ACR Journal

December 2020 | January 2021 REFRIGERATION 22 Volume 7 No.1 Half-century for industrial pioneers Star Refrigeration has marked its 50th anniversary with a publication which follows the journey from humble beginnings to a leading role in the industrial refrigeration industry, To celebrate 50 years of innovation, Star Refrigeration Group Managing Director Dr Andy Pearson has chronicled the company’s history in a new book. ‘Per Ardua’ – The Story of Star Refrigeration 1970-2020, details many of the Glasgow-based company’s key innovations and the stories behind them. From the birth of the first four-way valve, to the first refrigeration system which allowed “free cooling” (thermosyphon) through to the first use of carbon dioxide in a freeze drying application and delivering the world’s first and largest zero carbon 90°C ammonia district heat pump, Star has consistently pioneered exciting new technologies for its customers. Dr Pearson said: “The past 50 years has seen Star Refrigeration face and overcome a multitude of challenges in its drive to deliver outstanding service to our customers and reduce environmental impact. Our success is based upon the unwavering commitment of our employees as we continue to work towards a better future. “Star Refrigeration has been a pioneer throughout its history, pushing the boundaries of refrigeration and heating engineering technology. I hope that the untold story of our first 50 years will capture the imagination of our stakeholders and get them excited for the future.” It was in 1970 that three engineers – Dr Stephen Forbes Pearson, Anthony Brown, and Robert Campbell, pooled their redundancy money and set up Star, recruiting skilled engineers and operating from Dr Pearson’s home. Fast forward five decades, and the company now employs more than 300 sta— across 10 locations in Andy Pearson Refrigeration Star.indd 22 03/12/2020 11:53