McLaren Construction Midlands and North has completed a landmark development in the logistics sector with the successful delivery of the UK's largest automated cold storage facility, built for Magnavale Ltd, a leading provider of temperature-controlled warehousing and value-added services.

Standing 47 metres tall and boasting storage for up to 101,000 pallets, the purpose-built, fully automated facility near Grantham sets a new benchmark in sustainable cold storage. The 474,283 sq. ft. site operates at a standard internal temperature of -20°C, with capabilities to reach as low as -28°C, and is powered entirely by renewable energy.

Beyond its sheer size, the development features a five-storey office block, expansive external yards, HGV marshalling zones, and a large car park for staff. State-of-the-art refrigeration systems ensure optimal storage conditions for frozen goods supplied by major UK retailers.

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The construction process was complex and logistically demanding. McLaren’s team maintained uninterrupted access to the neighbouring McCain food production facility, an existing cold store, and a live water treatment plant throughout the build. The site, formerly home to an iron ore drift mine, required extensive demolition and environmentally managed waste removal.

With underground space limited, an innovative gantry system was installed to house vital services above ground. Engineers also introduced a contractor-designed steel fibre slab, streamlining the build by removing the need for over 20 steel fixers. A refurbished on-site gas generator now supplies 1.45MW of power, while an on-site concrete batching plant was established to overcome logistical challenges of large-scale concrete deliveries.

Precision planning was essential in managing the arrival and installation of 90 shipping containers' worth of automated conveyor systems. McLaren also coordinated a diverse international workforce, including a specialised team from Bosnia, to meet the technical demands of the project.

Now fully operational, the cold store marks a significant leap forward for Magnavale and the wider industry — combining scale, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The facility is positioned as one of Europe’s most advanced hubs for cold chain logistics, ready to support growing consumer demand for efficient and sustainable food storage.