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Your environmentally controlled facility partner
Coldbox specializes in designing and building of environmentally controlled facilities for the food processing, food logistics and pharma logistics industries.
Our team of experts can assist in every detail of your design-build, from site evaluation to building design/permitting to automation and equipment procurement following all appropriate safety standards.
Food and beverages logistics facilities
Temperature Control
- Refrigerated Storage: Many food products require specific temperature conditions to maintain freshness and safety. Refrigerated storage facilities, commonly known as cold storage warehouses, are equipped with cooling systems to control temperatures, preventing spoilage and extending shelf life.
Storage Capacity
- Racking Systems: Efficient storage is achieved through the use of pallet racking systems, allowing for maximum space utilization while facilitating easy access to products.
- Bulk Storage: Some facilities incorporate areas for bulk storage of non-perishable items, such as grains, dry goods, and canned products.
Sanitation and Compliance
- Hygiene Standards: Adherence to strict hygiene and sanitation standards is crucial. Facilities should be designed with materials and finishes that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Compliance with Regulations: Compliance with local and international regulations related to food safety, storage, and handling is a priority. This includes considerations for labeling, packaging, and traceability.
Cross-Docking Facilities
- Efficient Transshipment: In some cases, buildings are designed as cross-docking facilities to facilitate the rapid transfer of goods from incoming to outgoing transportation, reducing storage time and handling costs.
Distribution Centers
- Strategic Location: Distribution centers are strategically located to optimize the transportation network, reducing the time and cost associated with delivering products to retailers or end consumers.
Technology Integration
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Automation and WMS are often integrated to streamline inventory management, order fulfillment, and tracking.
- RFID and Barcoding: Technology such as RFID and barcoding systems may be implemented to enhance traceability and accuracy in inventory control.
Security Measures
- Surveillance Systems: Security is a top priority, with surveillance systems, access controls, and monitoring in place to prevent theft, tampering, or unauthorized access.
- Fire Prevention: Fire suppression systems are essential to protect both goods and the facility.
Environmental Sustainability
- Energy-Efficient Systems: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, many logistics buildings incorporate energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce environmental impact.
Food processing and manufacturing facilities
Layout and Zoning
- Raw Material Reception: Dedicated areas for receiving and inspecting raw materials ensure quality control from the start.
- Processing Zones: The facility is organized into zones for various processing stages, such as cleaning, cutting, cooking, and packaging, to maintain an efficient workflow.
- Packaging and Storage: Separate areas are designated for packaging finished products, and storage facilities are provided for both raw materials and finished goods.
Hygienic Design
- Smooth and Non-Porous Surfaces: Building materials, particularly surfaces in contact with food, are selected for their ease of cleaning and resistance to bacterial growth. Stainless steel is commonly used.
- Drainage Systems: Adequate drainage systems are in place to prevent water pooling and facilitate thorough cleaning.
- Sanitary Design: Equipment and fixtures are designed to minimize crevices where contaminants could accumulate.
Temperature and Humidity Control
- Climate-Controlled Areas: Certain processing stages may require controlled environments with specific temperature and humidity levels.
- Refrigeration and Freezer Spaces: Cold storage areas maintain the freshness of perishable ingredients and finished products.
Utilities and Infrastructure
- Power Supply: Reliable power sources are crucial for the operation of machinery and equipment.
- Water and Steam Supply: Adequate water and steam supply are essential for cleaning, cooking, and various processing operations.
Processing Equipment
- Specialized Machinery: Facilities are equipped with machinery tailored to the specific food processing needs, including cutting, mixing, cooking, baking, and packaging.
- Automation: Increasingly, automation technologies and robotics are integrated to enhance production efficiency and reduce labor costs.
Quality Control and Testing
- Laboratories: Dedicated spaces for quality control testing and analysis ensure that products meet safety and quality standards.
- Inspection Areas: Designated zones for visual inspections and quality checks at different stages of production.
Safety and Compliance
- Compliance with Regulations: Strict adherence to food safety regulations and industry standards is a top priority.
- Safety Measures: Facilities incorporate safety features such as emergency exits, fire suppression systems, and employee training programs.
Waste Management
- Efficient Disposal Systems: Adequate waste disposal systems handle by-products and waste generated during the processing stages.
Employee Facilities
- Changing Rooms and Wash Areas: Facilities include spaces for employees to change into work attire and maintain personal hygiene.
- Break Rooms: Areas for breaks and meals contribute to employee well-being.
Environmental Considerations
- Sustainability Practices: Some modern facilities incorporate sustainable practices and technologies to reduce environmental impact.
Pharmaceutical logistics facilities
Temperature-Controlled Storage
- Cold Chain Facilities: Many pharmaceutical products, especially vaccines and certain medications, require strict temperature control. Cold chain facilities are equipped with refrigeration and freezer systems to maintain specific temperature ranges.
- Temperature Monitoring: Advanced temperature monitoring systems and alarms ensure that storage conditions remain within specified limits.
Compliance with Regulations
- Good Distribution Practice (GDP): Buildings adhere to GDP guidelines, which outline the standards for the proper distribution of pharmaceutical products, ensuring their quality and safety.
- Security Standards: Facilities comply with regulatory requirements for security to prevent theft, tampering, or unauthorized access.
Secure Access Control
- Biometric Access Systems: High-security measures, such as biometric access control and electronic keycard systems, are often implemented to restrict access to authorized personnel only.
- Surveillance Systems: Comprehensive surveillance systems and security cameras monitor the facility for security purposes.
Cleanroom Environments
- Sterile Processing Areas: Some facilities include cleanroom environments for the handling and packaging of sterile pharmaceutical products to prevent contamination.
- Air Filtration Systems: Advanced air filtration systems maintain high air quality standards in cleanroom areas.
Advanced Inventory Management
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Automation and WMS technologies are integrated to optimize inventory management, order fulfillment, and tracking.
- Barcode and RFID Systems: These technologies enhance accuracy in inventory control and traceability of pharmaceutical products.
Packaging and Labeling Areas
- Dedicated Spaces: Facilities include designated areas for packaging and labeling pharmaceutical products, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Tamper-Evident Packaging: Measures are taken to implement tamper-evident packaging to enhance product security.
Transportation Docking Areas
- Loading and Unloading Zones: Adequate docking areas are designed for the efficient loading and unloading of pharmaceutical shipments, minimizing the risk of temperature excursions during transit.
Emergency Power Systems
- Backup Power: Facilities often incorporate robust emergency power systems, such as generators and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units, to ensure continuous operation during power outages.
Quality Control and Testing Facilities
- Laboratories: Some facilities include in-house laboratories for quality control testing and analysis of pharmaceutical products before distribution.
- Inspection Areas: Spaces are designated for visual inspections and quality checks
Environmental Sustainability
- Energy-Efficient Practices: Some facilities incorporate energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact while ensuring the integrity of pharmaceutical products.
