ABOUT hawke’s bay ice company

Salt flake ice is made at our plant in Pandora, Napier.  We use two North Star ice machines which can be run individually or in tandem.  We have the ability to produce 1.6 tonne per hour.  The plant is approximately 38.4 tonne capable per day.

The machines use city supplied water fed through two filter systems.  Water is sprayed on cylindrical drums rotating slowly on each machine.  The drums have refrigerant circulating within which causes the external surface of the drum to become extremely cold which in turn freezes the water that has been sprayed on them.

A set of knives or blades are placed with slight clearance vertically against each drum and these knock the produced ice from the drum as it revolves.  The flakes of various sizes are up to 4sq cms with 2mm in thickness.  It falls off the machines and into a refrigerated insulated bin (60 tonne capable) positioned below the ice makers where it is stored at -5 degrees Celsius until it is sold.

Dominion food grade salt is added to the water just prior to it being sprayed onto the drums.  This is done via a dosing pump drawing from a brine tank.  The salt content is barely noticeable to taste.

Salt flake ice has been the preferred product in the commercial fishing industry for lowering the temperature of fish when it is initially caught.  This guarantees the freshness and natural appearance of the fish for a possible 5-day trip back to port and the markets.

Recreational anglers have realised the benefit of using salt flake ice on their catch.