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Maximizing Space and Efficiency in the Booming Cold Storage Industry
The cold storage industry is growing rapidly, driven by increased demand for frozen foods, meal kits, and online grocery shopping. Developers face high construction and operational costs—often three times those of standard storage buildings. These costs can be managed with energy-efficient systems, optimized insulation, automation, and high-density pallet storage systems.
A Grand View Research report predicts a 17.5% annual growth rate for the industry from 2023 to 2030. Automation and high-density storage systems are key in improving efficiency and reducing labor costs, which can comprise up to 50% of operations.
Upgrading Cold Storage Facilities
Many existing cold storage facilities, averaging 37 years old, require modernization. Installing high-density pallet storage systems with narrow aisle equipment reduces aisle spacing and number of lift truck aisles needed, which in turn, dramatically improves efficiency and lowers cost per pallet position. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) maximize space but may not suit older buildings due to clearance constraints. Utilizing high-density pallet storage systems as an alternative to automation/ASRS can still enhance space utilization while also reducing cost of operation.
Maximizing Storage Density
Efficient cold storage facilities need high-density storage. Just like a home freezer, warehouses cost the same to run whether half-full or packed. Semi-automated pallet shuttles improve efficiency, minimize cold exposure, and reduce forklift damage. These systems, such as Pallet Runner shuttles, operate in temperatures as low as -22°F.
High-density racking options include:
Choosing the Right Racking
Selecting the best pallet storage system depends on the material being stored, the pallet loads physical stature (i.e., width x depth x height and maximum weight), inventory system utilized, system layout in relation to the building or area desired, and budget. Structural steel racking, like enhances durability, load capacity, and seismic compliance in areas deemed necessary while minimizing maintenance concerns.
Contact a Wolter Specialist today to maximize storage density and efficiency in both cooler and freezer storage applications.
A Grand View Research report predicts a 17.5% annual growth rate for the industry from 2023 to 2030. Automation and high-density storage systems are key in improving efficiency and reducing labor costs, which can comprise up to 50% of operations.
Upgrading Cold Storage Facilities
Many existing cold storage facilities, averaging 37 years old, require modernization. Installing high-density pallet storage systems with narrow aisle equipment reduces aisle spacing and number of lift truck aisles needed, which in turn, dramatically improves efficiency and lowers cost per pallet position. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) maximize space but may not suit older buildings due to clearance constraints. Utilizing high-density pallet storage systems as an alternative to automation/ASRS can still enhance space utilization while also reducing cost of operation.
Maximizing Storage Density
Efficient cold storage facilities need high-density storage. Just like a home freezer, warehouses cost the same to run whether half-full or packed. Semi-automated pallet shuttles improve efficiency, minimize cold exposure, and reduce forklift damage. These systems, such as Pallet Runner shuttles, operate in temperatures as low as -22°F.
High-density racking options include:
- Drive-in Racking: Common in coolers and blast freezers, it stores pallets deep, reducing aisle needs.
- Push-back Racking: Stores two to six pallets deep, allowing independent access to each level.
- Pallet Flow Racking: Uses a “charge” side (rear of system) for loading and “discharge” side (front of system) for unloading, which allows for true first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management. Ideal for food storage or any other materials with expiration dating concerns.
- Double-Deep Racking: Increases storage capacity (density) while maintaining selectivity by storing pallets two or four deep.
Choosing the Right Racking
Selecting the best pallet storage system depends on the material being stored, the pallet loads physical stature (i.e., width x depth x height and maximum weight), inventory system utilized, system layout in relation to the building or area desired, and budget. Structural steel racking, like enhances durability, load capacity, and seismic compliance in areas deemed necessary while minimizing maintenance concerns.
Contact a Wolter Specialist today to maximize storage density and efficiency in both cooler and freezer storage applications.