How to create temperature control zones for a multi-temperature warehouse

The need for temperature controlled or climate controlled environments is common in warehousing. Many industries require specific temperatures for storing certain products like food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and horticulture.

Warehouses often require a multi-temperature climate control operation, with multiple zones operating at different temperatures, due to the storage of different temperature-requiring products. Introducing new products or services to the business is also a common reason for needing to maximise existing space and store products at differing temperatures. Businesses often use third-party logistics and warehouse facilities to store products for multiple clients with varying temperature needs.

 

Multi-temperature storage zones for warehouses

Creating a tightly-sealed temperature-controlled enclosure means that only that particular area needs to be either ambient, air conditioned, refrigerated or cold/frozen, rather than the entire warehouse or building; creating a multi-temperature facility. This saving on energy usage reduces both the environmental impact and cost to the business.

Segregating warehouse space into smaller, separate areas is also a cost-effective alternative to using multiple locations, saving on transport costs and rental/management costs, when business demands the need for varying temperatures.

 

Common reasons temperature-controlled environments are required:

• Enabling different types of products to be stored within the same warehouse at varying temperatures, whilst adhering to regulations. For example, frozen food products at -18°C and chilled meat at 4°C
• Saving on energy usage and costs when only a small part of the warehouse needs temperature regulation
• Creating a separate, comfortable working environment for employees
• Allowing a range of different processes to occur under the same roof
• Creating a temperature-controlled area for the safe storage and handling of pharmaceutical goods
• Avoid airflow issues that result in hot or cold spots that could impact sensitive products

Use a semi-permanent fabric partition wall to create temperature controlled zones

While traditional wall construction is a possible solution, it tends to be costly, complicated, and disruptive, often affecting productivity for extended periods. 

Flexiwall, our adaptable fabric partition wall, is an ideal accompaniment to your temperature-controlled warehouse setup. Not only is the wall fitted precisely to the building’s profile, the partition is constructed using a unique v-overlap method and can be manufactured from materials with thermal properties, further enhancing the efficiency of the partition. 

Increased insulation and condensation prevention is also an important factor when looking to create a temperature-controlled area, something which metal partitions struggle with. Flexiwall fabric panels are non-conductive, which means minimum condensation build-up.

 

Other key benefits of Flexiwall for temperature control include:

• Quick installation – this saves on business downtime
• Installs to any height and width – we can work with even the most awkward spaces
• Clean installation – the partition creates less dust and mess than other types such as timber stud or masonry
• Minimal floor space is required – install in tight spaces, between racking etc. to make the most of usable space
• Relocatable – whilst Flexiwall is a semi-permanent fixture, in tact in many facilities for 20+ years, it is easily relocatable should storage needs change
• Access options – Westgate Global can incorporate access options such as curtain doors, PVC strip doors, and fast-action roller doors, to provide an integrated solution
• Branding – Flexiwall can be designed with corporate logos and colours

Creating a temperature-controlled environment within an existing warehouse space needn’t be disruptive or difficult. Flexiwall is the ideal solution whether you’re storing different food products in separate areas or looking to create a comfortable working environment for employees; all whilst taking up minimal floor space and having the option for future reconfiguration.

 

See how our customers have created temperature-controlled environments with Flexiwall

Take a look at the work we completed for Great Bear, to control temperature and tainting between storage of chocolate and soup products. NFT also used Flexiwall to enable them to operate part of their existing warehouse at a colder temperature.