MAR - at the heart of the Cold Chain, from start to finish
Hubbard Ice Systems' scale icemakers are a key link in Safeway's cold chain. Ice is a vital part of the cold chain. The Scotsman MAR range of icemakers from Hubbard Ice Systems produces scale ice, which offers significant benefits in food storage and transport compared to other sorts of ice. For one thing, scale ice is 'sub-cooled' to -8c to 12c, which means it lasts longer, so it doesn't need replenishing as often.
It's also extremely fine, which means that more of the ice comes into contact with the food, ensuring a more even cooling rate. This fineness also makes the ice highly suitable for the delicate treatment of fragile products such as wet fish.
While scale ice is increasingly being used for transport and storage, only recently have its benefits been exploited by retailers at the other end of the cold chain - for display purposes. Safeway has led the way, taking the innovative step of introducing scale icemakers to its stores. And when it wanted scale ice machines, Safeway turned to Hubbard Ice Systems and the Scotsman MAR range. Hubbard has so far equipped 24 Safeway stores with MAR icemakers and is supplying more during the retailer's ongoing refit programme.
For Duncan Lucas, Fish Development Manager at Safeway, the key was perfect storage quality, and Scotsman's scale ice - which he likes to call 'shattered ice' - is a godsend. "Safeway have gained a reputation for sourcing the best quality seafood from around the world," he says. "Freshness at the counter is a key part of that, and I want to ensure we always have the best possible product on sale. This new ice from Hubbard helps us to maintain that quality and it's now our ice of preference."
The latest Scotsman MAR range of scale icemakers features sixteen different models. With production capacities of from 380 to 2200kg of ice per day, the range gives a comprehensive choice for every application, from industrial food storage to display counters. Both 'Compact' (integral) and 'Split' versions (for use with remote condensers) are available.
The MAR icemakers are constructed in AISI 316 stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance, with heavy-duty components offering long life and tough dependability. A slowly rotating horizontal drum containing the evaporator is sprayed with fine water to create a layer of sub-cooled ice on the surface. A stainless steel ice blade then slices the ice off the unit, dropping it into the chosen storage bin or area.
The latest designs are very practical. For example, the Compact models feature ergonomic service panels giving easy access for maintenance, function LEDs to allow users to easily check the machine's operating status and rounded corners to ensure safety.
The fully integral design of the Compact models also gives maximum capacity in the minimum space, and used of the latest technology has allowed Scotsman to reduce the cabinet sizes of many models, allowing better use of tight spaces. For instance, the MAR 125 - a new mid-range Compact model - produces up to 1000kg per day yet measures just 1135mm (height) by 620mm (depth) by 875mm.
There are nine models in the MAR Compact range, ensuring that customers can select a machine that precisely matches their needs. The smallest is the MAR 55, producing 380kg per day. The 'Split' range comprises seven models. The smallest is the MAR Split 71, with a capacity of 380 to 510kg per day, which is the model used in Safeway stores.
