Completion of the final phase of a decade-long expansion programme for Lineage Logistic brought capacity at the operator’s Heywood Super hub to 425,000 sq ft and achieve new standards for energy savings.
Having worked with Lineage Logistics at this 20-acre site for almost 20 years on the original facility and the expansion which began in 2011, our team brought considerable experience to the project.
Known to us as Heywood Phase 7, the new 70,000 sq ft temperature-controlled cold store has with the capacity to hold an additional 22,500 pallets, bringing the facility total to 78,000 pallets.
The extension provides a further eight double-height loading docks and a temperature-controlled loading area to ensure a secure cold chain for products as they enter the facility from the temperature-controlled lorries.
We introduced a new style single-skin facility, now preferred in the sector to maximise storage, and successfully linked it to the previous extension’s traditional ‘box-in-box’ design without compromising the integrity of the minus 30-degree operational chamber during the construction programme.
In linking the structures together, the team had to consider conflicting priorities between ensuring temperature integrity, dehumidification and reduction in energy use, and the ability to move seamlessly around the building and between chambers. This required careful design and the use of specialist products such as insulation and fast-closing door seals, and management of the construction work alongside that of the existing operational chamber.
Our sustainability team also worked closely with the client, consultants and specialist suppliers to ensure strict carbon reduction targets could be met. In addition to state-of-the-art materials, we installed the award-winning Azanefreezer 2.0 system from Star Refrigeration to ensure the facility would provide the client with a 75% operational energy cost saving when compared to the European energy consumption average.
As an operational depot, the construction programme also had to programme work around the 30-plus client HGV vehicles on site at any one time.
Andrew Russell, joint MD of Russell WBHO, added: “As the world’s leading cold store operator, Lineage has exacting standards for innovation and sustainability. It’s our job to exceed those expectations through smart design, construction expertise and the application of knowledge gained throughout our long partnership with the client.
“This building beats its targets on almost every criteria, with measures installed to ensure a reduction in carbon usage by more than 75% providing the client with a significant reduction on energy costs, and was delivered on time and on budget as planned.”
