A Global Network for Cold Storage Projects
Constructor, part of Gonvarri Material Handling (GMH) has joined the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA). The membership connects GMH's cold store experience with organisations working across temperature-controlled warehousing, transport, construction and refrigeration worldwide.
This is not Constructor's entry into cold storage. It has delivered cold store and freezer warehouse projects in many countries, using solutions that range from conventional pallet racking and pallet shuttle systems to mobile racking and structures for automated applications. The GCCA gives customers and partners another route into that experience and helps Constructor involve the right specialists earlier in a project.
What customers and partners gain
Proven cold store knowledge, international engineering capacity and local project support through GMH companies, export partners and joint ventures. The membership adds access to the wider GCCA community and its industry expertise.
Unused cold store volume still carries a cost
A cold store must cool and maintain the full building volume, including aisles that are not being used for storage. The right layout therefore has a direct effect on how much capacity the building can provide. Density cannot be considered alone. Access, throughput, temperature zones, fire protection, handling equipment and emergency routes must work together.
Constructor starts with the operation. The task is to use the available volume effectively without creating a layout that restricts daily handling or later changes. Experience from projects in different countries helps the team assess these trade-offs against real operating conditions rather than a standard product template.
MOVO makes better use of the cooled building volume
MOVO places pallet racking on electrically driven mobile bases. Instead of keeping several aisles permanently open, the system opens the aisle required for the current handling task. Pallets remain directly accessible, while more of the floor area can be used for storage.
This operating principle is particularly relevant in cold and freezer warehouses. Higher storage density can allow more pallets to be stored inside the existing cooled volume. In a new facility, it may also allow the required capacity to be planned within a smaller footprint. In an existing cold store, MOVO can create additional capacity before the operator considers an extension, another building or a relocation.
MOVO is designed for continuous operation at temperatures down to −30 °C. GMH has applied the system in temperature-controlled projects in different markets. The planning still requires detailed checks of the floor and rail interface, pallet loads, handling equipment, throughput, control concept and safety requirements. MOVO is suitable where these conditions support mobile storage. It is not presented as the right answer for every cold store.
Worldwide reach without losing local responsibility
Constructor works through established companies in Europe, export partners and joint ventures in international markets. This gives customers access to group-wide engineering and product knowledge while keeping sales, project execution and service close to the market.
The wider network also supports customers operating across several countries. A project can draw on the same engineering base while adapting to local regulations, building conditions, operating practices and service requirements.
Connect. Build. Perform. in cold storage projects
Connect
We start with capacity, product flow, access, temperature and operating requirements. Operators, planners, refrigeration specialists, contractors and technology partners are involved before the storage concept is fixed.
Build
We combine local project knowledge with the appropriate engineering and storage technology. Depending on the application, the solution may include MOVO, conventional pallet racking, pallet shuttle systems, rack-clad structures or steel structures for automated applications.
Perform
We support the installation through inspection, maintenance, repair, extension and modernisation. This allows the storage system to change as volumes, processes and automation requirements develop.
Sustainability depends on the project
A denser storage layout can reduce the refrigerated building volume required for a given capacity. Retrofit and modernisation can also extend the useful life of an existing warehouse. Both approaches can reduce the need for additional building space and materials. The actual effect depends on the facility, operating profile and selected concept, so GMH assesses the case at project level rather than making a general savings claim.
What the GCCA membership adds
Cold storage projects bring several disciplines together. The GCCA gives GMH additional access to organisations involved in refrigerated warehousing, transport, building construction, refrigeration and technology. Customers and partners benefit when these interfaces are addressed early and the storage system is planned as part of the complete facility.
View the Gonvarri Material Handling profile in the GCCA member directory