The Grimsby Ice Factory was built in 1901 to produce ice for the fishing fleets. At the time refrigeration techniques were in their infancy and it was not possible to build chilling units onto a ship. Instead, ice was produced in large quantities on land and distributed onto ships before they left port. The fish they caught could then be packed in ice for the return journey.
Initially steam was used to power the factory, however as demand increased and the benefits of electricity were realised, the plant was upgraded to use electrically driven compressors in 1930. J&E Hall of Dartford, Kent undertook the task of replacing the refrigeration equipment and Metropolitan-Vickers of Manchester were commissioned to provide the electric motors.
Four of the J&E Hall’s compressors were installed initially, and a fifth unit was added in the 1950s during a further period of expansion. At its height, the Ice House could produce 1,100 tons of ice per day. This made it by far the largest ice factory in the world.
A decline in demand and new technologies for ice production led to the factory being scaled down in 1976. The factory closed down completely in 1990.
Initially steam was used to power the factory, however as demand increased and the benefits of electricity were realised, the plant was upgraded to use electrically driven compressors in 1930. J&E Hall of Dartford, Kent undertook the task of replacing the refrigeration equipment and Metropolitan-Vickers of Manchester were commissioned to provide the electric motors.
Four of the J&E Hall’s compressors were installed initially, and a fifth unit was added in the 1950s during a further period of expansion. At its height, the Ice House could produce 1,100 tons of ice per day. This made it by far the largest ice factory in the world.
A decline in demand and new technologies for ice production led to the factory being scaled down in 1976. The factory closed down completely in 1990.
1. External
2. Compressor Hall
3. Compressor Hall
4. Compressors
5. Compressor detail
6. Compressor
7. Ice Tank Room
8. Ice Tanks
9. Ice Crusher
10. Ammonia Tanks
11. Valves
12. Compressor No. 5
I found some historic photos of the Ice Factory, so re-took the same shots to show a comparison of how it has changed. Many changes were made to the equipment over the years since these photos were taken, and the factory has become a mess since its closure. (Click to view bigger)
2. Compressor Hall
3. Compressor Hall
4. Compressors
5. Compressor detail
6. Compressor
7. Ice Tank Room
8. Ice Tanks
9. Ice Crusher
10. Ammonia Tanks
11. Valves
12. Compressor No. 5
