Industrial History Online

Industrial History Online

Grimsby Ice Factory

Description and History of Site:-
For a detailed description of the site see Grimsby Docks, Ice Factory - Conservation Statement by Purcell Millar Tritton, 2010

Description from Wonders of World Engineering, published 1930

"The largest plant of its kind in the world is situated at Grimsby, Lincs, and is capable of making 1,100 tons of ice every twenty-four hours. There are four ammonia compression refrigerating machines of the vertical enclosed single-acting type. Each machine has four cylinders and is coupled directly to an electric motor of 600 horsepower, running at 250 revolutions a minute. There are six ice-making tanks through which a rapid circulation of cold "brine" is maintained. Immersed in this brine are fragments, ice-crushing machines are provided. Some of these are at a considerable distance from the factory, and the heavy blocks of ice travel to them along an overhead sloping runway down which they slide at a velocity which reaches about 40 miles an hour towards the end of the run. The blocks are white and almost opaque, because costly agitating gear must be provided in each can if clear ice is required."

Currently (2018) thought to be the only remaining intact ice making factory of it's kind in the world. Considered as very seriously 'at risk'.


Further Reading and References:-
Anon, The Engineer, Vol 155 1933, p 596
Winchester C ed, Wonders of Engineering, Amalgamated Press, ND about 1930's
http://www.ggift.co.uk/history-of-the-grimsby-ice-factory/
See also The Engineer, Vol 109, p168, Vol 109 - Feb 18 Supplement Vol 133 p171, and Feb 17 Supplement
Wright N R, Lincolnshire's Industrial Heritage - A Guide, Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology, 2004


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Key Words :- ice factory fishing fleet

Viewing the Site :- Can be viewed from the public road or footpath

Address :- Gorton Street, East Marsh, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, DN31 3NE
Grid Ref :- TA 27799 10694
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.577279 , Long -0.071268
Local Authority :- North East Lincolnshire District Council
Pre 1974 County :- Lincolnshire - Lindsey
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II*
Historic England List No - 1379842,
Site Condition :- Site condition unknown
Site Dates :- 1901 -
Record Date :- 23 June 2018

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © John Suter