Eurocold has emerged as a market leader in Australia’s refrigerated transport industry largely due to its proven, reliable track record in enabling their customers to keep their cold goods moving around the nation.
The opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in Berrinba, Queensland has signified the start of a new chapter for the company. Despite impending changes and growth that have been partially catalysed by new investment from French refrigerated transport giant Petit Forestier, Eurocold’s modern values and people-first mindset are driving the organisation into the future.
The new 8700 square metre facility in Berrinba has showcased Eurocold’s desire to not only be bigger, but to be better. It features 8 dedicated cranes, 3000 square metres of storage for bodies and kits, ensuring minimal lead times for customers requiring standard truck bodies.
Eurocold Chief Operating Officer Clayton Nel says the additions to the new facility have positioned the organisation to continue to excel in delivering its services.
“The features and capacity of our new facility allow us more time for innovation and maintaining a high level of quality and consistency,” Nel tells ATN.
“We deliver vehicles to market quicker and uphold the high-quality standards Eurocold is known for, supporting our customers in keeping their cold goods moving around Australia.”
“Innovatively, the new facility positions Eurocold at the forefront of the industry. We now have the capacity to scale up and meet the growing demands the transport industry is facing.
“This move has enabled us to implement advanced technologies and innovative processes, paving the way for continuous improvement and industry leadership.
“With our recent partnership with Petit Forestier, we are integrating global best practices to better serve the national transport and food service industry, bringing European excellence to Australia.”
Like any move, the shift to the new Berrinba facility was not without its challenges.
Eurocold had to split its operations between two facilities as it transitioned to the new location while still maintaining its high standard of operations.
Nel was quick to praise all involved in the move for ensuring it went as quickly and seamlessly as possible.
“Relocating to a new facility is always a complex process, but our team rose to the occasion,” Nel reflects. “We faced logistical challenges and had to ensure uninterrupted service to our customers.
“Every change is a challenge, and during this transition we operated two factories with one team for one week. Managing this overlap, ramping down one factory while ramping up the new one to maintain seamless service was a significant challenge.
“Additionally, we navigated supply chain complexities with tier one suppliers to meet the escalating demands.”
Behind the ever-growing beast that is Eurocold’s national operation, the driving force behind the company is the same as it has ever been. People.
Whether it’s Eurocold’s employees, its customers, or its clients, people remain at the heart of the company’s values and growth mindset.
Jeremy Smith is a prime example of this commitment. After starting at the company as a body builder in 2020 Smith has rapidly ascended the ranks to the position of production supervisor by the age of 31.
Smith says much of his fast climb up the ranks can be attributed to the high-performance culture that has been cultivated in all areas of Eurocold’s operations.
“Eurocold’s culture encourages high standards. Our team has embraced new technologies, like building our first EVs, and is dedicated to making our vehicles even better,” Smith tells ATN.
“We have a reliable team that genuinely cares about our customers, going above and beyond to deliver quality. It’s not always easy, but Eurocold’s pride in its work stands out.
“Without trucks, Australia stops. We feel a great sense of reward building these vehicles, knowing they keep cold goods moving around the country.
“Seeing quality trucks handed over to customers brings us joy. We’re proud of our achievements since 2020, but I always see room for even greater innovation when I spot our trucks on the road.”
Clayton says stories like Smith’s are a prime indicator of Eurocold’s commitment to not only pushing forward its people, but also to driving success in all areas of its business.
“We believe in building strong, lasting relationships,” he says.
“Our team is close knit, and we extend that sense of belonging to clients and partners.
“Our commitment to surpassing customer expectations is at the heart of everything we do. From employing state-of-the-art iso-thermal technology in our manufacturing processes to implementing rigorous maintenance protocols.
“Every facet of our operations is meticulously crafted to reflect our unwavering pursuit of excellence.”
Eurocold may be preparing to embark on a new and exciting journey with this new facility, but their culture of innovation and collaboration will continue to drive its employees, customers and clients forward.
The new facility has not only consolidated Eurocold’s premium market positioning but has also helped set the entire organisation on a progressive course for the future, a course where it can continue to be an Australian leader in operational, sustainable and people-driven excellence.
Where innovation, excellence and sustainability intersect is where Eurocold has found its sweet spot.
Clayton says while there have been plenty of new and exciting steps from Eurocold across Australia in recent months, nothing will change in its value-driven, customer-first mentality.
“New beginnings, same Eurocold,” Clayton says.
“We’re enthusiastic about what lies ahead and unwavering in our dedication to upholding our legacy of excellence and fostering a vibrant company culture.”
Eurocold’s journey to where it currently sits in the Australian transport and logistics landscape underscores the vital truth that true success is formed on not only a bedrock of innovation and technology, but also a nurturing and supportive culture.
The transformative phase Eurocold has entered is far from being expansion for expansion’s sake. It’s a reaffirmation of the organisation’s enduring principle and value set that have allowed it to become so successful within the Australian landscape.
Read more ATN:
Construction starts on largest north-west NSW rest area
“Congestion-busting” Logan Motorway plan revealed
How Queensland is engaging tomorrow’s transport professionals