Cold Storage Warehouse Facilities

Cold storage warehouse facilities will store goods in a refrigerated environment or at cold temperatures. Ideal for businesses requiring cool temperatures for storing or transporting stock. Look out for specialist storage companies providing these services.

What is Cold Storage?

A refrigerated storage unit will lower the temperature of the enclosed space and then maintain that cooler temperature. The term ‘cooling’ is used to describe any artificial or natural process where head is reduced.  The principal is based on removing ‘heat’, instead of adding ‘cold’ as cold is the absence of heat.

 Air-conditioning units, found in private homes and public buildings, are probably the most common use of refrigeration, along with food refrigeration for homes, or restaurants and warehouses.

What is Cold Storage used for?

There are many uses for Cold Storage and this type of storage is used by different types of industries including:

• Food – all fresh produce
• Beverage – including wine and beer
• Pharmaceutical
• Engineering
• Catering
• Retail

Meat, poultry, fish and dairy always require refrigeration, to keep them fresh and fit for consumption. Other food items requiring a cooler temperature include eggs, chocolate, wine fresh coffee and some pre-prepared foods. A climate-controlled environment will help fruit and vegetables stay edible for longer.

Some medicines, vaccines or samples need to be kept at a low temperature. For engineering, some parts of machinery may need to be stored at extremely low temperatures to test durability and efficiency. Catering services at large events will require cold storage facilities for items including beverages, fresh fruits, salads and desserts.

What type of Cold Storage is available?

Cold Storage units are available in a variety of sizes and can chill, cool or even freeze items if required. Depending on your requirements, there are chillers and freezers, refrigerated containers or temperature-controlled environments. These self-storage units can be transported to your premises, or you can hire a cold storage unit housed within a dedicated warehouse facility. On some occasions, cold storage facilities can be required on a short-term basis to provide additional cooling facilities perhaps for a special event or for mobile catering services.

Most companies offer cold storage facilities will have the latest in refrigeration and cooling technology to keep your goods in perfect condition. Some can provide multiple temperature options to ensure all produce is kept at the correct storage temperature.

Other things to consider…

 Check the storage company offer the length of storage you require, whether that is long, short or medium-term. Ask if their terms are flexible, so you can tailor your storage requirements exactly to your needs and make it as cost-effective as possible. Sometimes, you may not know exactly how long you will need the storage facility for and therefore, flexible terms are a bonus.

Also, before signing an agreement ensure the company will provide proper maintenance and regular servicing of the unit. And it is essential that a 24hr emergency repair service is provided, should anything go wrong. The last thing you want is for your cold storage to break down on a Friday evening and no help is available until Monday!