World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Cold store company closes

UK: Kent-based cold store company International Controlled Atmosphere Ltd (ICA) has closed down with the loss of 74 jobs.

A leading designer and builder of controlled temperature buildings for agriculture, the company is said to have been beset with cash flow problems due to contractions in the farming and agriculture sector.

“After exploring a number of restructuring options, with cash flow pressures becoming unsustainable, the Company was left with no viable alternative other than to seek the protection of Administration in interests of all creditors,” the administrator FRP Advisory has said.

“It is hugely regrettable that a Kent business with a loyal customer base has had to close its doors, following several years of unsustainable cash flow pressures. We will continue to realise the assets of the business in the interests of the creditors,” added Philip Armstrong, joint administrator at FRP Advisory.

The family business was formed in 1901 as building company Harry Lawrence Ltd. It built its first gas-controlled apple store in 1937 and became known as ICA Ltd in 1998.

Latest News

10th June 2026

Bosch and Hitachi to collaborate on HMAX for Buildings

GERMANY/JAPAN: Bosch is to collaborate with Hitachi on advanced connectivity and diagnostic solutions in the commercial HVAC sector. 
10th June 2026

Star pays tribute to former MD and founder

UK: Star Refrigeration has paid tribute to co-founder Anthony Brown who died on June 2, aged 91.
10th June 2026

Nordic Climate acquires Lightfoot

UK: Acquisitive Swedish contractor group Nordic Climate has acquired the legendary and long-established UK company Lightfoot International. 
10th June 2026

IPCOM to acquire French distributor Le Froid Pecomark

BELGIUM/FRANCE: IPCOM, the Belgian group of HVAC equipment and insulation solutions suppliers, is set to acquire a majority stake in French distributor Le Froid Pecomark.
9th June 2026

LFB Group acquires French AHU company Hydronic

FRANCE: The LFB Group has acquired French air handling unit manufacturer Hydronic from the Eoliance air treatment group.
9th June 2026

European citizens back heat pump switch

EUROPE: A new YouGov poll is said to have indicated that European citizens see clean energy independence as a safety issue, not just a climate concern.