Cold Storage
For any company that works with goods that need a controlled temperature, such as the agri-food, chemical or pharmaceutical industries, it is essential to have adequate cold storage for each product characteristic.
Fresh, processed or frozen foods and products must be easily accessible for rapid distribution, since handling, preservation and storage must be carried out at an exact temperature without breaking the cold chain.
Altering these temperatures can lead to the loss of a product’s properties, its deterioration or the appearance of harmful bacteria. Therefore, high-density, a good cold store and correct use of warehouse space are key factors in this industry.
At AR Racking we have extensive experience commissioning controlled temperature warehouses for companies from these sectors.
Storage systems for the cold storage sector
Compact storage systems
The various types of compact industrial racking systems are the usual option for cold storage as they optimise the available space and the volume to be cooled, and therefore also save energy costs.
Smooth stock rotation
Considering that the products that are usually stored in the cold storage sector are perishable products or products with a defined expiration date, it is important to ensure smooth product rotation.
Automated storage
Automated storage systems are an increasingly used option in companies from the cold storage sector for their maximum compaction and streamlining of warehouse operations.
Direct access to the unit load: non-priority
Although it will depend on the company’s specific needs, cold stores and freezing chambers do not usually prioritise direct access to unit loads when choosing the appropriate storage system. Compaction of the system is prioritised over selectivity of the goods.
Characteristics of the cold storage sector
Cold product storage has been at the heart of conversations in the logistics sector in recent times. It also has specific logistics characteristics that mean the design of solutions has to be fully adapted to the maintenance of the cold chain, but without forgetting the profitability of the warehouse and energy efficiency and sustainability.
Rise of the sector
Current social changes have also boosted the growth of a sector that had already been on an upward trajectory. In addition, the global pandemic had a positive impact on this growth, since it is estimated that consumption of refrigerated and/or frozen products increased by 10% since its start.
Complex facilities
All this means that refrigerated food facilities are complex and require very specialised warehouses. In short, cold storage has been facing short and medium-term challenges for a while, and must now address the new situation, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.
Recommended industrial racking:
Some common storage systems for the cold storage sector are:
Mobile Pallet Racking (AR Mobile)
This system is ideal for cold stores or freezing chambers due to the reduced volume to be cooled. Furthermore, thanks to the “night configuration” mode, it improves circulation inside the cold stores.
Drive in Drive Through Racking
This storage solution is used in warehouses with cold stores or freezing chambers, due to the need for compaction and space optimisation for correct temperature distribution and cost savings.
Clad Rack Warehouses
The system perfectly adapts to warehouses that require cold work or work in freezing chambers.
