Leading Cold Storage Operator Expanding and Needing Help

Overview
Vertical Cold Storage is an independent multi-facility operator in the cold storage and warehousing industry that embraces the complexities of our customers’ supply chain needs and was founded to fill a service gap as market leaders focus on less labor-intensive business.
 


The Challenge
Vertical Cold Storage (VCS) is rapidly expanding in the U.S. with 11 facilities servicing the Southeast and Midwest. One of its facilities in the Savannah, GA area had been vacant, having been acquired from a previous cold storage company. This facility needed to ramp up nearly overnight to begin freezing boxed meat as well as storing prepared and frozen foods from production plants that the company serves in Georgia. The equipment that had been left behind was in disrepair, unserviceable and needed replacement as soon as possible. The challenge for VCS was to get at least one system shipped, installed and operational by early February for the facility’s opening.


The Solution
Tomasz Gacek, Director of Maintenance at VCS has been working with Cherry's Industrial Equipment for years, purchasing many of the company’s PSR (Pallet Spacer/Recovery) systems. Whatever the need-- the construction of new cold storage facilities, the purchase of an existing facility or acquisition of a competitor-- Tom contacts Cherry’s as soon as he becomes aware of a new need or opportunity. For the Savannah project for VCS, Cherry’s committed to the date and quick turnaround timeframe needed, shifting production and resouces to expedite the shipment.


The Results
After a meeting in mid-January to be certain all requirements were met, Vertical Cold Storage placed an order with Greg Hamlin and the Cherry's team, with an agreement that the first unit would ship and arrive by February 1st and the second unit the first week of March. Cherry’s Industrial Equipment worked with all stakeholders at VCS to make sure that their team was ready to receive the equipment, and that the proposed schedule would minimize operational downtime at its sites.
The use of the Pallet/Spacer Recovery Systems to remove the plastic freezer spacers and to change out pallets significantly reduces labor costs and increases plant throughput. The upgrade to the new high speed motor controls on the machines increases the speed by 30%. This in turn saves time and allows more loads to be handled daily, while reducing the company’s overall labor dollars.




Conclusion
Cherry’s continuing efforts of building a strong relationship with Tomacz and VCS over the years has led to complete trust in Greg Hamlin and the entire Cherry’s team to support both the company’s current operational challenges and future growth needs. The business relationship, Cherry’s consultative approach and delivering on its commitments is what keeps bringing the VCS back to Cherry’s for its needs.