Imperial’s competitive edge

Clients of Imperial Cold Logistics are reaping the benefits of the company’s investment in a new, state-of-the-art cold-storage warehouse, says Imperial Logistics chief business development officer, Cobus Rossouw.

The 25 500 m² facility is enabling improved service levels and turnaround times, as well as supporting clients’ growth strategies by meeting the demand for sought-after chilled, frozen and super-frozen storage space.

Developed at a cost of R160 million, the facility in Linbro Park, Johannesburg, is now one of the largest cold-storage facilities in Africa. It houses 37 000 pallets, operates 24-hours a day and offers flexible chambers that can be used for chilled, frozen and super-frozen products.

“We offer both bulk (long-term) and secondary (short-term) storage. This effectively means that we are delivering a ‘one-stop service’ to our clients, thereby minimising their concerns and enabling them to optimise their service to customers, in order to gain a competitive edge,” Rossouw states.

The facility has successfully completed the international Food Safety Audit (FSA), achieving a score of above 93 percent. Numerous “green” initiatives were designed into the building, including water harvesting from condensation, rain-water harvesting and a water-treatment plant.

“In addition, the warehouse includes a low-cost and highly efficient ammonia refrigeration plant, which capitalises on ammonia’s benefits as a natural, green refrigerant gas,” Rossouw says. Low-energy, high-efficiency light fittings and occupation-activated lighting also form part of the facility’s green design.