Dole Refrigerating Co is a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of specialized refrigeration equipment, with a strong legacy in designing and engineering high-performance thermal control systems for a wide range of industries, including food processing, marine transport, cold chain logistics, and industrial freezing. Headquartered in Lewisburg, Tennessee, Dole Refrigerating Co has built a global reputation for its advanced eutectic holdover plate systems and custom freezer technologies.
Company Overview
Founded in 1954, Dole Refrigerating Co has over six decades of experience in refrigeration innovation. The company’s expertise lies in providing custom-engineered refrigeration and freezing systems that prioritize energy efficiency, durability, and temperature consistency in demanding environments. With installations across North America and export markets in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Dole’s systems are trusted by seafood processors, refrigerated fleet operators, and maritime transporters worldwide.
Core Product Offerings
Dole Refrigerating Co offers a diverse product range focused on heavy-duty and commercial refrigeration solutions, including:
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Eutectic Holdover Plate Systems
Designed for refrigerated transportation, these systems store thermal energy in eutectic plates and release it during transit, maintaining low temperatures without continuous power or fuel use. Used extensively in cold chain distribution.
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Dual Contact Plate Freezers
High-capacity systems that freeze products from both top and bottom simultaneously, offering rapid and uniform freezing—ideal for seafood, meat, and packaged goods.
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ECONO-CEL Blower Units
Advanced air circulation units for trucks and trailers, ensuring consistent cooling distribution throughout the cargo space with lower energy consumption.
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Remote Freezers for Shrimp Vessels
Marine-grade freezers engineered for shrimp trawlers and fishing vessels, capable of withstanding harsh environments while preserving product quality.
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Side Ram Plate Freezers
Unique plate freezer systems using side-positioned hydraulic cylinders, increasing operational space efficiency on vessels and in processing plants.
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50 Station Vertical Plate Freezers
Among the largest vertical plate freezer systems in the industry, capable of freezing substantial volumes in a single cycle—recognized for their robust build and precision engineering.
Specialization and USP
Dole Refrigerating Co is best known for its custom-built refrigeration systems tailored to the operational and spatial needs of its clients. Its USP includes:
- Eutectic plate systems that drastically reduce fuel usage by maintaining cold temperatures without continuous mechanical operation.
- Precision freezing through dual-contact plate technology, ensuring reduced microbial growth and extended shelf-life for perishable products.
- Marine-rated construction for oceanic deployment, meeting the rugged standards of the fishing industry.
These technologies allow Dole's clients to enhance operational efficiency, comply with cold chain protocols, and improve sustainability performance.
Market Reach
Dole Refrigerating Co services clients across several key verticals:
- Seafood and meat processing facilities
- Refrigerated logistics and transportation fleets
- Fishing vessels and maritime transport
- Cold storage and distribution centers
Their systems are found in applications ranging from shrimp freezing operations in the Gulf of Mexico to mobile cold storage trucks in Central America.
Engineering and Manufacturing Capabilities
- In-house design and fabrication of refrigeration systems
- Custom builds and retrofit solutions
- Full-scale plate freezer and holdover system manufacturing
- Post-installation support, servicing, and system optimization
Dole maintains a fabrication facility in Tennessee capable of delivering both standard and bespoke refrigeration units, supported by a skilled team of engineers and technicians.
Compliance and Certifications
Dole Refrigerating Co designs and builds systems in compliance with:
- UL and CE standards for electrical safety
- NSF food-grade compliance for freezing surfaces
- U.S. Coast Guard and ABS specifications for marine equipment (where applicable)
Their systems are built to adhere to global food safety and transportation guidelines for perishable goods.
Leadership
- John W. Cook Jr., a key executive leader, oversees the company’s strategic operations and customer engagement, ensuring product integrity and engineering excellence.
Strategic Strengths
- Over 65 years of operational history in industrial refrigeration
- Proven reliability in harsh environments, especially in maritime and remote deployments
- Ability to scale systems from single-unit cold trucks to high-volume processing plants
- Energy-efficient, low-maintenance design, supporting long-term cost savings
Dole Refrigerating Co continues to evolve with market needs by innovating within the refrigeration sector—ensuring cold chain dependability and supporting global food security with precise and rugged freezing technologies.
