Cold Storage Positive Attitudes & Negative Temperatures

An Undeterred Cold Storage Solution in Panama

As with any project, cold storage buildings come with their own unique set of challenges, so when Allied was given the opportunity to design and create a large cold storage room for a client in Panama, we knew we were up for a challenge.

Hired by the general contractor, Allied was tasked with helping a US-based cold-storage company expand their cold-storage food distribution footprint by building an expansive new temperature-controlled storage facility, designed to store food at temperatures as low as -27 degrees Celsius (-80 degrees Fahrenheit).

All eyes were on Allied as we embarked on this high-stakes and rewarding project.

Heightened Regional Interest

In 2021 our client expanded their operations throughout Central America and the Caribbean. Not only was their existing cold storage facility the largest in its territory, its proximity to the region’s two largest ports made it an essential move for them to solidify their role as a leader in a major market.

The project’s potential to significantly impact regional jobs and investment opportunities thrust Allied into the spotlight, with a track-record of challenging and impactful projects under our belt, we agreed to deliver our largest cold storage project to date.

Never ones to shy away from a tight timeline, we rolled up our sleeves in early January 2023 knowing we would need to ship by the end of April, deliver by the end of May, and oversee installation to completion by mid-August.

Steel’s Optimal Temperature Is…

Not -27 degrees Celsius! Under normal circumstances, steel is best suited to perform at temperatures no lower than 2 degrees Celsius and it’s important to note that while cold-storage structures typically feature insulated metal panels between the steel and sub zero temperatures, the client requested that the panels be placed on the structure’s exterior to maximize the internal storage area.

Delivering this vision meant adopting an entirely different approach to design and engineering.

With some outside-the-box thinking and the right materials, Allied’s internal team worked with our engineering partner to provide a creative engineering solution that ticked all the boxes.

Thanks to the support of our partners, we were able to design a building that featured a more-cold-resistant grade of steel and a unique protective painting finish, proving the value of our strong partnerships when it comes to turning our clients’ visions into reality.

Every Obstacle is an Opportunity

At Allied we view every challenge as an opportunity to say yes where others have said no. Not only did this project push us to approach design and engineering from an entirely new angle with innovative materials, it also broadened our solutions toolkit, as we worked tirelessly to satisfy the client’s design objectives despite their challenges.

Past projects equipped us to be strategic about this project’s erection sequence, successfully managing delivery and installation partners, amidst an ever-evolving scope of work within an already aggressive timeline. The result: Allied delivered our largest cold-storage building to date in Panama and gave the client exactly what they wanted when it came to design and timing.

To quote Diana Wu Wong, Director of Project Management.

“This project required a high level of coordination with design professionals and had tight timelines. Despite the obstacles we faced, our team was able to complete the project successfully while meeting all design specifications and quality standards. This project showcased our team’s ability to work collaboratively, adapt to changes, and find creative solutions to complex problems. It was truly a remarkable experience that we are honored to have been a part of.”

Going out on a Limb for a Major Win

The challenging timeline and unique design requirements of this project provided Allied with the perfect opportunity to once again prove our commitment to our clients. Our reputation is key to creating the relationships and referrals that drive future business and we know we can consider a job like this well done when it earns us both a referral and future opportunity to work together with the same client. #ClientsFirst