FUTURE-PROOFING FISH PROCESSING

Future-proofing fish processing: How CRS Cold Storage Solutions support UK seafood businesses. Read Fish Focus’ latest publication focusing on seafood processing.

For over 30 years, The CRS Group has been a trusted partner to fish processing companies across the UK. From blast freezing to ultra-low-temperature storage, CRS has built its reputation on delivering dependable units that can be customised to meet even the most specific operational needs. With flexible hire options and the ability to scale up seasonally, CRS helps seafood businesses remain agile and competitive year-round.

Three recent projects demonstrate our support to seafood processors with tailored, high-performance solutions designed to protect product quality, streamline operations, and ensure regulatory compliance in a demanding industry.

Tuna Processor Integrates Ultra-Low Temp Freezing into Tight Production Space

A specialist tuna processor serving high-end restaurants across the UK needed an ultra-low temperature storage solution that could hold stock at -60°C, an essential temperature for maintaining tuna quality and safety. The challenge? Their production area had strict spatial constraints that ruled out most off-the-shelf options.

CRS delivered a custom-built 20ft ULT container fitted with Sevenfrigo doors to ensure exceptional thermal efficiency and reliability. The unit was specifically designed to fit the client’s layout, with the door positioned to align with their internal mezzanine level. This allowed seamless integration with their existing workflows, enabling effortless loading and unloading of high-value stock.
Our consultative design and ability to adapt to precise site conditions meant the client could maintain their production pace without investing in permanent structural changes, which is a key advantage for specialist processors operating within limited footprints.

Exotic Fish Wholesaler Gains Reliable Cold Storage with a Bespoke Mega Unit

A wholesale supplier from the Hull area, specialising in exotic fish species, required dependable, high-capacity cold storage that could maintain consistent temperatures of -22°C. Given the variety and sensitivity of their product range, it was critical that the solution support both operational efficiency and site-specific demands.

CRS worked closely with the company to assess their business requirements, infrastructure limitations, and projected growth. The result was the installation of a bespoke 4-in-1 Mega unit, offering ample storage without compromising access or day-to-day logistics.

This tailored approach ensured not just technical performance, but also operational continuity. The solution aligned with the company’s commitment to supplying a diverse customer base across the UK and provided them with more distributional flexibility.

Supporting Seasonal Surges for a Leading Frozen Fish Producer

While many seafood businesses face daily cold storage challenges, some encounter significant surges during peak production seasons. Prominent Norwegian frozen fish producer recently approached CRS after internal blast freezing capacity was stretched to its limit by rising demand.

CRS responded with a flexible, scalable solution: two 40ft high-performance Blast Freezers, each capable of rapidly pulling temperatures down to -30°C. These mobile units were deployed to the client’s sites in Denmark and Norway, with our swift ability to deliver cross-border and remote area solutions with minimal disruption.

Our modular solution provided immediate relief during high-output months and established a repeatable framework for future peak periods. Blast freezing is critical in preserving the texture, freshness, and shelf life of fish, making CRS’s rapid-freeze units essential for companies adhering to strict export and safety standards.

Built for Harsh Conditions, Designed Around You

Every CRS unit is built to endure coastal environments, with weatherproof exteriors and the option to run on generators for off-grid or emergency scenarios. The ability to tailor layouts, entry points, and interior fittings means CRS solutions are not only robust, but also purpose-built for your operations.

From compact indoor units to large-scale outdoor blast freezers, CRS adapts its offering to suit your needs, not the other way around. And with hire options that flex according to season or market shifts, fish processors can scale capacity up or down without long-term commitments.

Whether it’s preserving the integrity of premium tuna, meeting regulatory requirements for exotic species, or navigating the demands of seasonal production, CRS continues to be the cold storage partner trusted by the UK seafood industry.