The installation of Burns Lake’s new arena chiller encounters another unexpected delay for its timely arrival.
The new delay happened due to recent changes and developments within the manufacturing plant. Once the chiller arrives at Burns Lake, it will take two weeks to complete the installation and another two weeks for successful start-up and testing.
As an explanation, the manufacturer Alfa Laval stated “In an effort to keep moving forward and investing in our business, the service center’s gasketed plate heat exchanger manufacturing facility has recently implemented a new manufacturing enterprise resource planning system (MERPS) that has caused unexpected, temporary operational delays in acknowledgment and delivery dates of placed orders.”
“Once resolved, we look forward to the long-term benefits that MERPS will bring. We sincerely apologize and understand the inconvenience this setback has caused you. Please know that we are taking this matter very seriously globally and have a dedicated team working diligently to address and resolve this delay,” Alfa Laval said.
Sheryl Worthing, the Village of Burns Lake’s chief administrative officer, said the village intends to keep the arena ice through the end of April.
Worthing stated everything depends on the arrival of the new chiller.
“Once the weather warms up significantly in the spring, keeping the ice installed becomes much less efficient. The end of April will be as far as we can take it,” she said.
Kevin White, Burns Lake Curling Club’s director, said nothing has changed from their end.
“We are on hold until we know if and when the manufacturer will supply the chiller in time for the arena staff to decide on the ice. Again, the community is at the end of a supply chain that has failed us.”
White added that their plans for curling season are still the same as in the past, which moved out by a month or two.
Brad Abeitkoff, Burns Lake Minor Hockey’s president, said he wasn’t expecting this delay.
“When we get ice, hopefully, sooner than later, we will be hosting practices and maybe games and tournaments; if we have enough interest,” he said.
Abeitkoff said that so far last year had gone well and the minor hockey kids had been playing many tournaments and league games and making new friends.
He added that the travel back and forth had been good and hoped the weather would hold off as the team travels for the rest of the year.