Imperial Cold Logistics’ has added a world class cold storage solution to its service offering via a R160-million investment in a new 25 500m2 state-of-the-art cold storage warehouse.
“This new warehouse is enabling improved service levels and turnaround times as well as supporting clients’ growth strategies by meeting the demand for chilled, frozen and super frozen storage space,” says Imperial Logistics Chief Business Development Officer, Cobus Rossouw, adding that the warehouse was developed at a cost of R160-million.
The project was undertaken by Imperial company Resolve Capacity and was an expansive and challenging extension and retrofit of an existing ambient warehouse. Situated in Linbro Park, Johannesburg, it is now one of the largest cold storage facilities in Africa, housing 37 000 pallets, operating 24/7 and offering flexible chambers that can be used for chilled, frozen and super frozen products, depending on clients’ requirements.
“We offer both bulk (long term) and secondary (short term) storage. This effectively means we are delivering a ‘one stop service’ to our clients thereby minimising their concerns and enabling them to optimise their service to customers,” says Imperial Logistics Chief Business Development Officer, Cobus Rossouw.
The warehouse boasts six high density storage areas, two standard racking chambers ranging from -20° to -30° Celsius and receiving and dispatch areas at either +2° or -8° Celsius.
“Excellent space utilisation and high pallet density has been achieved through the use of mobile and static racking systems. The optimisation of space is crucial due to the high cost of refrigeration storage – and we can achieve 2.2 pallets per m²,” he says.
The cutting edge facility has successfully completed the international Food Safety Audit (FSA) – achieving a score in excess of 93%. Sustainability is also a key feature of this new warehouse and the facility incorporates numerous ‘green’ initiatives, including water harvesting from condensation, rain water harvesting and a water treatment plant.
“In addition, the warehouse includes a low cost and highly efficient ammonia refrigeration plant which capitalises on ammonia’s benefits as a natural, green refrigerant gas,” Rossouw says. Low energy, high efficiency light fittings and occupation activated lighting also form part of the facility’s green design.
Another significant feature of the warehouse is its high tech security system which includes full CCTV camera surveillance throughout the facility, monitored by dedicated personnel.
This new warehouse is enabling Imperial to drive the competitiveness of client McCain, with whom a new contract encompasses the warehousing and distribution of some 190 000 tons of frozen vegetables annually. “Other Imperial clients benefiting from the new facility include poultry producer Astral; frozen dough manufacturer Goosebumps; Iqlaas Foods, which is the home of frozen foods brands Penny Wise, Pastry Pride, McBean and Florida; and Lancewood cheeses,” says Rossouw.
Isn’t it just great to highlight “world-class” in a country which desperately needs as much good news as it can get. And once again, it comes from the trucking sector. Well done guys.
