Plant Operations

Welcome to our collection of articles from the IPIA Operations Committee, where we share valuable insights relevant to the operations of ice manufacturing facilities. Explore our articles for guidance, tips, strategies, and best practices tailored to the unique challenges of the packaged ice industry.

2025

Commercial Vehicle Safety Systems by Dan Laurencelle, Arctic Glacier, Inc.
When it comes to commercial vehicle safety systems, there are a variety of technologies and solutions available to improve driver safety, reduce accidents, and ensure compliance with regulations. We are left trying to analyze costs, what the right solution for your business is, and what the “secret sauce” is that will truly move the needle on safety. Read more...

2024

Electric Rates and Understanding Them by Cliff Riegler, The Home City Ice Company
When was the last time you studied your electric bills?? Your electric is one of the top costs for production your company has, but have you looked into the details? The power grid landscape is changing and because of increased demands put on the power grid, electric companies are looking for ways to charge for electric. Understanding your specific needs and usage patterns can help you optimize your costs. Read more...

Preparing for a Natural Disaster: A Guide for Ice Manufacturing Companies by Josh Vega, Reddy Ice
Natural disasters can strike unexpectedly, and for an ice manufacturing company, the stakes are particularly high. Ice is a critical resource during emergencies, used for preserving food, maintaining medical supplies, and ensuring hydration. Therefore, being well-prepared can make a significant difference not only for your business but also for the communities you serve. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help ice manufacturing companies prepare for a natural disaster. Read more...

Smarter Ice Delivery: The Power of Remote Monitoring Sensors by Tony Dickson, Cool Running Software
One of the biggest innovations in the ice industry in the last 10–15 years has been the use of monitoring technology on ice merchandisers. Remote monitoring technology inside merchandisers is not a new idea. This concept has been implemented in many industries, such as propane tanks, payphones (when we had them), garbage dumpsters, and many more. While investing in remote monitoring technology is an extra cost in both setup and subscriptions, these industries have recognized the real-time savings by using sensors to reduce their distribution costs. Read more...

2023

Ice Factory Automation by Mike Carpenter, Automatic Ice Systems
One of the most common conversations that I have had in recent years is how to optimize ice facility production. After a few exploratory questions, the conversation almost always includes a discussion on Automation. Automation can be the answer not only to optimizing production, but to workforce challenges. Read more...

Product Traceability by Tony Reese, Arctic Glacier, Inc., and Josh Vega, Reddy Ice
In today’s world, the complexities of supply chains and product movement are ever growing in scale and pace. Our customers and all consumers expect high quality with a fast turnaround time from the point of order. With all that said, it is even more important to have the proper safety guardrails and protocols in place in the event of potential safety risks, i.e. quality control and contamination. Read more...

The Case for R290 by Brian Ballman, Modern Ice
R290, recognized as refrigeration grade propane, has emerged as a superior refrigerant for small charge systems such as those used in merchandisers. Positioned as a hydrocarbon refrigerant, it presents a natural and non-toxic alternative to harmful CFC and HFC refrigerants, notably stepping in for the phased-out R404a. The switch to R290 is driven by three critical factors that make it the preferred refrigerant in today’s market... Read more...

What You Need to Know About DOT Rules & Regulations by Dan Laurencelle, Arctic Glacier, Inc.
The ever-changing DOT rules and regulations continue to leave many of us trying to determine what is fact or fiction. It seems every time one rule is implemented another is on the horizon making it difficult for us to keep our Distribution operations compliant. With FMCSA rules constantly changing, and now the introduction of the Clearinghouse, we all want to make sure we do not find ourselves with the authorities showing up to audit your business. Read more...

2022

Ammonia Safety in the Packaged Industry by Rick Reeves, Co-Writer/Submitted by Dan Laurencelle, Arctic Glacier, Inc.
Due to peak seasonality of our business, the refrigeration side of the industry can sometimes get put on the bottom of the list. However, we all know that we can’t safely run an ice plant without the refrigeration working properly. Routine preventative maintenance practices must be in place to ensure the integrity of the system and safe work procedures must be followed to prevent ammonia leaks. Read more...

Cyber Security Steps to Mitigate Risk by Dan Laurencelle, Arctic Glacier, Inc.
Ben Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” He was referring to the fire threat in Philadelphia in the 1700’s; suggesting that preventing a fire is better than fighting a fire. The same analogy is true for cyber threats. Read more...

Key Points to Developing a New Ice Plant by Mike Carpenter, Automatic Ice Systems
A common question I often hear as an industry supplier is, “What should I consider when building a new packaged ice factory?” Facilities throughout the world can vary greatly, but some concerns are universal. I’ve highlighted some important steps in the planning process to help get you started. Read more...

Labor Shortages...The New Reality? by Don Hutton, TIBOPAK Emballages, Inc.
Prior to the pandemic, most of the labor shortage conversation in the ice industry revolved around finding and retaining delivery drivers. Although this conversation remains an important one, the growing worker shortage is turning out to be as complicated. Read more...

2021

ELDT Mandate 2022 by Dan Laurencelle, Arctic Glacier, Inc.
As we navigate through challenges for driver talent, recruitment and retention, new FMCSA ruling may provide another layer of difficulties in hiring qualified CDL drivers. With 2022 fast approaching, and if the struggles that we all faced in 2021 weren’t enough, we will now need to find creative ways to attract potential drivers to our companies. Read more...