
49,500m³ Food Cold Storage Solution
Large-scale multi-zone food cold storage. Turn-key design-build.
- 49,500 m³
- -18℃ to -25℃
- Multi-stage, 2 years
- 2023
Background And Requirement
A 49,500 m³ cold storage complex built in phases for a major food processing and distribution company. This is one of the largest single-site cold storage facilities Howcool has delivered — combining deep-freeze storage, multi-temperature fresh-food zones, and a dedicated blast-freezing tunnel.
The multi-stage build strategy minimised business disruption: each phase added capacity while the previous phases remained fully operational. Phase 1 delivered the core 30,000 m³ freezer. Phase 2 added a 15,000 m³ fresh-fruit zone. Phase 3 added the blast freezer and expanded loading docks. Total delivery period 2 years.
The facility uses an ammonia refrigeration plant (NH₃) — the most efficient and environmentally-friendly refrigerant for large-scale industrial cold storage. Ammonia safety systems include leak detection, automatic shutdown valves, ventilation, and trained emergency response.
Project Facts
| Location | China |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 49,500 m³ |
| Temperature | -18℃ to -25℃ |
| Programme | Multi-stage, 2 years |
| Completed | 2023 |
| Sector | Food Processing |
49,500 cubic meter food cold storage with multiple temperature zones. Full EPC delivery including insulation panels, doors, refrigeration system and electrical control.
How The Project Was Delivered
- 01
Phase 1 — Deep Freeze
30,000 m³ freezer (-18 to -25℃). Ammonia refrigeration plant. 10 loading docks. Operational in 10 months.
- 02
Phase 2 — Multi-Temperature
15,000 m³ fresh-fruit zones. Tunnel connection to Phase 1. Added 6 months later.
- 03
Phase 3 — Blast Freezer
4,500 m³ blast freezer (-35℃) with high-velocity evaporators. Expanded dock area. 8 months later.
What Was Supplied
- Industrial ammonia refrigeration plant
- Multiple semi-hermetic screw racks
- Evaporative condensers (closed-circuit, water recovery)
- Ammonia-compatible industrial evaporators
- 150-200mm PU insulation panels — 6,000 m²
- 16× high-speed roll-up doors at loading bays
- Ammonia safety: leak detectors, auto-shutdown, ventilation
- Blast freezer high-velocity fans (6-hour pull-down)
- PLC + WMS + ERP integration
- Emergency power (1,500 kVA)

Results At Handover
Total Volume
Largest single-site cold storage Howcool has delivered.
Refrigerant
Most efficient + zero GWP refrigerant. Full ammonia safety systems.
Business Continuity
Phased build kept client operational throughout 2-year expansion.
Photographs From Site


Questions About This Project
How large is the 49,500m³ Food Cold Storage Solution project?
49,500 m³, located in China.
What temperature does the facility operate at?
-18℃ to -25℃.
How long did the project take?
Multi-stage, 2 years, completed 2023.
What equipment was supplied?
Key items included industrial ammonia refrigeration plant; multiple semi-hermetic screw racks; evaporative condensers (closed-circuit, water recovery). Full equipment lists are issued with the design pack.
Can Howcool deliver a similar facility for us?
Yes. Send your storage volume or tonnage, target temperature, product type and site location, and our engineers will return a preliminary design and budget estimate within 48 hours.
Products From This Project Type

Plug-in Modular EPS Panels
Cost-effective modular EPS panels with tongue-and-groove joints. Ideal for small commercial cold rooms and quick installations.

Multi-Compressor Pack
Multiple compressors in parallel sharing discharge, suction, condenser and receiver for larger cooling capacity.
Ammonia (NH₃) Refrigeration System
Industrial NH₃ refrigeration plant. Best efficiency for large cold storage, ice rinks, and food processing >5000 m³.

IQF Self-Stacking Spiral Freezer
Vertical cold airflow for individual freezing. Ice-crystal formation area ensures even freezing.
Similar Facilities We Have Built

5,000m³ Fresh Food Cold Storage in Guangdong
E-commerce fresh-food distribution hub with rapid-response cold-chain.

Pork Slaughterhouse Cold Storage — Hubei
Slaughterhouse + blast freezing integrated system for pork products.

2,300m³ Food Cold Storage in WanYuan City
Mid-size food cold storage with integrated loading platform.
Planning Something Similar
Send your volume, temperature, product type and location. Our engineers respond within 24 hours with a preliminary design.
