Ice dream comes true for local businessman
Staff reporter
It's been Merle Flaming's dream for six or seven years. And now it has become a reality.
Frostbite Ice Company of Marion began operations of manufacturing, bagging, and distributing bagged ice earlier this month.
The product is solid, round, tube ice and processed at the same location of Flaming Heating, Air Conditioning, Inc. on South Second Street.
Rear buildings at that location were renovated in October and November, 2005, to accommodate equipment and storage for the bagged product.
"We've either begun distributing or have a commitment to distribute to most of Marion County," said Flaming. The company also distributes to Walton, Newton, Halstead, Buhler, Inman, Galva, and Moundridge.
Assisting Flaming with the business is Alan Regier of Hillsboro.
Prior to the company beginning operation, local retailers relied on out-of-town ice distributors from Wichita, Salina, and Junction City.
"It became a service issue," said Flaming, who has Marion Auto Supply, Carlsons' Grocery, and D&J Liquor among his customers.
Frostbite has available various types of storage for retailers. Large ice chests called merchandizers can be located outdoors, and large coolers are available for indoor sales.
"We plan to have ice available for area events like Chingawassa Days, Art in the Park and Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair, and Marion County Fair," said Flaming, referring to a refrigerated trailer.
A large refrigerated truck is used to transport ice to retailers.
The ice business is somewhat seasonal with 80 percent of the total gross sales occurring within 100 days (summer months), said Flaming. The other 20 percent is spread out during the year.
The ice manufacturing equipment can produce 10,000 pounds per day.
Annual inspections by state dairy inspectors will occur, said Flaming, with the first inspection already made.
City water passes through an in-house filtering system and then into the equipment for processing.
"I've had the water tested and no problems were detected," said Flaming. He said he will continue to have the water monitored for quality.
Nothing will change with the primary business, he said.
Dreams can come true with patience and perseverance.
