Frigo Logistics, logistics operator for deep-frozen products, has expanded and modernised the refrigeration infrastructure at its distribution centre in Żnin. The facilities will be powered by a photovoltaic installation. The PLN 80 million investment will help strengthen the region’s position as an important logistics hub in the country and support national, local and international supply chain companies. Kajima Poland is responsible for the general contracting and design.
The aim of the facility expansion was to increase storage space and optimise it through the use of innovative technological solutions. The capacity of Frigo Logistics’ freezer warehouse in Żnin has almost doubled to 25,000 pallets. As a result of the extension, the area of the warehouse-freezer facility increased by 4,200 sq.m and a storage area of 1,400 sq.m was created. The highest quality technological components were used for the refrigeration system, including stainless steel piping with prefabricated slate insulation. This solution supports the thermal performance of the refrigeration system and eliminates corrosion, which is the cause of most ammonia leaks in refrigeration systems. Also in the pre-existing part of the warehouse, the refrigeration systems were replaced.
As part of the investment, an office facility (400 sq m) and a forklift battery room (120 sq m) have been erected, and the existing office and staff rooms are being upgraded to accommodate the new development. These works are scheduled for completion in October this year.
“The expansion and modernisation of the warehouse-freezing facility in Żnin is part of a wider investment plan by Frigo Logistics worth PLN 200 million. Such facilities play an important role in the supply chains of national, local and foreign companies. We provide specialised services to our customers, which is why we invest in modern infrastructure, improving our logistics capabilities. At the same time, we focus on innovation, making investments using new solutions and technologies. In the extended freezer facility, we decided, among other things, to use a control system equipped with algorithms that automatically limit electricity consumption and Dexion mobile high-bay shelving. The latter solution allows for efficient management of warehouse space, while optimising logistics processes and reducing access times to individual batches of goods. The racks are equipped with an additional system ensuring the safety of employees – an equally important aspect for us,” says Jarosław Kołodziejski, Managing Director for Warehousing at Frigo Logistics.
The realisation of the project was entrusted to Kajima Poland, which specialises in complex construction and infrastructure solutions.
“We are pleased with the completion of the extension of the freezing warehouse and the realisation of another technologically and executionally demanding order for Frigo Logistics. The project in Żnin is the fifth one we have completed for Frigo Logistics. Thank you for your trust and long-term cooperation. It is possible thanks to our experience in the construction of warehouse and freezer facilities, but also our deep understanding of the client’s needs and care at every stage of the project, including efficient warranty service,” said Sandra Wróblewska, Senior Business Development Manager at Kajima Poland.
The scope of work commissioned to Kajima Poland included comprehensive implementation in the design & build formula including general contracting, multi-discipline design and obtaining an occupancy permit. Within the scope of the order received, the company was responsible for the overall expansion and modernisation of the distribution centre in Żnin, with regard to the installation and replacement of refrigeration systems and the installation of emergency lighting, LAN and SSP in the existing part of the warehouse.
“We are celebrating the completion of the extension of the cold store and the forwarding warehouse, together with the surfaces. This was a very technologically interesting project, which required great organisational skills and good preparation due to the execution of part of the work in the existing cold store, which is still active and stocked. The construction of the new cold store together with the technical buildings, as well as the extension of the offices, were carried out in close cooperation with the client in order to keep the facility fully operational. In addition, working in temperatures of -24°C requires strict monitoring of the time employees are in such conditions. This implementation also required us to maintain all procedures, such as taking care of the cleanliness of the work in progress, due to the operational work of the freezer,” said Dariusz Jeziorek, Senior Construction Manager at Kajima Poland.
37% of energy from photovoltaic panels.
The warehouse-freezer facility in Żnin will be powered by a photovoltaic installation system with a total capacity of 900 kWp. This means that it will secure 37% of the facility’s electricity demand. Construction of a 1 MWp photovoltaic farm has also begun on the plot of land located next to the warehouse.
“In the complex of facilities in Żnin, we have applied solutions to support energy efficiency. In addition to photovoltaic panels and the photovoltaic farm under construction, a system has been installed to recover process heat from the cooling installation, which will then be used to heat the office building and will secure almost 50% of the facility’s thermal energy requirements. In turn, all energy-intensive equipment is powered via inverters, which not only increases their lifespan, but also results in large energy savings. This is another step by Frigo Logistics towards introducing pro-environmental solutions,” says Marcin Cichoński Technical Director of Frigo Logistics.
As a logistics operator for food products requiring controlled temperatures, Frigo Logistics currently has ten locations. The company’s comprehensive logistics services include: goods receipt, storage, picking, co-packing, goods release, transport and distribution.
