Rick Bestwick unveils new million pound microwaving centre

Europe’s largest up-tempering facility is production-ready at temperature-controlled food specialist Rick Bestwick.

The cold storage provider and added value expert has completed the £1.2million purpose-built development at its headquarters in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Incorporating the latest microwave up-tempering technology shipped in from America, this investment will not only improve product quality but will quadruple productivity.

Kevin Hancock, managing director of Rick Bestwick, said: “We are proud to have completed this landmark investment. It is the biggest facility of its kind in Europe and will ensure we can provide an unrivalled service for customers.

“The demand for value-added services – including up-tempering, blast freezing, date-coding, labelling and packaging – is greater than ever before. Rick Bestwick has a core principle of listening to its customers and delivering what they need, and this development is testament to that.”

The new technology can up-temper food from -18°C to -3°C in under three minutes – a process which could take more than 14 hours to thaw without the microwave. The investment in new equipment will enable Rick Bestwick to hit more precise temperatures than ever before, achieving optimum results for customers.

The facility will also enable more food manufacturers to freeze-store not only finished products, but also individual ingredients at Rick Bestwick’s 60,000 pallet depot. Here, they can be up-tempered to the required temperature, before being delivered to the client ready for production. Finished products can be up-tempered, sleeved, date coded, packed, picked and delivered to the retailer ‘just in time.’

The 10,000 square foot facility has been built with energy efficiency at front of mind.

Kevin said: “It includes LED lighting throughout whilst the new up-tempering equipment is incredibly advanced in terms of technology and efficiency in comparison to the original equipment.

“With our heritage in food manufacture, Rick Bestwick knows the challenges and requirements of food production.  Our up-tempering facilities will help manufacturers control seasonal demand, quality, and peaks and troughs of production whilst reducing waste and driving efficiencies.

“We are delighted to be able to extend this service to more customers than ever before.”

Rick Bestwick, is a member of the Magnavale family of independent coldstore companies, which also includes Rick Bestwick (North), Lancaster Coldstore and CM North West. Magnavale also has a partnership with DFDS Logistics which sees the European supply chain giant deliver all of the group’s transport services.

Stuart Hancock, Magnavale founder member and co-owner, said: “The companies within the Magnavale family operate as a network of independent businesses enabling them to offer the agility and flexibility required to meet customers’ needs.

“The new up-tempering facility is the latest addition to the Magnavale group which will continue to set us apart from the competition.”

Visit www.rickbestwick.com for more information