Hub for Aspire Week. Last Friday, (15 th March 2024) we welcomed students of digital built environment, architecture, and built environment skills from Riverside College Widnes & Runcorn and Cronton Sixth Form College to our Huyton SIPs panel factory. Students enjoyed an informative morning learning about SIPs And getting hands-on with our panels to help inform their studies. The students received a talk from Dan Haworth , Head of Manufacturing, and a factory tour, followed by round table speed meetings with staff from all areas of the business. They also had the unique opportunity to get hands-on with building miniature SIP Panel structures. And to add a little extra fun, we set up a bit of friendly competition with a structural design challenge with custard creams! Because why not? SIPs panels and custard creams are distant cousins, after all! We're looking forward to hosting more students and future construction talent in the future.

The Big Help Project Christmas Raffle Raises £1000

21 Dec, 2023
(4 m in read) On Tuesday Hemsec employees came together in good Christmas cheer at our annual Christmas party. Through a spirited raffle, the company successfully raised an impressive £1000 for The Big Help Project . What is The Big Help Project? The Big Help Project was set up with the mission to feed the hungry, overcome poverty, free people from the burden of unmanageable personal debt, help people into affordable housing, and to assist people onto a better future. For over ten years Big Help Project has formed a social impact eco-system, providing on-the-ground wrap-around services to make sure nobody is left in crisis. Every day of the week Big Help Project is making a difference and helping people break the cycle of poverty. So far, the project has helped thousands of people across the UK — but they still have a lot of ground to cover. That’s where local businesses like Hemsec, our customers, suppliers and partners come into the picture.

Hemsec Announces Christmas Shutdown Dates.

09 Nov, 2023
To avoid disappointment, place your orders ready for Christmas and the first few weeks of the New Year. (2 min read) It’s that time of year again! In an effort to allow our hardworking team some well-deserved time with their families, Hemsec has scheduled our usual temporary shutdown over the Christmas period. We want to ensure our customers are well-informed about the key dates to avoid any inconvenience in the run up, during and following this period. We encourage all our valued customers to place their orders in the coming weeks to avoid any disappointment over the Christmas period and the first two weeks of January. Our team is committed to ensuring your needs are met, and early orders will help us achieve this goal. ​**Place Your Orders Before Monday 20th November to secure delivery before Christmas​**​ Production slots are booking up fast, so please plan your orders accordingly to ensure timely delivery and secure lead times running into the new year. **Final Dispatch Day - Monday 18th December, 2023** To ensure your orders reach you before the holiday break, our last day of dispatch will be on Monday, December 18th, 2023. Please place your orders early to guarantee timely delivery. **Last Day in the Office - Friday 22nd December, 2023** Our team's last day in the office before the holiday closure will be on Friday, December 22nd, 2023. We will be available to assist with any inquiries until this date. **Reopening - Tuesday 2nd January, 2024** Hemsec will resume operations and be fully open for business on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024. We look forward to continuing to work with you in the new year. All the team at Hemsec wishes you a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this temporary shutdown. We look forward to working with you in 2024!

Hemsec Raise Over £400 for Macmillan Coffee Morning

24 Oct, 2023
(2 min read) Earlier this month, our Macmillan Coffee Morning at Hemsec was a huge success! There was fierce competition in the ‘teacup toss’, along with an impressive 'Is it Cake?' panel replica competition, and a mouthwatering bake-off, all while raising an amazing £489 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The fundraising didn't stop there! We held a second coffee morning for our staff who couldn't make it, and the deliciousness and generosity did not disappoint. 🙌💚☕ Together the Hemsec team smashed last year's total! So we are already looking forward to the next event, keeping the momentum going, and making a difference for those who need it most. 💪☕🍰 Our Competition Winners Teacup Toss – Lyndon Gaskall Hemsec Bake-off – Liz Moran Is it Panel? Is it Cake? Competition – Stuart Cottle All our winners helped to raise an impressive sum of money for Macmillan and received a half-day holiday for their efforts in the process.
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