Carrier Refrigeration Benelux Delivers Refrigeration Equipment for a Quick Remodeling Turnaround of Alma Supermarket in Belgium

Carrier Commercial Refrigeration (CCR) Benelux was one of the key players in the renovation project of Alma supermarket in Lommel, Belgium. The renovation project started on 12 March with an opening day scheduled on 6 May.

The cabinets installed for this remodeling project included the Methos^® multideck for fruits & vegetables, as well as the closed version for optimized footprint and customizable design, Mirado^® & Morea® semi-verticals with an ergonomic height, allowing increased visibility of products displayed at customer contact eye level, Danaos^® counters for gourmet goods, and CO₂OLtec rack.

Two weeks prior to the start of the project, local team members were faced with a major challenge. Due to road works in the center of Lommel, the supermarket could only be reached via a diversion, making it impossible for large trailers to reach the store. The team was tasked to reorganize everything at the last minute. The refrigeration equipment was therefore delivered via small trucks. Transport of the gas cooler and CO₂ rack including the crane truck had to be arranged in consultation with the local police department.

On 15 March, the transport convoy was met by the police. The gas cooler and the CO₂ rack – which had to be brought in through a window on the first floor – were installed on that day, including the placement of the main pipeline.

“The transport convoy was met by the police to drive a few hundred meters in the opposite direction…” - Yves Dekeyser – Project manager Carrier

In the evening of 26 March, the supermarket closed at 7pm. From then on it was “all hands on deck.” The store was demolished, and all new furniture was brought in at night to avoid traffic restrictions and ensure safety on the street during the day. The installations were carried out in the smallest details by CCR Benelux’s subcontractor, Fridge-Bi – whose team worked all night to ensure successful completion of the project.

The refrigeration cabinets were connected and finished that same week, including final equipment checks and testing. By the end of the week, the natural refrigerant CO₂ was administered, in time for the food products to be placed in the cabinets by noon the following Monday. Alma supermarket opened on the 6th of May and by 9:00 am the store was already well visited by customers. Despite the great challenge that the teams were informed of two weeks prior to the project start, CCR Benelux teams reacted efficiently and delivered a successful installation. We are proud and applaud the employees who have achieved this.

“You are a great team. I am very grateful… ” were the words of Peter Helsen, Managing Director of Alma supermarket.