2024 Energy Market Outlook for Business ⏤ Choice Energy

We would like to introduce you to Choice Energy, new Member of the RWTA!

Choice Energy’s recent webinar provided a strategic roadmap for businesses to brace for 2024's electricity price peaks.

The session explains the connection between climate change, El Nino, and geopolitical shifts impacting energy markets.

Watch to gain actionable insights on optimizing rebates, tax breaks, and rectifying overcharging errors.

This webinar's focus encompasses crucial areas: unveiling emerging energy trends and technologies, leveraging solar solutions for cost reduction and sustainability, strategic positioning state-by-state, and insights into how major industries utilize tariffs and tax breaks to mitigate costs amidst market changes.

Find the recording of the webinar, click here.

For more insights, contact Choice Energy here.

Or

Alex Townsend
Mobile: 0435 080 646
Email: alex.townsend@choiceenergy.com.au
www.choiceenergy.com.au

Barpro: How to increase capacity in existing cold storage

Barpro is a long time Member of the RWTA and although they are based in South Africa, they have done work in the Australian Cold Chain. This article highlights how James Cunningham and his team are able to increase capacity in an existing cold storage facility. Read more below!

How to increase pallet capacity in an existing cold or freezer store:

As new cold stores become increasingly expensive to build, making better use of existing cold storage chambers should be attractive.

Barpro frequently installs mobile rails in new cold store floors together with fixed but “mobile friendly “racking system. 

This means that the racking has been designed to fit on mobile bases at a later date. In Barpro’s market, the standard freezer racking is fixed selective, unlike Australia where it is double deep.  

For instance, on one project in Namibia, a chicken abattoir had rails and fixed racking installed. 10 years later, the customer called for a second identical cold store to meet demand. As the abattoir staff had changed since the first project, there was no awareness of the original design. The payback on doubling capacity by simply installing mobile bases in the existing store was less than 6 months and took just three months to complete.

Mobile racking could also assist capacity-constrained Australian cold stores. The capacity gain over double deep racking is about 40% rather than 80 to 100% with fixed selective. Immediate accessibility to every pallet is a plus, and pallets are in full sight of the reach truck operator. An unscientific survey at one location in Australia suggests that put away /retrieving productivity in mobiles was 17% higher than for double deep.

Necessary steps to install mobiles in an existing Double Deep freezer:

1. Check floor for frost heave and make sure existing anti heave protection is working properly. Australian stores use sub floor pipes which are robust.  

2. Check with your civil engineer that the increased rail point loads can be spread using a reinforced overlay slab so as not to damage either the existing floor or the subfloor pipes. Overlay slabs are about 150 to 200mms in depth. Where possible, access ramps are installed on the outside of the store.    

3. Design the mobile racking.

4. Bring the cold store to ambient temperatures and remove existing racking.

5. Install the rails and support stools on the current floor, add reinforcing and pour...

6. Install the mobile bases, racking, additional lighting, labels, and new doors. If vertical rollup doors are already used, this should not be difficult. Bring the room to operating temperature…slowly.

Typical mobile initial design:

The project timeline will depend on the size of the store. The critical path is the time taken for overlay slabs to cure sufficiently. This is normally 28 days, and possibly longer if post tensioned. However, the racking can be installed during this period. On a 2000 pallet room the project should be completed in around 6/7 weeks from when the room is brought to ambient.

If you would like to investigate how suitable your existing freezers might be for retrofitting mobile racking, please get in touch with James Cunningham, Barpro Storage SA. 

Contact: james@barpro.co.za 

Raising frozen food temperature by 3°C can make global food chain more sustainable

New research from an international team of scientists has shown that raising the temperature of frozen food by just 3°C could safely reduce food loss and cut carbon emissions by 17.7 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

Published yesterday (Wednesday 29th Nov) in a new report called Three Degrees of Change, the research suggests that frozen food temperatures could be changed from -18°C to -15°C to save the equivalent carbon dioxide emissions of 3.8 million cars per year.

Interested? Read more here.

Vale Victor Lago

It is with sadness that the RWTA acknowledges the passing of one of the ardent supporters of our Association and the Australian Cold Chain, Victor Lago.

Thanks to Murray Charters for this excerpt from the Eulogy and for the permission to share from Walter Lago.

Virginio Lago was born in Italy in 1931, making him 92 years of age.

Victor, as he chose to be known in Australia, was the eldest of six boys.

He only attended school until the 4th grade to help his mother on the farm as his father was away getting work wherever he could find it. Victor was 8 years old when World War II broke out in Europe, and 14 by the time the allies conquered the axis powers, leaving Italy broken and defeated.

There was very little opportunity in Italy post war, and Victor would have been old enough to witness the pain and suffering of the Italian people. He stayed working on the farm, to provide sustenance for his family, until he was 19 years old. He then decided to emigrate to Australia, where his Australian based Uncle had financed his journey, giving Vic an opportunity for a better life.

Victor arrived in Australia in 1950 after three months at sea. He had a push bike and ten pounds in his pocket, five pounds of that he had earned by peeling potatoes every day on the ship.

What made his future success in business even more remarkable, was the fact that when he arrived in Australia, he could not read, write or speak English and had a Grade 4 Primary School level of education.

Vic worked on his uncle’s farm living in a tin shed for two years. After paying back his uncle the fare to Australia, he moved on.

He undertook all manner of work for many years and married his young Italian wife Emma, with whom he fathered three sons, Robert, Walter and Roger.

In 1979 Victor was building his first cold store at Hemmant in Brisbane. Vic, aided by his sons Robert and Walter, built up what was considered to be the most successful, cleanest and well run coldstore operation in Australia.

Vic loved his three sons, and supported them financially, no matter what circumstances they found themselves embroiled in.

Vic was of a generation that favoured tough love, and he expected his sons to put up, shut up and work as hard as he did. He was hard on everybody, and the standards he set for Robert and Walter were particularly high; Roger being the youngest was afforded more leniency.

Vic was never in a rush, but he never stopped. No matter what the task, he would work tirelessly, not until the job was done, but until the job was done properly. He would arrive very early in the mornings, dressed in his old work clothes and boots, and the ever-present terry towelling hat, driving his old ford ute. Victor worked seven days a week, sometimes fourteen hours a day and longer for many years at Lago Coldstores.

There came a time, due to circumstances beyond his control, that with a heavy heart, he handed over the running of Lago Coldstores to his three sons, content in the knowledge that it would be good hands for the future.

Victor had no intention of retiring. All his working life, as he made money, he reinvested it in other real estate projects growing and accumulating a legacy for his three sons, his eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He continued to work well into his late eighties, and he readily acknowledged that he could not have done it without the enormous amount of assistance from his loving partner Jean Neilson.

Victor became very ill over the last few years and was cared for lovingly by Jean in their home. Eventually the only option was a full-time care facility.                             

The continuous love and care he was afforded by Jean, Robert and Walter on rotation over the years made sure he was comfortable, safe, fed, cared for and loved right up to the point they were forced to say goodbye is something we can all admire.

We can only hope we are all lucky enough to have loved ones like that, to look after and comfort us, at the end of our own life’s journey.

Rest in peace Victor, secure in the knowledge that you passed on from this life, with nothing left in your tank, having ably and faithfully fulfilled your destiny as Patriarch of your family.

New Member Alert!: Smart Commercial Solar

We would like to welcome Smart Commercial Solar, new Member of the RWTA!

Smart Commercial Solar is Australia's leading commercial energy solutions provider.
They are dedicated to helping businesses achieve energy independence through innovative renewable energy solutions, including commercial solar, battery storage, solar car shades and more.

Since 2012, they have worked with multiple RWTA Members over 40 more logistics brands to drive business improvements, save substantially on energy expenditure and drive down emissions.

We know that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to solar energy, which is why it’s their mission to understand your company’s unique needs, business goals and investment criteria to deliver the best outcome possible.

From analysis and feasibility through to construction and ongoing support, they're at your service to ensure your business gets the most from its solar investment.

Interested to know more?
Call Jon Vlatko, Chief Sales Officer

E: jon@smartcommercialsolar.com.au
T: +612 9057 9710 | Ext: 105
D: +612 9057 9715

The Adelaide RWTA Golf Day - 12th Feb 2024 at Kooyonga Golf Club

The Adelaide RWTA Golf Day will be on the Monday 12th February 2024 at Kooyonga Golf Club

This is a great opportunity to network with other professionals from the Cold Chain Industry. Enjoy a round of golf in a beautiful setting, and win some amazing prizes!

New Member Alert!: Cold Origin has Space in NSW now!

Cold Origin understands that every customer’s business has unique cold chain logistics requirements. Their tailored services are designed with your needs in mind. No matter the scale of operations, their flexible approach allows them to cater to businesses of all sizes.

Whether the requirement is specialized storage facilities for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, quarantine services, or reliable transportation, Cold Origin have their customers covered.

Their team collaborate closely to devise personalized strategies that enhance efficiency while minimizing costs.

Cold Origin's in-house transport division connects the eastern seaboard, every day of the week, to the network of Cold Storage in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the ACT . This ensures seamless operational capabilities for your business. The Cold Origin Team is constantly exploring ways to cater to multiple requirements, allowing customers to focus on expanding their business while they handle supply chain needs, from start to finish.

Cold Origin has space available immediately in Ebenezer, NSW:

• 600 frozen pallet space

• 800 Chiller pallet

• 2000 Ambient space 

Call Shaz Rahman direct on 0410 03 22 95
or email him at shaz@polarkool.com.au
www.coldorigin.com.au
412 Stannix Park Road
Ebenezer NSW 2756

The NSW Golf Day is on 1st March - BOOK NOW

The NSW Golf Day is being held on the Friday 1st March 2024 at Strathfield Golf Club
This is a great opportunity to network with other Cold Chain professionals, enjoy a friendly competition and have some fun on the green. 

Join us for a memorable day of golf - all levels welcome!

RWTA Supporting the Cold Chain In Queensland; Cross River Rail

The Story

The Issue: There is significant concern regarding a proposed three-week disruption to the rail network as part of the Queensland Rail Cross River Rail Project in January 2024.

The Situation: Consumables and goods are delivered daily to northern Queensland, while fresh locally grown produce is transported out of Far North Queensland to the rest of Australia. There will be serious disruptions to deliveries.

The Impact: As a service that relies on the efficient operation of the rail network, there will be detrimental impacts on environmental health, safety and wellbeing of our communities across northern Queensland.

The timing of the proposed disruption further compounds potential impacts of the closure due to the January holiday period which is traditionally a time of high demand across supply chains.

To ensure continuity of service throughout the proposed closure period, heavy vehicles would need to be deployed to replace the containers that are normally transported via rail.

To support the logistics freight requirements of the region, more than 1,500 B-double trucks would be required to replace the rail services over the three-week period.

The industry simply does not have the vehicular infrastructure to support the deployment of an additional 1,500+ trucks required to replace freight.

Even with the most robust business continuity systems in place, it would be impossible to provide enough services to major retailers in the region and beyond. The disruption will likely result in scenarios reminiscent of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic with empty shelves and potential panic buying.

In addition there will be environmental, health and safety issues putting that many trucks on the road network during a peak holiday travel period due to:

• Increased heavy vehicle traffic on thoroughfares already experiencing increased traffic due to holiday makers.

• Increased wear and tear of additional heavy vehicles on roads.

• Increased environmental impacts of having 1,500 additional heavy vehicles on the road.

• Likelihood of significant grocery shortages across Far North Queensland.

• Increased cost of goods due to contingency road freight costing suppliers 200% more than equivalent service via rail.

Proposed Solution: An alternative solution would be for QR/ TMR reconsider the duration of rail shutdown and consider viable maintenance alternatives, for example shorter shutdowns but with increased frequency to allow for efficient business continuity planning with increased loads and runs to prepare for shutdowns.The RWTA has requested that there be further consultation with Industry throughout this process, and implore Queensland Rail to consider alternative solutions. 

Marianne Kintzel was interviewed yesterday on 4BC Radio. Click below to listen.

Brisbane rail disruptions will require more buses, trucks over summer

Extended closures are required to reconfigure tracks to allow Cross River Rail to bolster the network.

While buses will again be used to ferry passengers, Queensland Rail is having to build a new transfer facility at Pinkenba to limit intermodal freight disruptions.

“The track closures scheduled for January will allow Cross River Rail to undertake critical track and civil works between Bowen Hills and Albion, including flood mitigation works such as track raising which goes towards preventing future freight interruptions,” a Queensland Rail spokeswoman said.

Marianne Kintzel from the Refrigerated Warehouse and Transport Association told 4BC on Thursday the disruptions could cause price hikes and food shortages in regional areas.

Kintzel said the Pinkenba workaround would only support 25 per cent of the freight and double the cost of transport.

Launch of the new Americold site at Ormeau QLD

Honoured to have been invited to the launch of the new Americold site at Ormeau in Queensland this week, Marianne is speaking with Andrew Mates about expansion.  

This is facility number 6 in their Queensland network which is a growth area for the company.  

Andrew speaks about their new site in Spearwood in WA that went live this October; the capacity for this site is 20,000 + and Ormeau is 11,000 adding more than 31,000 pallet capacity in 2023 and they are looking to add another 40,000 in the year ahead.

Great to see the cold chain successfully expanding  and congratulations Americold!

Watch the interview:

RWTA New Member Alert! Welcome PHS Innovate

We would like to welcome PHS Innovate as a New Member of the RWTA!

Is your Refrigerated Warehouse Future-Proofed?

If you are interested in exploring the benefits of warehouse automation technology for your cold chain operations, PHS Innovate is here to help. With a wealth of experience in this field, their team is ready to assist you in revolutionizing your operations, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring the highest quality standards. Contact them today to start the conversation about how automation can transform your cold chain business.

Unlock the Future of Cold Chain Automation with PHS Innovate.

PHS Innovate has a reputation for supplying innovative and cutting-edge Automated Package Handling Systems for a diverse range of industry types throughout the Australasian Markets for more than 67 years. 

Their product range covers everything from bulk container depalletization to packaged product palletization to fully automated warehouse storage and retrieval systems, designed and manufactured by PHS Innovate. Their Engineering Team consists of mechanical, electrical, software design, installation, commissioning, training and post-project service and support professionals.

Since 2011 PHS Innovate has supplied automated warehousing solutions in collaboration with their partner Automha, a global leader in Warehouse Automation Solutions. Cool Storage is a very challenging and demanding environment in which PHS Innovate has particular experience, providing both semi and fully-automated systems.

For more information please contact:

Manny Roth
Sales Manager
0415 747 373
Sales@PHSInnovate.com

RWTA New Member Alert! Welcome Scully RSV

Scully RSV is a national refrigerated transport supplier, offering hire, sales and service to the cold chain through their branch network right across Australia.

Their refrigerated transport solutions:

• Flexible terms across short- and long-term hire and the ability to move between models as market demands change.

• Buy new, ex fleet or let them build to your specifications.  

• Branches around the country form Perth to Townsville and right down the Australian east coast. 

Over 30 years of servicing the cold chain and the Australian refrigerated transport community:

• Longstanding partnerships with industry leading OEMs unlocking the latest in technology, safety and vehicle performance for their customers.

• The largest dedicated fleet of refrigerated vehicles in Australia, available where and when customers need them.   

• Scully RSV has a team of skilled tradespeople who manufacture refrigerated utes, trucks and truck bodies out of their 1,200 sq m production facility in Brisbane.

• They invest directly into their transport communities through social impact programs such as TIACS and OzHarvest.

Backed by a team of refrigerated transport specialists with decades of experience in the refrigerated transport industry, the team at Scully RSV are proud to service the Australian cold chain.

www.scullyrsv.com.au

Accelerating Warehousing Throughput Workshop

Brisbane 20 OCT, 10am to 2pm ⏤ Complimentary Event

Exclusive Workshop, Accelerating Warehousing Throughput for Operational Leaders. Ideal for businessess seeking to embark on the journey of cultivating a high performing, Continuous Improvement Culture. Learn how.

2023 Next Gen Award Winner: Stacey Cook, NewCold!

The Winner of the 2023 Frank Vale Award, presented at the 2023 RWTA 81st Conference and Exhibition, Stacey Cook of NewCold,  has won the GCCA NextGen International Cold Chain future leaders award!!

The Global NextGen Award recognises outstanding young professionals in the world’s cold chain industry.

Congratulations Stacey, you've done Australia proud!!

Being the national winner of the Australian Cold Chain’s Frank Vale Award entitled Stacey to compete at the International GCCA's Next Gen Award in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Among other eligibility requirements for the award, finalists demonstrate excellence in their work; the potential to excel further in many facets within the industry; and insight into their organisations strategic values, direction, policies and ways of working.

“The Global NextGen Award Competition showcases the talent of our industry’s rising stars on a global stage,” said Greg Laurin, Chairman of the Global Cold Chain Foundation. “This competition proved to be exceptionally challenging due to the high level of talent showcased on stage. They all exhibited dedication and talent by playing a role in advancing the global temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics industry.”

As part of the selection process, each finalist was interviewed and judged by a panel of industry leaders from around the world. Candidates were evaluated on their knowledge level of the industry, track record of excellence, communication skills and leadership skills. In addition, each candidate delivered a presentation from the Convention general session stage.

The Frank Vale Award has been awarded annually since 1993 to acknowledge talented young people within the industry, who are 35 years of age, or younger, have worked in the cold chain industry for a minimum of three years, and who have demonstrated to their employers that they have the potential to become future leaders, and make a positive contribution to the development of the Australian Cold Chain Industry.

Take a moment to hear what Stacey's thoughts on this process and her experience. Click on the video below!

Winner: Stacey Cook, NewCold

Press Release: GridBeyond launches Forecaster to manage risks and increase revenues for businesses in Australia

GridBeyond launches Forecaster to manage risks and increase revenues for businesses in Australia

Sydney - GridBeyond has launched its new platform capability ‘Forecaster’ which gives businesses to manage risks and increase revenues.

The new service, which will be available in Australia from October 1, is part of GridBeyond’s award winning asset management and optimisation solution suite. It offers a comprehensive approach to managing and monetising energy assets, from accurate forecasts, advanced trading strategies, and real-time analysis, through to robotic trading and asset optimisation and control, to increase margins, optimise financial returns, and manage risk in the energy market.

Forecaster is the first of GridBeyond’s new suite of services soon to be available in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM). This suite includes: ‘Baseline’ - for monitoring and visualising site and organisation-wide energy consumption and associated emissions in real-time; ‘Designer’ - which leverages AI to optimise prospective energy investments for profitability and sustainability; and Managed Battery as a Service - for battery energy storage monetisation with real-time market optimisation.

Since the acquisition of California based Veritone Business Energy Inc earlier in 2023, GridBeyond has been working to deliver and improve a range of new products and services. By increasing the accuracy and ability of our forecasting models, Forecaster can help businesses to maximise revenues, manage risks and support companies towards their net zero path.

GridBeyond Chief Commercial Officer Mark Davis said:

“The Australian energy sector is going through many changes with renewables sector growing at a fast speed. There is a lot of interest around distributed energy resources and how these can be used. That goes from businesses renewables assets to rooftop solar, batteries and EVs, which can be managed via GridBeyond’s AI-powered platform to allow businesses and other energy stakeholders to protect themselves from energy price spikes, and also earn money from energy markets. Forecaster can help to optimise energy use and consumption maximising revenues and reducing carbon emissions.”

The Victorian Golf Day is on 20 OCT - Don't miss out!

Still time to register and join the fun!

The Victorian 2023 RWTA Golf Day is being held on the Friday 20th October at Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Mornington Peninsula.

This is a great opportunity to network with other professionals from the Cold Chain Industry. Enjoy a round of golf in a beautiful setting, and win some amazing prizes!

A special thank you to our Sponsors, your support brings this event to life.

RWTA New Member Alert! Interview with HAML Consulting

Marianne Kintzel is speaking with new RWTA Member Ben Matthews, HAML Consulting, your support partner for all HR Consulting needs.  

For more information please contact Ben:

Strategy and Innovation
Mobile +61 497 662 393

Alert; Chiller Space Available at the Gold Coast, Ormeau

There are pallet spaces in chiller available now in Ormeau, QLD.

Details:
Location: Americold, Ormeau (Gold Coast)
Temperature-Controlled facility - to - 25°C
Facility: 11,000 pallet positions
Loading Docks: 10
If you are interested to know more, please contact:

Shaun Chapman
Email: shaun.chapman@americold.com
Phone: 0459 784 291

Are you ready to revolutionise your energy management?

Are you ready to revolutionise your energy management with Retragreen, your partner in sustainable energy solutions? Here's a glimpse of what we offer:

Retragreen Software: Our intuitive platform empowers you to monitor energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and gain actionable insights to reduce electricity bills by up to 25%. Seamlessly integrate with existing systems for a straightforward path to optimised energy usage and enhanced financial performance.

What Makes Us Stand Out:

• Sustainability: We're committed to reducing your carbon footprint through innovative technology.

• Business Intelligence: Harness the power of data for informed decision-making, ensuring efficiency at every step.

• No Savings, No Fee: You only pay when you see concrete savings, making it a risk-free investment in sustainability.

• Zero Upfront Fee: Start your sustainability journey at no initial cost, making it accessible to all.

• Proven Savings: Explore $97K in projected future savings, based on successful case studies.

But wait, there's more! For a limited time, we're offering an exclusive 30-day special promotion that ends 30 days from this receipt.

Contact us to learn more and join us in creating a greener and financially rewarding future.