The Howcool EPC Process In Six Stages
From the first enquiry to warranty support, with the deliverables of each stage set out in advance. Nothing in the sequence depends on a subcontractor we do not control.
- 01
Project Starting Process
Most cold storage projects go wrong in the first week, not the last. If volume, target temperature, product type and site climate are not pinned down before pricing, every later decision inherits the error.
- 02
Construction Design
Design is where the operating cost of the next fifteen years gets decided. Insulation thickness, compressor staging and defrost strategy are all locked in before a single panel arrives on site.
- 03
Cost Budgeting
A cold storage quotation that arrives as one number tells you nothing about what was left out. Ours is itemised, because the cheapest tender is usually the one that dropped the floor insulation.
- 04
Material and Equipment Purchasing
Component matching is an engineering exercise, not a purchasing one. A compressor, condenser and evaporator that are individually excellent can still make a plant that hunts, short-cycles and never reaches set point.
- 05
Construction and Installation
A cold store is system engineering made of precision components. Panels, plant, pipework and doors have to be installed strictly according to the design scheme, because each one depends on the tolerances of the others.
- 06
Maintenance and Service
Handover is not the end of the project. The first year of operation is when staff learn the plant, and when small errors — defrost settings, door discipline, alarm response — become habits that either protect the product or cost it.
What Happens In Each Stage
Project Starting Process
Most cold storage projects go wrong in the first week, not the last. If volume, target temperature, product type and site climate are not...
Construction Design
Design is where the operating cost of the next fifteen years gets decided. Insulation thickness, compressor staging and defrost strategy...
Cost Budgeting
A cold storage quotation that arrives as one number tells you nothing about what was left out. Ours is itemised, because the cheapest...
Material and Equipment Purchasing
Component matching is an engineering exercise, not a purchasing one. A compressor, condenser and evaporator that are individually excellent...
Construction and Installation
A cold store is system engineering made of precision components. Panels, plant, pipework and doors have to be installed strictly according...
Maintenance and Service
Handover is not the end of the project. The first year of operation is when staff learn the plant, and when small errors — defrost...
EPC Contracting Questions
What does EPC general contracting include?
Engineering, procurement and construction under one contract: design and heat load calculation, equipment manufacture, civil and steel works, installation, commissioning, operator training and warranty support.
Can we contract only part of the process?
Yes. Equipment-only supply and design-only engagements are both possible, as is installation supervision over your own contractor.
Who is responsible if the facility misses its design temperature?
Under an EPC contract, Howcool. That is the main reason buyers choose a single contractor over separate equipment and construction packages.
Start With A Feasibility Outline
Volume, temperature, product and location are enough to begin. We return a preliminary design and budget estimate, usually within 48 hours.