China cold storage solution provider
A 1,000 m² cold storage warehouse is considered a medium-sized project and is widely used for food distribution, agricultural storage, pharmaceuticals, seafood, and frozen meat processing. The total investment depends on temperature requirements, insulation materials, the type of cold room, and the refrigeration system design.
1. Cost to Build a 1,000 m² Cold Storage Warehouse
Based on standard configurations and industry experience, the typical price range for a 1,000 m² cold storage warehouse is USD 95,000 – 190,000, depending on the cold room type.
Converted from RMB to USD:
| old Storage Type | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Blast-Proof Cold Storage | USD 205,000 – 250,000 |
| Blast Freezer / Quick Freezing Room | USD 135,000 – 205,000 |
| Pharmaceutical Cold Room (2–8°C) | USD 135,000 – 190,000 |
| Constant-Temperature Warehouse (10–20°C) | USD 95,000 – 110,000 |
| Fruit & Vegetable Fresh-Keeping Room | USD 120,000 – 155,000 |
| Frozen Food Cold Room (-18°C) | USD 135,000 – 175,000 |
(Exchange rate based on 1 RMB ≈ 0.14 USD)
These costs include insulation panels, refrigeration units, evaporators, electrical components, installation labor, and system commissioning.
2. How Much Can a 1,000 m² Cold Storage Warehouse Hold?
Assuming a standard height of 4 meters, the total volume is 4,000 m³.
Approximate storage capacity:
- Frozen meat: 800–1,000 tons
- Vegetables & fruit: 1,000–1,300 tons
- Seafood: 700–900 tons
- Palletized goods: 600–900 pallets
The exact capacity depends on racking systems, stacking height, and cargo type.
3. What Will It Cost to Operate?
Foreign buyers often care about long-term operating cost rather than construction price alone.
Typical operating expenses:
- Electricity consumption: 45–75 kWh per ton per day
- Monthly electricity bill (avg.): USD 7,000–12,000
- Maintenance: USD 1,000–3,000 per year
- Optional: Remote monitoring for energy savings and automated temperature control
A well-designed system can cut power consumption by 10–18%.
Investment & ROI Example
A client in Lagos, Nigeria built a 1,050 m² frozen food cold storage warehouse equipped with air-cooled condensing units and polyurethane insulated panels.
- Investment: Around USD 180,000
- Storage Capacity: ~900 tons of frozen chicken, beef, and fish
- Energy Consumption: About 50–65 kWh per ton per day
- Payback Period: 2–3 years, supported by high rental demand and stable frozen food supply needs