Ergonomic Lifting Solutions Improve Health & Efficiency in Cold Chain Logistics
GPC tackle cold chain challenges with stainless steel vacuum lifters.
Customer: Gardermoen Perishable Center (GPC)
Location: Oslo, Norway
Industry: Cold chain logistics / Food industry
TAWI Solution: 20 stainless steel vacuum lifters with custom suction feet for fish boxes
The Challenge: Heavy Lifting in Cold Temperatures
At Gardermoen Perishable Center (GPC), tens of thousands of boxes filled with fresh fish pass through the facility every day. Specialising in logistics for the seafood industry, GPC operates a massive 16,000 m² cold storage warehouse just outside Oslo, handling fish shipments bound for destinations all over the world.
Working in cold environments—often at freezing temperatures—requires durable equipment and puts physical strain on workers. Before introducing ergonomic lifting solutions, GPC faced a serious problem: employees frequently suffered from injuries caused by repetitive heavy lifting.
"We didn’t have vacuum lifters before, and many people got hurt. Backs, shoulders—the whole body. Several employees were on long-term sick leave. But after we introduced vacuum lifters, things have improved in many ways", Omar Solis, Team Leader and HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) Manager at GPC.
The Solution: 20 Custom-Equipped Stainless Steel Vacuum Lifters for cold chain logistics
To improve working conditions and streamline their processes, GPC installed 20 TAWI stainless steel vacuum lifters, all equipped with custom suction feet designed specifically for fish boxes. The solution was tailored to meet the facility’s strict hygiene requirements and withstand the cold, demanding conditions of the cold chain logistics environment.
"Each fish box weighs around 25 to 27 kilos. We lift three at a time—up to 75 kilos per lift. Without vacuum lifters, that kind of weight would have been a real problem", Omar Solis explains.
The Result: A Safer, Faster and More Efficient Workflow
The ergonomic lifting solution has made a clear difference—not just in reducing injuries, but also in improving efficiency and team morale.
"The lifters save us a lot of time and make the job easier for everyone—for me as team leader, for the staff handling the boxes, and for the whole operation. The stainless steel models are perfect because we work in freezing temperatures year-round. They’re durable, reliable, and really make a difference in our daily work," Omar says.
A Win-Win for People and Productivity in cold chain logistics
By investing in ergonomic lifting solutions from TAWI, GPC has created a safer and more efficient work environment—one where employee health and operational performance go hand in hand. With fewer injuries, faster handling, and equipment built to last in harsh conditions, the team at GPC is equipped to keep the global seafood supply chain moving.
Want to know how ergonomic lifting solutions could benefit your business? Get in touch with our team today—we’re here to help you find the right solution for your needs.