Starfrost Uk Freezing Firm Bolsters Thai Chicken Production

Based near Bangkok, Golden Foods Siam (GFS) manufactures a variety of chicken products including raw processed meat and cooked added value ranges.  GFS supplies retail and food service markets in the UK and Ireland, Continental Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as serving Thailand.

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In 2011 GFS opened a brand new processing facility in order to significantly expand its cooked added value division.  A key requirement for the new factory was an efficient freezing system for processing products including marinated and coated chicken pieces and karaage, a Japanese delicacy. UK equipment manufacturer Starfrost has supplied five spiral freezers to a leading chicken processor in Thailand as part of a major factory expansion.

UK-based freezing and chilling specialist Starfrost was awarded the contract following a competitive tender process involving other leading European and Thai equipment manufacturers.  As an existing customer, GFS was again impressed with Starfrost’s competitive price, as well as its ability to incorporate the very latest developments in freezing technology to meet processing requirements.

The GFS management and technical team worked closely with Starfrost’s UK-based engineering team, which custom designed and manufactured five in-line Helix Spiral freezers specifically to the requirements of GFS.  Each machine has a processing capacity of up to 2,000 kg/hr and features a 660mm (26 inches) wide belt with 32 tiers spiraling upward around a single rotating drum. GFS Operations Director Egbert Segers says: “We were impressed with the build quality and reliability of our existing Starfrost equipment and had no hesitation in choosing to work with Starfrost again.  The sales team had an excellent understanding of our specific requirements for this project and the spiral freezers are performing exactly to specification.”

The Helix Spiral has a frost tolerant design and features Starfrost’s unique air circulation technology for fast and efficient freezing with long running times between defrosts.  Starfrost’s standard all-stainless steel equipment design includes framework, fully welded floor, evaporator and enclosure panels for ultimate hygiene.

Each GFS Helix Spiral features a pumped pressure CIP (Clean in Place) automated sanitising system with local operator panel, ensuring optimum hygiene levels are maintained.  Each freezer also features a computerised touch screen HMI PLC mini control panel, which is wall mounted next to the freezer entrance to ensure easy operator access in the cleanest environment.  This panel is linked to the main control system and central component cabinet located remotely in a non-production area.

The five Helix Spiral freezers at GFS are served by a multi-compressor refrigeration plant operating on natural ammonia.  This results in excellent operating efficiency, with zero environmental impact in terms of ozone depletion and global warming.

Starfrost’s Helix Spiral is designed with low maintenance, ease of hygiene and operational efficiency in mind.  Its unique “Guided Flow” vertical or horizontal air circulation system ensures quick and even freezing without excessive air speeds that can damage delicate products. The Helix Spiral is suitable for freezing and chilling food that requires medium to long retention times, such as ready meals, poultry, pizza, potato products, fish, desserts, bakery products and ice-cream.  The system is available in site built and compact assembled format, with single drum, double drum and twin belt designs.  Available with a range of belt sizes and tier heights, it can process from 500kg/hr, to capacities over 6,000kg/hr.