TCS&D Magazine - Experts & Thought Leaders

Cold Chain Hub, the UK’s pioneering event for the cold storage and distribution sector, returns to Birmingham’s NEC on 9 & 10 September. With a focus on sustainable solutions, the exhibition will showcase innovation from across the cold supply chain. Host of solutions Organised by the team behind TCS&D and Frozen & Chilled Foods magazines, and once again supported by the Road Haulage Association, Cold Chain Hub has already attracted a number of returning and new exhibitors. The show will feature a whole host of solutions designed to increase efficiency and reduce costs in the movement and storage of both frozen & chilled foods and pharmaceuticals. Co-located with IMHX Cold Chain Hub will – for the first time – be co-located with IMHX, the UK’s largest logistics event Taking place at the NEC on 9 & 10 September, Cold Chain Hub will – for the first time – be co-located with IMHX, the UK’s largest logistics event, which attracts some 10,000 visitors. “We’re delighted to be co-locating with IMHX this year,” says Martyn Cogan, Event Director. “This is clearly driving demand for space at Cold Chain Hub 2025 and, having previously worked with the IMHX team, I know this is going to be a very exciting September for visitors to both events.” Brand-new zones As well as a new venue in the NEC’s Hall 3A, Cold Chain Hub 2025 will feature two new areas, the ‘Truck Zone’ and the ‘Food Logistics Zone’, as a focus for these solutions. The exhibition has already attracted a number of key industry names across cold store constructors, temperature-controlled operators and rental/contract hire specialists, as well as suppliers of refrigerated vehicles, portable cold stores, materials handling equipment, protective clothing and temperature-monitoring technology. First-time exhibitors Exhibitors making a welcome return include, Carrier Transicold, CoolKit, and ECOOLTEC Exhibitors making a welcome return include Asset Alliance Group, Carrier Transicold, CoolKit, ECOOLTEC, Gray & Adams, Longhurst Refrigeration, Pulleyn Transport, Seven Asset Management, Solomon Commercials, Tiger Trailers, Sunswap and Wave Refrigeration.  First-time exhibitors already signed up include Brianza Plastica, Certa Logistics, Charnwood Commercial Bodies, Coolfreeze, GAH Refrigeration, Lamilux, Renault Trucks UK and REX Temperature-controlled Vehicles. Free conference program As in previous years, Cold Chain Hub will feature a free-to-attend conference across both days that will focus on refrigerated transport and cold storage, with insightful presentations from a variety of speakers.  Plus TCS&D Awards evening The annual TCS&D Awards – now in their 12th year – will be held alongside the Cold Chain Hub The annual TCS&D Awards – now in their 12th year – will be held alongside the Cold Chain Hub, taking place in the evening of 9 September at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, which is located on the NEC complex. “The TCS&D Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in the cold supply chain,” says Martyn Cogan, “and the black-tie Awards Dinner is always a great occasion for networking with industry peers.” Registration now open Visitor registration for TCS&D’s Cold Chain Hub is now open at the website.  Companies interested in exhibiting their products or services at Cold Chain Hub 2025 or attending the TCS&D Awards should contact Martyn Cogan. 

Brands in transport refrigeration solutions will be among over 40 exhibitors at the 2024 Cold Chain Hub exhibition. Cold Chain Hub 2024, the event dedicated to the UK’s cold storage and distribution sector, will take place at Birmingham’s NEC on 9 & 10 October. Cold Chain Hub 2024 Organized by the team behind pioneering magazine, TCS&D, the show is supported by the Road Haulage Association and has attracted some of the biggest players in the industry.  Cold Chain Hub will showcase innovation from right across the cold supply chain, with some larger exhibits – such as portable cold stores and refrigerated vehicles, including electric models – on display in an outside area. Industry firsts on show The exhibition will be the launch pad for several brand-new products and services The exhibition will be the launch pad for several brand-new products and services. “Not only have we attracted some of the biggest names in the industry,” says Martyn Cogan, but Event Director, “Cold Chain Hub 2024 will also be a platform for several exciting innovations.” CoolVan CoolVan, one of the UK’s pioneering manufacturers of bespoke chilled and frozen transport vehicles, will be launching its revolutionary recycled vehicle insulation at the 2024 show. The eco-friendly lining is the result of significant investment in R&D, including a state-of-the-art test chamber.  Instead of fiberglass, the newly patented insulation uses fully recycled plastic that is also fully recyclable at the end of its life. Up to 8,000 recycled plastic bottles are used in each van conversion, with the solution also increasing thermal efficiency. Two vehicles with the new insulation will be on the company’s stand (A30) and will feature refrigeration units from GAH and Hubbard. Celsius CoolVan recently launched a companion brand, Celsius, which is dedicated to fleet vehicle conversions. “With so much to share,” says Sam Hargreaves, Manager of the new Celsius division, “from our fleet-focused new brand and the innovations made possible by our new in-house test chamber to our revolutionary conversion system, Cold Chain Hub 2024 is the perfect stage to showcase our sustainable refrigeration solutions.” Carrier Transicold Carrier Transicold will be promoting its new Vector HE 17 temperature-controlled trailer unit on stand A10 Carrier Transicold will be promoting its new Vector HE 17 temperature-controlled trailer unit on stand A10. Utilizing cutting-edge inverter technology with the company’s proven all-electric E-Drive architecture, the Vector HE 17 sets a new benchmark for performance and total cost of ownership. “The Vector HE 17 offers up to 30% reduced fuel consumption,” says James Bell, Sales & Marketing Director, “as well as refrigeration capacity output above 16 kW and a 6 dB(A) noise reduction when compared to the legacy Vector 1550.” Vector HE 17 The Vector HE 17 also features an economizer and a hermetically sealed compressor, increasing the machine's efficiency and reducing the risk of refrigerant leaks. The unit is also equipped with a telematics box to enable customers to make faster, data-driven decisions. Endurance, a zero-emission transport refrigeration unit UK-based cleantech company, Sunswap will be promoting Endurance, its zero-emission transport refrigeration unit at the show. Endurance is a battery- and solar-powered refrigeration system for trailers that helps operators to decarbonize their supply chains. “Our technology offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and viable alternative to diesel,” says Michael Lowe, CEO. “With successful trials with many UK operators, several industry awards, and backing from major partners, Sunswap is driving the cold chain towards a cleaner future.” Exclusive consultation sessions An Endurance unit will be on display on the Sunswap stand (B20), mounted on the front of a trailer An Endurance unit will be on display on the Sunswap stand (B20), mounted on the front of a trailer to allow visitors to see the technology up close. The company will also be offering exclusive consultation sessions for operators interested in trialing Endurance in their fleets. “Cold Chain Hub 2024 is a key event for Sunswap to engage with industry pioneers and demonstrate how our innovative technology is driving the transition to sustainable refrigerated transport,” says Michael. TFV150 GA cooling unit First-time exhibitor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH (MTTE) will be promoting its proven range of direct-drive diesel and electric transport refrigeration units on stand E22. The Centre stage will be the TFV150 GA cooling unit – exhibited for the first time in the UK – which will be mounted on a Lamberet Trailer. Transport refrigeration solution Although MTTE has been supplying transport refrigeration solutions since 1967, the company only launched operations in the UK in April 2024. “We’re establishing a service partner network for the whole of the UK,” says Elliot Quinn, Country Manager, “so Cold Chain Hub is a great opportunity for us to raise our profile in this market and meet potential partners for our network.”  Refrigeration design, engineering, and solutions The company will be promoting its wide range of refrigeration units for panel vans, box body vehicles A member of the Daikin group since 2017, Hubbard Products specializes in refrigeration design, engineering, and solutions for both static and transport applications. The company will be promoting its wide range of refrigeration units for panel vans, box body vehicles, and truck & trailer combinations on stand G10, shared with Fischer Panda and Acrobat Vehicle Rental. Hubbard Products’ SFZ009 Hubbard Products’ SFZ009 invisible under-mounted dual temperature unit will be displayed on a Mercedes-Benz RWD L2H2 Sprinter panel van.  “This solution does not require a condenser pod,” explains Coleen Botterill, Transport Refrigeration Sales Manager, “which improves the aerodynamics and allows a higher internal roof lining.”  Fischer Panda system Powered by a Fischer Panda system with a 6kW battery pack with inverter – trickle charged by a solar panel and the Mercedes alternator plus an additional alternator – in testing the system kept the fridge to temperature for 7 hours to depletion without engine power. “For pharmaceutical operations, this is very useful if the vehicle has an engine failure,” says Coleen, “and also negates the need for any run lock system to be fitted to vehicles.” Sustainable transport refrigeration units These compact, yet powerful refrigeration units rely exclusively on natural refrigerants COOLTEC Grosskopf GmbH, a European manufacturer of future-proofed transport refrigeration systems, will showcase its highly sustainable transport refrigeration units on stand C30. These compact, yet powerful refrigeration units rely exclusively on natural refrigerants and impress with a purely electric drive; this makes the system eco-friendly and guarantees a long operational life. EU-wide F-Gas Regulation The EU-wide F-Gas Regulation and resulting shortages of conventional refrigerants mean the industry is facing an unavoidable switch to sustainable alternatives but ECOOLTEC has already completed this transformation. ECOOLTEC presents two new evaporators offering full flexibility when configuring multi-temp compartments; a new remote control for high user-friendliness; and a mounting position for the TM182 unit that is specifically designed to optimize energy requirements. Temperature-controlled transport The company will show one of its most recent installations on a truck owned by Brakes, a Sysco company, demonstrating the successful use of ECOOLTEC technology in everyday operation. “Cold Chain Hub is the perfect place to showcase our technology to all decision-makers in temperature-controlled transport in the UK,” says Dale Cornes, General Sales Manager for ECOOLTEC UK. Women in Cold Chain The purpose of WiCC is to encourage female school leavers and university graduates, as well as women from other sectors The exhibition will also host the Women in Cold Chain network on both days, with talks by a diverse range of speakers from across the industry. Launched in 2023 by Constellation Cold Logistics, Marshall Fleet Solutions, and TCS&D, the purpose of Women in Cold Chain (WiCC) is to encourage female school leavers and university graduates, as well as women from other sectors, to consider exploring a career in the temperature-controlled storage and distribution industry. TCS&D Conference and Awards Cold Chain Hub will also host a free-to-attend conference across both days, featuring two streams – Refrigerated Transport (sponsored by Petit Forestier) and Cold Storage. In addition, the annual TCS&D Awards will be held on the evening of Wednesday 9 October at the nearby National Motorcycle Museum. In their 11th year and with Sunswap as the main sponsor, the awards will celebrate innovation and excellence in the cold supply chain across several categories. Dawsongroup Truck and Trailer, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, is sponsoring the event’s pre-dinner drinks reception, while the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) is the award sponsor for the Materials Handling Service Provider of the Year category.  Register for free To discover the latest technologies for the temperature-controlled supply chain, register for free to visit the #tcsd24 exhibition and conference. Companies interested in exhibiting at the show or attending the TCS&D Awards should contact Martyn Cogan.

Cold Chain Hub is supported by the Road Haulage Association and organized by the team behind TCS&D magazine, a publication for the temperature-controlled supply chain.  “The show will be 30% bigger than last year’s event,” says Martyn Cogan, Event Director, “and will highlight innovation from across the industry.” clean energy power packs First-time exhibitor, RIS GreenChill specializes in the design, manufacture, and installation of bolt-on clean energy power packs for vans, trucks, and trailers. Providing electric power to run refrigeration units and other ancillaries, the solutions are fridge-agnostic and cover a range of vehicle sizes, makes, and models. The solar-electric, solar-kinetic, and fridge-battery systems can all be retrofitted, helping transport operators accelerate their decarbonization journey. RIS Greenhill will be displaying one of its solar-electric systems on a trailer on its stand (D15), in collaboration with Dawsongroup Truck & Trailer.  Fridge-battery system The company will also be promoting its purpose-built installation facility at Clay Cross “We are also promoting a special offer at the show,” says Fiona Cropper, Operations Director. “Our range of optional features including our newly launched fridge-battery system and worth a considerable sum will be offered free to all inquiries placed during the show that lead to sales.”  The company will also be promoting its purpose-built installation facility at Clay Cross in the East Midlands, which opened recently. “Installations can be turned around quickly and efficiently, ensuring that vehicles are off the road for a minimal amount of time,” adds Fiona. temperature-controlled and specialist transportation services Pulleyn will be showcasing its temperature-controlled and specialist transportation services on its stand (E25). Operating throughout the UK, Europe, and beyond, the company not only serves the food sector but also handles pharmaceuticals and more unusual products, such as works of art and laboratory equipment. Pulleyn, which also has extensive storage facilities at its site in Reading, is part of CubeCold, a pan-European cold storage platform.  Mercedes Actros tractor unit “We will be displaying one of our articulated vehicles in the outside area at the show,” says Tom Wakefield, Warehouse Manager and Director at the company. “This will feature a Mercedes Actros tractor unit and Chereau twin-temperature trailer with Carrier Vector fridge system. We offer a whole host of services – from transportation and storage to blast freezing, overpacking, and product disposal – and our team will be ready to chat with potential customers about their precise requirements.” building envelope and firewall systems The firm specializes in building temperature-controlled environments such as food manufacturing Construction company, Cold Clad will be showcasing its range of building envelope and firewall systems on stand D34.  The firm specializes in building temperature-controlled environments such as food manufacturing or preparation facilities, chilled or frozen stores, and distribution centers, as well as LPCB-accredited, fire-rated structures.  Roofing and cladding “We also provide a complete package for the building’s external envelope,” says Tony Harrold, Managing Director, “including insulated roofing and cladding products." "Cold Chain Hub is a good fit with our business, as many visitors need our solutions and expertise. It’s also a great environment for us to learn about new opportunities for business development." warehouse safety systems Rack Collapse Prevention will be promoting its safety systems for warehouse pallet racking on stand P6. The patented solution prevents racking collapse by connecting the racking frames with suspension cables from the building's steel superstructure. When this is not suitable, a secondary steel structure can be installed to support the cables instead. The system not only prevents racking collapse – thereby protecting workers from injury and inventory from damage – but also reduces insurance premiums.  Spy Rack safety system Spy Rack safety system, which monitors pallet racking impacts and sends alerts via a smartphone app Rack Collapse Prevention will also be informing visitors about its innovative Spy Rack safety system, which monitors pallet racking impacts and sends alerts via a smartphone app. By recording data, the app helps to identify weak areas and impact hotspots. “Cold Chain Hub is an ideal venue to showcase our products,” says Craig Attwell, the company’s Founder, “because our solutions are ideal for any storage facility with pallet racking, including chilled and frozen environments.” Coolkit's products CoolKit, the UK’s refrigerated van specialist, will return to Cold Chain Hub to showcase its extensive range of products and services. “We’re coming back because this event gives us a unique chance to connect directly with the key people in our industry,” says Cameron Javed, Head of Technical Sales. “It’s the perfect platform to showcase what we’ve been working on in the past 12 months.”  Visitors to Stand G30 will discover CoolKit’s latest offerings, including in-house designed and manufactured van conversions, rigid insulated box bodies, conversion kits, and the UK first: a groundbreaking refrigerated van conversion with innovative features. Melform portable refrigerators A range of Melform portable refrigerators will complete the lineup. These units are ideal for businesses needing to transport chilled, frozen, or hot goods without converting a full vehicle. "As the exclusive distributor of Melform in the UK and Ireland, we’re proud to provide solutions that serve a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals and groceries to specialized services, such as water sampling,” explains Cameron. "With capacities ranging from 21 to 1,350 liters, we have a unit for every requirement." Asset Alliance Group Cold Chain Hub welcomes new exhibitor, Asset Alliance Group to stand D25 at the show Cold Chain Hub welcomes new exhibitor, Asset Alliance Group – the UK's provider of specialist asset finance – to stand D25 at the show. “We will be delighted to welcome commercial vehicle operators to our stand,” says Jordana​​​​ O’Reilly, Head of Brand, “to find out more about our contract hire, operating lease, hire purchase, and rental solutions for the temperature-controlled sector.”  temperature-controlled operator Asset Alliance Group is an award-winning, multi-location business with over 5,000 vehicles under management. The company is also one of the largest buyers of truck and trailer manufacturers, currently procuring more than £100m of assets each year.  “We are also very proud to be sponsoring the Customer Service category at the TCS&D Awards,” adds Jordana, “which will recognize the temperature-controlled operator who has made a difference in the sector.” Celebrate at the TCS&D Awards The annual TCS&D Awards will be held alongside Cold Chain Hub. Now in its 11th year, the awards evening will take place on Wednesday 9 October at the nearby National Motorcycle Museum. The main sponsor for the TCS&D Awards is cleantech company, Sunswap, while the pre-dinner drinks reception is being sponsored by Dawsongroup Truck and Trailer, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. “The awards are now closed for entries,” says Martyn Cogan, Event Director, “and the Judging Panel are making their eagerly awaited decisions. The awards evening is always a special opportunity for our industry to come together and celebrate achievement and innovation in several categories.” Visitor registration Professionals in the industry who want to discover the latest technologies for the temperature-controlled supply chain can register for free to visit Cold Chain Hub 2024. In addition to the event’s free-to-attend conference streams – Refrigerated Transport (sponsored by Petit Forestier) and Cold Storage – visitors will experience a wide range of innovative solutions, both inside the exhibition hall and in the outside display area.  Other major industry brands exhibiting at the show include Carrier Transicold, Gray & Adams, Longhurst Refrigeration, Montracon, Paneltex, Petit Forestier, Solomon, Sunswap, SSI Schaefer and Tiger Trailers. The full list of exhibitors at #TCSD24 can be viewed on the show’s website.