Riverlock Packhouse is a long-standing, loyal client of Dobsons, having relied on our expertise in refrigeration and electrical equipment for over 25 years. As a family-run kiwifruit packhouse and cool storage facility, Riverlock has consistently trusted Dobsons to manage and maintain their critical systems.

In recent years, Riverlock has experienced significant growth, acquiring new customers and consequently requiring additional coolstorage capacity. To meet this demand, Riverlock approached Dobsons with a request to design a cooling system for four new kiwifruit coolstores. Additionally, the site was facing challenges with surplus power, necessitating a thorough review and solution to accommodate both current needs and future expansions.

Riverlock's primary goals were to:

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1. Resolve the power constraints onsite with a forward-looking plan for future expansion.

2. Develop a competitive design and cost proposal for the new coolstore complex, in the face of competition from other providers.

To address these objectives, Dobsons collaborated closely with Riverlock and Horizon Energy, the local power network owners. Onsite meetings facilitated discussions about the existing power limitations and how to upgrade the infrastructure to support the new build and future expansions. After careful consideration, a phased upgrade plan was agreed upon, allowing costs to be distributed over several years.

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For the coolstore construction, Dobsons drew upon a similar project completed for Riverlock four years earlier, which had left the client highly satisfied. This familiarity allowed us to replicate the successful design, incorporating improvements in component selection and installation to enhance efficiency and performance.

The project involved coordination with several key stakeholders:

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• Riverlock Packhouse: The primary client, involved in all major decisions.

• Horizon Energy: Collaborated with Dobsons on the power upgrades necessary for the new coolstore complex.

• Mystical: The construction company responsible for building the coolstores.

• Cooling Equipment: Supplier of the refrigeration plant.

• J.A Russell: Supplier of electrical components for the project.

The project was successfully completed within the 12-week timeframe, meeting all of Riverlock's requirements for increased coolstorage capacity and improved power infrastructure. The phased approach to power upgrades not only resolved the immediate constraints but also positioned Riverlock for future growth. The new coolstore complex, based on a proven design with strategic improvements, further solidified Dobsons' long-standing relationship with Riverlock Packhouse.