Often, companies that produce or sell products with a limited shelf life have difficulty storing their products. One option to solve the problem would be to build a refrigerated warehouse. But a quick calculation will show that construction will entail large costs for the business owner. A compromise could be renting a refrigerated room.

But here a lot of questions also arise: what should be considered when choosing a refrigerated warehouse? Is cold storage suitable for my products? What should you pay attention to initially?

In order to clarify the situation in this area a little, we will try to understand the basic concepts and requirements for warehouse premises of this type.

Cold Storage Warehouse

Let us first turn to the definition of the concept. A refrigerated warehouse can be called a room in which the temperature is maintained at -25...+12 in storage chambers. In the expedition zone, the temperature range narrows, which implies temporary storage of products. However, in practice, most often there are refrigeration facilities with a temperature regime whose values vary from -5 to +5. The difference between such a warehouse is the impossibility of providing deep-frozen stored products, as well as “milder” storage conditions.

Таким образом, можно говорить о том, что холодильный склад обеспечивает оптимальную температуру хранения для товаров, нуждающихся именно в охлаждении. К такой категории товаров можно отнести лекарственную продукцию, цветы, различные полуфабрикаты, а также консервированные морепродукты.

Requirements for a refrigerated warehouse

Optimal temperature conditions

The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a refrigerated warehouse is whether the temperature range matches the storage conditions of your products. In this case, it is necessary to clarify the round-the-clock possibility of maintaining the required temperature. Here a dilemma arises between two types of refrigeration rooms: these are rooms where the mode is regulated, and, accordingly, where there is no temperature control.

Of course, a warehouse with controlled modes is inferior to the second option in terms of rental price, but it has a noticeable advantage in providing cooling conditions. The tenant can be sure that the products will be cooled and not subjected to deep freezing or, on the contrary, spoiled.

There are also refrigerated warehouses that allow the storage of goods with different storage conditions due to their multi-temperature properties. This plus, of course, is more beneficial to warehouse owners, since it allows you to optimize loading and unloading operations.

Rooms with unregulated temperature carry out the cooling mode by maintaining the ambient temperature. As a rule, such warehouses are located in the basements of buildings and maintain a mode in the range 0...+5, which, in general, is also optimal for storing a wide range of goods.

Technically, the temperature range is maintained using sealers, which make it possible to maintain the required temperature range in a stationary state. It would also be useful to have an autonomous power source, which will maintain storage conditions in the event of power surges or even a power outage.

Room ventilation

In addition to the temperature regime, it is also important that the ventilation system operates in the room. Therefore, when inspecting the facility, pay attention to the humidity and ventilation of the warehouse - inspect the area for condensation on the walls and ceiling. Also ask the warehouse owner how relative humidity is controlled. Find out if there is emergency ventilation in the engine compartments.

Water supply

Take the time to find out information about the water supply system in a warehouse with refrigerated rooms. Take a special look at the sewer system. The network must be completely closed and also pass through a room in which heating is provided.

Equipment for loading goods

As mentioned above, an important factor when choosing a warehouse is mobility when performing loading and unloading operations. The presence of ramps and seals can be considered “beacons” of progressive warehouse logistics. Ramps, in combination with high ceilings, allow the warehouse space with refrigeration units to be used as efficiently as possible, optimizing the storage area. Having a forklift, which ensures fast and safe delivery of products to various points on the premises, can also be considered a good bonus.

Alarm operation

One of the important requirements is to equip the warehouse with an alarm system. According to construction standards and regulations, three types of alarms are mandatory: fire, burglar and security alarms (triggered if the employee remains in the cell). Such a protective set allows the tenant to be confident in the safety of their products and the reliability of the owners of the refrigeration space.

If we talk about safety, then it is worth paying attention to the fact that the storage space (storage room and transport corridor) of the products is fenced off from the production unit of the refrigeration chamber. In addition, it is necessary to have a mesh to protect goods from rodents.

Optimizing the territory for mobility

Do not forget about the territorial location of the warehouse. Ideally, it should be located at a transport intersection to ensure easy movement of goods without temporary losses. Pay attention to warehouse logistics: the route within warehouses must also be optimized. A big plus is the presence of a railway on the territory of the warehouse.

Refrigerated warehouses: classification by storage mode

As mentioned earlier, refrigerated warehouses can be divided into: temperature-controlled warehouses and unregulated ones. However, there is a broader classification of premises equipped with refrigeration units - this is a division into classes. Information about the “letter” of the premises can also be useful for the tenant, so we will provide a brief description with a description:

A-class refrigerated warehouse

We can say that it is the most modernized and technologically advanced warehouse, since it meets many parameters. The warehouse building itself requires metal vaults and sandwich-type panels with a large footprint. It is necessary to have high ceilings and shelving, as well as concrete floors with anti-dust coating. The temperature regime is adjustable, there are autonomous heating, ventilation and fire alarm systems. The ceiling height is at least 10 meters.

The warehouse territory itself is equipped with parking spaces for heavy vehicles and convenient entrances. You can also notice the presence of office space and ancillary buildings.

B-class refrigerated warehouse

Somewhat inferior to an “A”-class warehouse. For example, it cannot boast of the presence of fiber optic networks, as well as the presence of floor coverings. It is worth noting that the height of the building is also different: it is already smaller (about 6 m). However, the advantages of class A also remain: the availability of communications, an advantageous location within the transport network, adjustable temperature and humidity, and much more.

C-class refrigerated warehouse

It is usually an insulated production facility or hangar with a ceiling height of at least 4 meters. Naturally, a ventilation network and heating system were installed. It is worth emphasizing that a warehouse of this class is used for a limited category of goods whose storage temperature is above 0.

D-class refrigerated warehouse

This type may include the basement of a building or civil defense facilities.

The choice of object class should be based, first of all, on the storage features of your products, product shelf life and cost ratio.

Features of operation of refrigerated warehouses

Without a doubt, all refrigeration equipment in a warehouse must undergo periodic diagnostics and repairs. Such measures minimize the need for major repairs and, consequently, equipment downtime. The main parameters that the masters control include:

• uninterrupted operation of electronics,
• smooth operation of the refrigeration equipment itself (in particular, leakage of freon and oils)
• high-quality sealing and filtration
• as well as the condition of the warehouse itself, equipped with refrigeration units.
• Refrigerated warehouse rental

There are many nuances when choosing a room for storing perishable products. The Georgian Holding company is ready to provide its tenants with a full range of services for storing goods of various categories. We take care of the warehouse equipment, its security and maintenance. We offer a favorable logistics location and a rental agreement without intermediaries.