Case study

The impetus to proceed with updating low-temperature refrigeration equipment to use natural refrigerants across Maruha Nichiro Logistics was due to the CFC Phase-out Plan.
“Because production of HCFC (Freon 22) will end completely in 2020, the Maruha Nichiro Group as a whole decided to proceed with CFC phase-out as an overall policy for existing equipment and when building new cold storage facilities. In line with this plan, the refrigeration equipment in main logistics centers is being updated to use natural refrigerants one by one,” notes Facilities Director Mr. Hiura.

The deciding factor for NewTon was its completeness and energy efficiency that far exceeds competitor products. After the Funabashi Logistics Center, Maruha Nichiro decided to implement the NewTon system in order of priority at other locations.
Maruha Nichiro opted for a NewTon maintenance contract when replacing the refrigeration equipment at the Kawasaki Logistics Center 1. Equipment status can be viewed remotely and is connected to the Mayekawa factory. Hiura says, “It’s a relief to be able to see any abnormalities on a computer and check the status of other locations when not present at the center.” Also because the status can be checked using various data, there is no longer any need to use a specialized technician.

Overall electricity consumption at the Kawasaki Logistics Center 1 has been reduced monthly by 17.8% (July 2015). Maruha Nichiro has also achieved a reduction of approximately 20% for individual refrigeration devices. At other centers, there are examples of significant reduction in electric bills on the order of roughly 15 to 18% and close to 30% for individual pieces of equipment.
Maruha Nichiro plans to switch to natural refrigerant in as many centers as possible by 2020, as well as pursuing CFC phase-out, energy-saving solutions, improving operations, and saving manpower.