Centro works for improved refrigerated transport

MANILA: Centro Manufacturing Corporation aims to improve the refrigerated transport in the country as the firm believes that an efficient cold chain logistics system is a requisite in the food, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and pharmaceutical industries.

In a statement, Centro Manufacturing Corporation Senior Sales Manager Vic Belisario said, “The Philippines is a net importer of meat. We import more meat than we produce locally to satisfy the needs of the Filipino population. Adding to the challenge is the Asian swine flu (ASF)  which is the second epidemic our country is tackling right now, making meat importation all the more important.” According to Belisario, the meat that is being imported in the country is already frozen, and should remain frozen until it is defrosted and cooked.

“Studies also show that only roughly 40% of the vegetables that are harvested in the different provinces make it fresh to consumers in Metro Manila. Some 60% are spoiled and simply do not make it to the last mile to our dining tables,” Belisario added. “It is in view of this that Centro wants to help ensure that the cold chain is not broken by introducing a transport solution to support the local cold chain logistics industry.”

Recently, Centro established a partnership with Japan’s leading truck body builder Nippon Fruehauf. They formed the Centro Nippon Fruehauf Cooltech, Inc. (CFCI) that produces insulated sandwich panels and assembles van bodies in a new plant in Cavite. They use lightweight and recyclable aluminum coated sheets for the panels and extruded polystyrene foam for insulation.

Cold chain is also vital in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. According to Belisario, some vaccines require -20°C frozen storage solution, while others need +2 to +8°C. “These constant temperatures needed for transport and storage of COVID vaccines are easily achievable with CFCI ref vans in any ref van size body, truck brand or model and ref system brand preferred by the customer,” Belisario stated.

“CFCI can thus customize its ref van bodies since the insulated sandwich panels are locally manufactured... Traditionally, ref van bodies are imported from abroad thus there is a longer waiting time and a lack of flexibility. We have engineered our ref van bodies to be compatible with almost all truck brands and models and ref system brands available locally. With our Body Ready Program, you get your ref van in as early as seven days. That allows you to generate revenues earlier so your payback time is shorter,” he added.

Since cold chain capability is now a growing concern in the logistics industry, both Centro and CFCI are working on the transport solutions for this need.

Photos from Centro Manufacturing Corporation

Also read: Centro vows faster truck production, delivery service in the new normal