Turnkey Chilled Distribution Centre for a Leading London Dairy Wholesaler
A design, procure and install of refrigeration equipment, controls, lighting and adaption to an existing monitoring system in a new facility.
Allan Reeder Ltd is a long-established, family-owned business specialising in the wholesale supply of quality-assured dairy products across London and the surrounding areas. Founded in 1971, the business has grown from a small start-up into one of London’s leading dairy distributors, supplying a diverse customer base including restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, hotels, bakeries, delicatessens and contract caterers.
To support continued growth and improve operational efficiency, Allan Reeder Ltd invested in a new chilled distribution facility designed to meet demanding performance, reliability and energy efficiency requirements.
Allan Reeder appointed GH Coastal Cooling to deliver a turnkey chilled distribution centre. As part of this programme, CB Refrigeration was selected as the main contractor for all refrigeration services, responsible for the end to end design, procurement, installation and commissioning of the refrigeration systems.
CB Refrigeration’s scope included:
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Refrigeration system design and equipment selection
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Supply and installation of refrigeration packs and evaporators
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Integration of controls and monitoring systems
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Mechanical installation and commissioning
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Project management, coordination and aftercare support
Project Challenges
The cold room presented a particular technical challenge due to its irregular footprint and significant scale, measuring up to 73,000mm (L) x 38,000mm (W) x 8,000mm (H) at its extremes.
Technical Solutions & Key Deliverables
CB worked closely with GH Coastal Cooling and the client to develop a solution that balanced capital expenditure, long-term operational efficiency and system resilience.
Following detailed design analysis, CB proposed splitting the cooling demand across two high-capacity refrigeration pack systems. This approach delivered:
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Built-in redundancy to protect business-critical operations
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Improved part-load efficiency
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Lower lifecycle costs compared to multiple small systems or a single large pack
Evaporator selection focused on reducing fan energy consumption while maintaining optimal air distribution across the large and irregular space. CB specified evaporators incorporating honeycomb air straighteners, increasing air throw by up to 30% and reducing overall fan run costs.
CB also collaborated closely with Ayjay Group to deliver coordinated electrical, lighting and control solutions, ensuring a fully integrated and energy-efficient installation.
Evaporators
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8 × 32kW evaporators operating at -5°C
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Honeycomb air straighteners for enhanced air throw
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Integrated valve and service housings
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Fan isolators with hinged access plates
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Easy-clean construction
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Light defrost functionality
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Additional 300mm extension to cooler end for improved airflow
Refrigeration Packs
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2 × 120kW refrigeration packs operating at -5°C using R448A/R449A
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Three-compressor configuration per pack:
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2 × Bitzer 22HP Ecoline compressors
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1 × Bitzer 15HP VSD Ecoline lead compressor for precise capacity control
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Dual certified pressure relief valves
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Full safety and accessory package
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RDM control system with backup functionality
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Common base frame with vinyl coating
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Weatherproof housings with hinged doors and canopy
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Integrated lighting and localised small power
Mechanical Installation
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Complete installation of evaporators, refrigeration packs and interconnecting pipework
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Coordination of all mechanical services
Commissioning
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Full system commissioning and performance validation
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Calibration of all temperature probes and thermocouples
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Commissioning of RDM touchscreen monitoring system
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Handover with comprehensive mechanical and electrical O&M documentation
“Delivering this project was about combining robust engineering with smart design choices to give the client long-term reliability and efficiency. As the main refrigeration contractor, CB took full responsibility from concept through to commissioning, ensuring the system was delivered safely, on programme and to the highest standard. We’re proud to have supported Allan Reeder Ltd with a future-proof solution that underpins their continued growth.”
Tom Hannaby, Managing Director, CB Refrigeration
Structural & Electrical Works
Steel Support Structure
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Structural survey-led design and installation of powder-coated steel supports
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Each structure designed to support evaporators weighing up to 500kg
Electrical & Controls – Ayjay Group (Electrical Contractor)
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Containment for all mechanical and electrical services
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Interconnecting wiring and monitoring probes
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Integration with existing monitoring systems
Lighting – Ayjay Group
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Design and installation of high-efficiency LED lighting
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Automated lighting control for reduced energy consumption
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Emergency lighting provision
Project Management & Delivery
CB provided full project leadership for the refrigeration scope, including:
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Health & Safety management
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CDM coordination
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Programming and coordination with other trades
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Single-point accountability for refrigeration delivery
This structured approach ensured a seamless installation aligned with the wider site development works led by GH Coastal Cooling.
Project Results
- Successful delivery of a fully compliant, high-performance chilled distribution centre
- Bespoke refrigeration design tailored to a complex, large-scale cold room
- Enhanced system resilience through dual-pack configuration
- High-quality installation delivered on programme
- Clear documentation and smooth handover to operations
- Optimised energy efficiency and reduced running costs
By acting as both specialist refrigeration contractor and project lead, CB Refrigeration brought together multiple specialist disciplines to deliver a robust, future-proof solution that meets the operational demands of a modern dairy distribution business.
Conclusion
CB supported Allan Reeder Ltd with a dependable refrigeration infrastructure designed to safeguard product quality, ensure operational continuity and support future growth.
We delivered:
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Proven expertise in commercial and industrial refrigeration
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Bespoke, specification-led solutions for complex environments
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Focus on whole-life cost efficiency without compromising quality
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Strong project management capability from design to handover
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Reliable aftercare and long-term support
Project Date: January 2019
Duration: 8 weeks
Location: Feltham
Sector: Dairy Wholesaler
