Poland’s leading logistics operator for deep-frozen products, Frigo Logistics, has expanded and upgraded the refrigeration infrastructure at its distribution centre in Żnin. The facility will be powered by a solar PV installation. The PLN 80 million investment will bolster the region’s status as a key logistics hub in Poland, enhancing support for domestic, local, and international supply chain companies. Kajima Poland is responsible for general contracting and design.
The goal of the facility expansion was to increase storage space and optimise it through the integration of innovative technological solutions. The capacity of Frigo Logistics’ freezer warehouse in Żnin has nearly doubled to 25,000 pallets. The expansion added 4,200 sqm to the freezer warehouse area and created a 1,400 sqm intermediate storage area. The construction of the refrigeration system utilised top-quality technological components, including stainless-steel pipelines insulated with prefabricated slate. This solution enhances the thermal conditions of the refrigeration system and eliminates corrosion, which is a common cause of ammonia leaks in such systems. The refrigeration systems were replaced also in the pre-existing part of the warehouse.
A new office facility covering 400 sqm and a forklift battery room spanning 120 sqm have been constructed as part of the project. Additionally, upgrades of the existing office and staff rooms are underway to accommodate the functions of the new investment. The works are scheduled to be completed in October this year.
“The expansion and upgrade of the freezer warehouse in Żnin are part of Frigo Logistics’ comprehensive investment plan totalling PLN 200 million. Such facilities serve as crucial nodes within the supply chains of domestic, local, and foreign companies. As a provider of specialised services to our clients, we prioritise investments in cutting-edge infrastructure to enhance our logistics capabilities. Our focus on innovation drives us to implement investments utilising new solutions and technologies. In the expanded freezer warehouse, we have implemented a control system equipped with algorithms that automatically limit electricity consumption and Dexion mobile high-bay shelving. This advanced shelving solution enables effective warehouse space management, optimises logistics processes, and reduces access time to individual batches of goods. The shelves are equipped with an additional system to ensure the safety of employees, which is an equally important aspect for us,” said Jarosław Kołodziejski, Managing Director of Warehousing at Frigo Logistics.
The execution of the project was entrusted to Kajima Poland, a specialised provider of comprehensive construction and infrastructure solutions.
“We are pleased to have completed the expansion of the freezer warehouse and to have successfully executed another technologically and professionally demanding project for Frigo Logistics. The Żnin project marks the fifth collaboration we have completed with Frigo Logistics. We are grateful for the trust and enduring partnership, made possible by our extensive expertise in constructing warehousing and freezer facilities, as well as our deep understanding of the client’s needs and our meticulous attention to 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 under the design & build formula, encompassing general contracting, preparing a multi-discipline design, and obtaining an occupancy permit. As part of this assignment, Kajima Poland was responsible for the overall expansion and modernisation of the distribution centre in Żnin. This included the installation and replacement of refrigeration systems, as well as the installation of emergency lighting, LAN, and SSP in the existing part of the warehouse.
“We are celebrating the completion of the expansion of the freezer and shipping warehouses along with paving. This was a highly interesting project in terms of its technological aspects that required exceptional organisational skills and thorough preparation, as part of the work was carried out in an existing freezer warehouse that remained active and stocked throughout the process. The construction of the new freezer facility, along with the technical buildings and expansion of office rooms, was carried out in close cooperation with the Employer to ensure the facility remained fully operational throughout the project. In addition, working at -24°C necessitates strict monitoring of how long workers remain in such conditions. This project also demanded strict adherence to all procedures, including maintaining cleanliness during the work, given the ongoing operation of the warehouse,” said Dariusz Jeziorek, Senior Construction Manager at Kajima Poland.
The freezer warehouse in Żnin will be powered by a solar PV system with a total capacity of 900 kW, effectively securing 37 percent of the facility’s electricity needs. Additionally, construction of a 1 MWp solar PV farm on a plot adjacent to the warehouse has commenced.
“In the complex of facilities in Żnin, we have implemented solutions promoting energy efficiency. Alongside the solar PV panels and the solar PV farm being built, a system to recover process heat from the refrigeration system has been installed. This recovered heat will be used to heat the office building, securing nearly 50 percent of its heating needs. Furthermore, all energy-consuming equipment is powered through inverters, which not only extends their lifespan but also generates significant energy savings. This marks another step by Frigo Logistics towards implementing eco-friendly solutions,” said Marcin Cichoński, Technical Director at Frigo Logistics.
