UK marine supplier launches EU subsidiary in Ireland
Credit: Penguin Refrigeration
Penguin Refrigeration, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of specialist refrigeration solutions for the marine and motorhome market, has launched a new EU branch based in Cork, Ireland.
The new distribution subsidiary is called Penguin Refrigeration EU.
Established in 2002, Penguin Refrigeration is based on the UK’s south coast in Havant, Hampshire and supplies the UK market. It is currently the exclusive UK distributor for Italian refrigeration brands Vitrifrigo and Frigoboat and air conditioning brand Climma.
The UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020, following a public vote held in June 2016. Penguin says its expansion to Ireland — which is in the EU — allows the company to take orders from, and supply to, any customer, partner or distributor residing in the EU without import or export restrictions or duties.
Penguin Refrigeration EU says its new distribution centre will reduce transportation costs and allow 24-hour shipments from available inventory. The firm highlights this as ‘an impressive time-saving-solution’ compared to the ‘usual three to four-week timeframes’ from the UK, due to the need to navigate EU regulations post-Brexit. The firm adds that partner and trade discounts will remain in place through the new EU distribution.
Penguin Refrigeration EU is also partnering with Ireland’s leading marine equipment supplier, CH Marine, who will manage the fulfilment of orders for EU customers from the new distribution facility in Cork. This collaboration also sees the introduction of Penguin Refrigeration’s product lines in three of CH Marine’s Irish stores in Cork, Skibbereen and Newtownards, as well as its online store.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Penguin Refrigeration on its EU distribution,” says Martin O’Donovan, director of CH Marine. “Penguin Refrigeration has an impressive reputation for supplying quality products, supported by excellent technical customer service. Our new Cork warehouse will supply products to the EU Market both in an efficient and timely manner. This is an exciting addition to our portfolio, and I look forward to developing the business to the benefit of our EU customers.”
Chris Feibusch, marketing director of Penguin Refrigeration EU, adds: “This is a crucial step in our company’s growth, meeting the growing demand we have across the EU market. This expansion offers readily available, custom refrigeration and air conditioning solutions for new and existing customers in the EU, providing simplified logistics for efficient next-day shipments and reduced regulations, improving delivery costs.”
