Leading OEMs prepare for Cold Chain Hub 2024

Almost 40 exhibitors have now signed up for Cold Chain Hub 2024, the UK event dedicated to the cold storage and distribution sector.

Cold Chain Hub, which will take place at Birmingham’s NEC on 9 & 10 October, is supported by the Road Haulage Association and organised by the team behind TCS&D magazine, a leading publication for the temperature-controlled supply chain. “We’ve attracted some of the biggest names in the industry,” saysMartyn Cogan, Event Director, “and the show will be 20% bigger than the 2023 event.”

Big names return

With a focus on sustainability, Cold Chain Hub 2024 will showcase innovation across the cold supply chain – from cold store constructors, temperature-controlled operators and contract hire specialists, to suppliers of refrigerated vehicles, temperature-monitoring solutions and protective clothing. An outside area will feature the latest solutions in portable cold stores and refrigerated trailers, rigids and panel vans, including electric vehicles.

Major brands exhibiting once again include Carrier Transicold, Gray & Adams, Longhurst Refrigeration, Paneltex, Petit Forestier and SSI Schaefer. Returning to the show for the first time since 2017 will be trailer manufacturer, Montracon. “We first exhibited back in 2011,” says Dean Ridgill, Sales Operations Manager, “so we know it’s one of the best shows for the cold chain sector, with very good footfall. Due to increasing enquiries for our refrigerated range, we want to focus more on this sector.” Montracon will be exhibiting one of its rigid fridges at the show and highlighting to visitors that its products are tailored to each customer’s exact requirements.

Another exhibitor attracted back to the show is BPW, renowned for high-quality axle and suspension systems and a market leader in the transport industry. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the latest BPW refrigeration and temperature-controlled technologies,” says Rebecca Wesley, Marketing Manager, “plus, the NEC is a central venue, and excellent transport links make it easy for visitors to attend.” BPW will exhibit its ePower electric axle module, which recovers energy when the trailer moves. The smart axle only engages when the vehicle reaches 15km/h or above, disengages when going uphill or disengages when the battery is fully charged (mode dependent), enabling a carbon-neutral and quiet power supply to refrigerated trailer units. ePower also delivers both sustainability benefits and lower operating costs. “Further to the electric axle, we will present user-friendly truck and trailer telematics solutions, including features such as fridge temperature monitoring and control, and trailer electronic brake performance monitoring. Visit us on stand, P20,” adds Rebecca.

Brand-new exhibitors

Cold Chain Hub will also feature a number of first-time exhibitors. These include Acrobat Vehicle Rental, Building Automation Products Inc, Fischer Panda, FridgeXpress, Lamberet, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH, Principal Logistics Technologies, Rack Collapse Prevention and Seymour Manufacturing International. Another newcomer is Tiger Trailers and the company is so keen that it has already signed up for the next show. “Since launching our temperature-controlled range of trailers in 2020,” explains Darren Holland, Sales Director, “demand for these Tiger products has increased exponentially. At Cold Chain Hub 2024 we will be unveiling another very special addition to our lineup, which will be positioned in pride of place on our stand alongside a bespoke rigid. With temperature-controlled products representing a significant growth area for Tiger, it was an easy decision to exhibit at the show, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to stand D10.”

TCS&D Conference and Awards

Cold Chain Hub will also host a free-to-attend conference across both days, featuring two streams – Refrigerated Transport (sponsored by Petit Forestier) and Cold Storage. In addition, the annual TCS&D Awards will be held in the evening of Wednesday 9 October at the nearby National Motorcycle Museum. Now in their 11th year, the awards celebrate innovation and excellence in the cold supply chain across a number of categories.

Main sponsor for this year’s TCS&D Awards is Sunswap, a UK-based cleantech company. “We're thrilled to be the headline sponsor of the TCS&D Awards 2024,” says Michael Lowe, CEO. “This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements in the temperature-controlled storage and distribution sector.” Sunswap is launching Endurance – its zero-emission transport refrigeration solution, which offers a viable alternative to diesel – at a series of events across Europe this summer. “After two years of successful trials, this is a big moment for us,” explains Michael. “With the first deliveries of Endurance to customers, we want to celebrate with the industry and acknowledge the fantastic leaders driving innovation and excellence.”

Endurance is Sunswap’s zero-emission transport refrigeration solution

The pre-dinner drinks reception at the TCS&D Awards will be sponsored by Dawsongroup truck and trailer, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. To highlight this achievement, Dawsongroup will bring a special tractor unit and trailer to the awards, featuring a golden anniversary-themed livery. “We’re delighted to sponsor the drinks reception at the TCS&D Awards,” says John Fletcher, Managing Director. “We want to share this celebration of our success across five decades with industry colleagues who have supported us over that time.”

Exhibitor list now live

The full list of exhibitors at Cold Chain Hub 2024 is now live and – in addition to the companies mentioned above – includes CoolMotion, CoolKit, CoolRun, CoolVan, DigiHaul, ECOOLTEC, Flexible Power Systems, Genie Insights, HTC Group, Hubbard Products, Pulleyn Transport, RIS GreenChill, Road Haulage Association, RTS (Refrigerated Trailer Services), SADELABS, Solomon Commercials, SPAL Automotive UK, The Lead Generation Group and VMS Automotive Group. Firms interested in exhibiting their products or services at the show, or attending the TCS&D Awards, should contact Martyn Cogan on 07545 378793 or visit www.tcsdevents.com.

Register for free

To discover the latest technologies for the temperature-controlled supply chain, register for free to visit the #tcsd24 exhibition and conference.