2015-10-30 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Helping to Future-Proof UK Farming
Climate Center has worked in partnership with design and construction specialist, Celsius Projects to deliver a bespoke new-build abattoir in Halifax, West Yorkshire for wholesale butchers and farmers, J&E Medcalf Ltd.
As a respected family business in the region, J&E Medcalf Ltd was approaching its 50th anniversary and was keen to evolve and secure the future of the enterprise for the next generation of farmers. Supported by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) through its Rural Economy Grant of the Rural Development Programme for England, the business teamed up with Celsius Projects to deliver the design and build of an innovative new abattoir that would generate significant efficiency and environmental improvements, as well as comply with upcoming legislation.
J&E Medcalf Ltd Abattoir
The resulting 7,000sq ft multi-species facility will increase throughput at the site by 50 per cent and will deliver a significant reduction in the carbon footprint. Significantly, the facility also complies with the future 2020 F-Gas legislation on 404A phase out.
Celsius Projects provides specialist design, construction and project management services exclusively in the food and drinks industry and was appointed as the design and build contractor after competing with numerous national contractors at competitive tender. They selected Climate Center as the approved supply partner for the project and via the specialist branch in Leeds provided refrigeration products from Copeland, Searle and A Gas.
Claire Medcalf from J&E Medcalf
Ltd explains:
“We are eager to grow trust and confidence in what
we are eating and where it has come from. Having livestock in fields
in the English countryside is a must. By creating a new abattoir
we strongly believe we are investing in the next generation and providing
future employment opportunities in the local area. We have strong
links with the farming community here, supporting local butcher’s
shops and farms and want to make sure we’re doing our bit to ensure
that farming and butchery in the UK can continue and, ultimately,
prosper.”
Sarah Spearing, Business Development Manager at Celsius Projects, added: “During the two year project we have worked closely with J&E Medcalf Ltd on the design, which has been particularly challenging given the topography of the site, and constraints created by existing site services. The aim was to move the site into larger, modern premises with up-to-date facilities including better access to improve efficiency as well as continuing to provide a traceable and traditional quality product.
“Climate Center has been a preferred supplier for several years and we have always found the team to be reactive throughout the enquiry process and competitive within the market place. It is critical for us to have one point of contact from start to finish on a project, no matter how big or small. Climate Center has been particularly consistent in this area and we value the advice and support we receive and this has enabled the project to run smoothly – on time and on target.”
Zachary Wyne, Regional Sales Manager – North and Central
at Climate Center, concluded:
“We pride ourselves on providing top
quality technical advice and support to our customers and recommending
the latest technology in the industry.
“We have had the opportunity to work closely with the team at Celsius Projects in recent years and are thrilled to be able to support the farming industry through this project with J&E Medcalf Ltd. It is essential that businesses adapt to changes in the market and with the planned F-Gas legislation changes, there’s no time to waste in future-proofing operations and generating cost and efficiency savings at the same time.”