TUCK LEE ICE
“The Coolest Business in Singapore” – the management of Tuck Lee loves this pun on their product, and the company’s eye-catching vehicle wraps emblazoned with humorous slogans have elicited quite a few chuckles over the years. Founded in 1935 and currently run by the fourth generation, this family business can be said to be the most well-known ice manufacturer in Singapore.
When Hauw Wee, the third-generation owner took over the reins in the ’80s, Tuck Lee was still using the old method of transporting ice to roadside vendors – using sawdust and gunny sacks as insulation in blazing Singapore. Wee saw these methods inefficient and unhygienic, and sought to overhaul Tuck Lee’s production and delivery systems. New machines were bought to produce ice in different shapes and sizes. He also invested in a fleet of reefer trucks and worked on improving service and, at the same time, branding. Tuck Lee’s product range greatly expanded.
By 2000, Tuck Lee’s major business was the supply of food-grade ice for parties, and to supermarkets, F&B outlets, hawker centres, petrol stations and convenience stores. Wee’s son, Jeremy Hauw, currently the executive director, introduced Tuck Lee’s ice sculpting service for weddings, parties and corporate events. In 2019, Krystal Ice Balls were launched to target a growing group of whisky connoisseurs. Early this year, Season’s Best was launched, giving local restaurants access to Tuck Lee’s expertise in cold-chain delivery so that they may serve the seasonal produce at its freshest to customers.