Russell WBHO completes Lineage Logistics superhub

Posted by on 29 Sep 2021

Photo © Tim Moran, regional VP, Lineage Logistics & Jonathan Rhodes, director of specialist temperature-controlled team, Russell WBHO

Russell WBHO has completed the final phase of a new coldstore for Lineage Logistics at its UK headquarters in Heywood, Greater Manchester. Russell, the main contractor, handed over a new 70,000sq ft coldstore with 22,500 pallet capacity, bringing the facility total to 78,000 pallets.

This final 12-month build was the completion of a three-phase extension to the global operator’s Heywood Superhub which Russell WBHO began in 2011. The first two phases completed in 2013 and comprised 100,000sq ft of space and 28,000 pallets.

Lineage’s 20-acre site now has 425,000sq ft of space providing consolidated storage for food manufacturers and retailers. The project saw the introduction of the new style single-skin coldstore, now preferred over the traditional ‘box-in-box’ construction where the internal refrigerated chamber sits separately within the outer building. The use of single skin maximises internal area and thereby pallet space capacity.

The Russell WBHO team linked the new building to the existing older design, with no compromise to the integrity of the minus 30-degree temperature during the construction programme or ongoing operation.

Strict carbon reduction targets have also been met, and thee new coldstore will provide Lineage with a 75% operational energy cost saving compared to the European energy consumption average, due to the use of an Azanefreezer system from Star Refrigeration.

Tim Moran, regional vice president, Lineage, said the new coldstore will provide much-needed new capacity. “Recent months have seen the importance of the temperature-controlled sector in the economy highlighted and, as the country re-opens, we have seen demand rise to higher than pre-covid levels,” he said.

“Lineage is continuing to meet customer demands with an ongoing expansion programme, both nationally and across Europe, and the timely completion of the final phase at Heywood is very welcome.”

The project saw the introduction of the new style single-skin coldstore, now preferred over the traditional ‘box-in-box’ construction where the internal refrigerated chamber sits separately within the outer building
“Thanks to our long and successful relationship with Russell WBHO and their ability to always bring our projects in on time, we have been able to bring new customers on immediately.”

Andrew Russell, joint managing director, Russell WBHO, said: “This building beats its targets on almost every criteria, with measures installed to ensure a reduction in carbon usage by more than 75% providing the client with a significant reduction on energy costs, and was delivered on time and on budget as planned.”

“The extension provides another eight double-height loading docks and a temperature-controlled loading area to ensure a secure cold chain for products as they enter the facility from the temperature-controlled lorries.”

“In linking the structures together, the team had to consider conflicting priorities between ensuring temperature integrity, dehumidification and reduction in energy use, and the ability to move seamlessly around the building and between chambers. This required careful design and the use of specialist products such as insulation and fast-closing door seals, and management of the construction work alongside that of the existing operational chamber.”

Pictured above are Tim Moran, regional vice president, Lineage Logistics with Jonathan Rhodes, director of the specialist temperature-controlled team at Russell WBHO