Chiquita Expands Investment in Carrier's PrimeLINE® Refrigeration Unit

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Chiquita Brands increased its investment in Carrier Transicold PrimeLINE® container refrigeration units nearly fivefold in 2010, based on the solid performance track record and energy-savings of the PrimeLINE units, demonstrated through research. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Corp., a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). Carrier Corp. is the world's leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, improving the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship.

Within the last year, Cincinnati-based Chiquita added 4,700 PrimeLINE units equipped with the QUEST power-saving mode to the 1,250 previously acquired for its banana fleet. Chiquita's investment came on the heels of side-by-side tests it ran comparing power consumption and pulldown performance of the PrimeLINE unit and other manufacturers' units.

"Pulldown performance is critical to assuring the highest quality product," said Juan Carlos Hernandez, Chiquita's manager of maintenance and repair, who supervised the testing. "In addition, energy conservation is vital to Chiquita's green transportation initiatives, and we were pleased that it not only reduces fuel consumption related to shipboard power generation but also reduces emissions proportionately, helping us to shrink our carbon footprint."

"We applaud the wisdom of Chiquita in conducting its own analysis to verify capabilities of container refrigeration systems before expanding its investment," said David Appel, president, Carrier Transicold. "Over the period of ownership, the energy efficiency of PrimeLINE units will result in a substantial savings in terms of total lifecycle costs."

Chiquita is a leading international marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh and value-added food products – from energy-rich bananas and other fruits to nutritious blends of convenient green salads. The PrimeLINE units are used on routes from Central America, 95 percent of which are destined for North American ports.

For more information about PrimeLINE refrigeration units turn to the experts at Carrier Transicold or visit www.container.carrier.com.

About Carrier Transicold

Carrier Transicold helps improve transport and shipping temperature control with a complete line of equipment for refrigerated trucks, trailers and containers. Carrier Transicold is a unit of Carrier Corp., the world's leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy efficient products, building controls, and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and foodservice customers. Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier improves the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship. Carrier is a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Visit www.carrier.com for more information.

SOURCE Carrier Transicold