McLaren Construction Midlands and North has successfully completed the UK's largest cold store facility for Magnavale Ltd, marking a significant milestone in the logistics and temperature-controlled storage sector.

Standing at an impressive 47 metres tall and capable of housing 101,000 pallets, the state-of-the-art, fully automated cold store is a key step in Magnavale's ambition to develop Europe's most efficient cold storage facility. The 474,283 sq. ft. facility operates at a standard temperature of -20°C and can sustain temperatures as low as -28°C. Notably, it is powered entirely by renewable energy, reinforcing Magnavale's commitment to sustainability.

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Strategically located near Grantham, the purpose-built, rack-clad structure incorporates a five-storey office space, extensive external yards, an HGV marshalling area, and a large staff car park. Advanced refrigeration technology ensures optimal conditions for frozen food products from leading retailers.

The project's delivery posed significant logistical challenges, particularly as it was constructed adjacent to an operational McCain food production facility, an existing cold storage unit, and a water treatment plant. McLaren successfully managed 24/7 access requirements to these sites while minimising disruption.

Given the site's history as an iron ore drift mine, extensive demolition and controlled waste removal were necessary. The team also navigated complex utility diversions and opted for an external gantry system to accommodate essential services, avoiding underground installations due to space constraints.

Further innovations included the use of a contractor-designed steel fibre slab, which eliminated the need for over 20 steel fixers, and the refurbishment of an on-site gas generator to supply 1.45MW of power. To counter potential delivery delays for concrete, an on-site batching plant was integrated into the build process.