Bulk Distributor Jan/Feb 16 | Page 9

January/February 2016 Tank Containers BULKDISTRIBUTOR 9 Rolling out the reefers A lthough the core business of TWS is the rental of tank containers for liquid products used in the chemical industry, it also has a significant presence in transport of liquid foodstuffs. In either case, besides offering standard equipment, a particular focus of the company has always been on purpose-built equipment and market niches. TWS provides custom-made solutions in order to meet specific demands, and an example of this is reefer tank containers. Reefer tanks for the foodstuff or chemical industry allow liquid products in tank containers to be cooled to minus 20degC and heated up to plus 50 degC or even 80degC, depending on the type (electrical or diesel). Some tank containers are equipped with an agitator or cip-units (cleaning-in-place). Thanks to optimised frames, as well as special walkways, the tanks also have reduced weight. The capability of the cooling/heating device is 7000W. There are stream channels and vacuum rings are all around the container, including front- and rear bottom. Insulated tubes for the cooling liquid and complete foam insulation allow for the least possible temperature loss. Maintaining an almost constant temperature also reduces energy costs. The tank containers are equipped with certain specialities, such as a complete discharge compartment with cover and bottom for a clean valve, completely closed box for product samples, adapter pieces or similar, insulated manlid with 500mm manhole, box to close for nitrogen line, surge tank for the cooling liquid and a digital thermometer. The cooling device can be handled very simply because it is installed at the rear bottom for setting the desired product temperature as well as for readout of errors (display flashes). Leadsealing is certainly possible. Within the foodstuff industry the containers are mainly used for transporting fruit juices or concentrates, chocolate, beer or wine. The chemical industry uses these containers for any product that needs to be transported at a certain temperature. Greiwing plans Ghesquiere joins Textainer major food C investment G erman logistics group Greiwing plans to invest around €12 million euros in the next five years to expand its food grade division. The plan is to buy new vehicles and equipment and extend its operations in four locations where pourable food can be processed under hygienic conditions. The aim is to increase the group’s share of food logistics in total sales from the current 8.5 percent to 20 percent. “With regard to the transport and handling of free-flowing products, we have long enjoyed an excellent reputation in the industry,” said Klaus Beckonert, manager of the logistics service provider headquartered in Greven. To achieve this, the company has launched the investment plan. The focus is on the four sites with ‘clean-room’ technology in Duisburg, Leipheim, Wesel and Worms. “We believe that the food industry has great potential because we can bring in our know-how in dealing with granulated products,” added Beckonert. “I am very confident that we will achieve our goal. Among other things, we have reorganised distribution and strengthened our staff. In addition, we already have the required certificates, such as those under the EU hygiene package.” ontainer leasing group Textainer has appointed Olivier Ghesquiere as senior vice president of marketing and sales. Ghesquiere most recently worked at Groupe Ermewa SA as CEO where he was responsible for growing the railcar and locomotive fleet to become the second largest in Europe. Prior to Ermewa, he was the managing director of Eurotainer where he developed its tank container business focusing on higher value sectors of the market. He has also served as vice chairman and chairman of the International Tank Container Organization (ITCO) leasing committee. Ghesquiere holds a Masters in Applied Economics from the Louvain School of Management, Belgium. “We are pleased to have Olivier join our leadership team,” said Philip K Brewer, president and CEO of Textainer. “Olivier brings over 25 years of knowledge and expertise in the leasing of transport assets, specifically railcars, locomotives, tanks and specialised containers. He has managed all aspects of the global leasing business, including office openings, sales and ma &