G&B: Dry ice business launched at a French shipyard

1. How did the idea to set up G&B Cryogénie come about, and how long has the company been in existence?

Our first encounter with dry ice technology took place in 2003 at the French shipyard ‘Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique’ in Saint-Nazaire, which specialised in the construction of ocean-going vessels. Axel Gélinet, one of the co-founders of G&B Cryogénie, was working there at the time.

Dry ice blasting technology was being used to clean steel plates just before painting. We decided to investigate this technology, in which we saw great potential for a wide range of applications. Less than two years later, G&B Cryogénie was founded in Brittany (north-west France). We started with a twin-hose blasting machine and were supplied with dry ice by Messer. In 2008, we purchased our first ASCO pelletiser, an A220P, which is still in daily use to produce the dry ice ourselves.
 

2. What is your service portfolio and what do you specialise in?

Our speciality has always been providing dry ice blasting services on-site at our customers’ premises. However, for more than 10 years, G&B Cryogénie has been diversifying its activities by producing and supplying dry ice in northern France from two production sites. We produce pellets and blocks in all sizes and have recently purchased an ASCO pellet bagging machine, which allows us to pack pellets into bags.

In addition, we have also been selling and hiring out ASCO dry ice blasting machines and pelletisers for several years. We serve the French and North African markets with the support of the ASCO sales team.

We carry out most of our activities ourselves, with the exception of the supply of liquid CO₂, which is handled by Messer and ASCO. The blasting jobs are carried out by our technicians, and deliveries are made using our own lorries, giving us maximum control over our services.


3. G&B Cryogénie has been using ASCO dry ice technology for years. What convinces you in day-to-day use?

We opted for ASCO dry ice technology long before we became distribution partners for the French and North African markets.

When choosing equipment for your daily work, you have to consider various factors: quality, ergonomics, functionality and, of course, price. ASCO offers dry ice technology that brings all these elements together. Another key aspect is the relationship with the ASCO team; sales, back office, logistics and maintenance – ASCO combines all these services with exceptionally high performance, and this is truly valued in our business, where both service and adaptability are key.

ASCO dry ice technology is suitable for daily use and even under difficult conditions. ASCO machines do not require any specific or complicated maintenance; the dry ice blasting machines require virtually no maintenance, and for the pelletisers, the maintenance schedule is actually the same as for a standard hydraulic pump.