How Much Does It Cost to Build a 200-Ton Cold Storage? A Complete Cost Analysis

Building a 200-ton cold storage facility is a major investment for businesses in the food, pharmaceutical, and logistics industries. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “What is the cost of constructing a 200-ton cold room?”

The answer is not fixed, as the 200-ton cold storage cost depends on several core factors, including the required temperature range (0–4℃ for cold storage, –18℃ for frozen storage, or even lower for ultra-low temperature storage), the choice of refrigeration equipment, insulation materials, and local construction & labor costs.

1. Insulation System (Cold Storage Panels)

The insulation system is one of the largest cost components. A 200-ton cold storage warehouse typically uses polyurethane sandwich panels. Panel thickness varies with the temperature requirement:

• 100–150 mm for cold rooms (0–4℃)
• 150–200 mm for frozen storage (–18℃ and below)

The better the insulation performance (density, fire resistance), the higher the cost per square meter. This makes panel selection a key factor influencing the overall cold storage construction cost.

2. Refrigeration Equipment

The refrigeration system is another major expense. It usually includes compressors, condensers, and air coolers/evaporators.

• Compressor type (piston, scroll, screw)
• Brand (domestic vs imported)
• Cooling capacity and quantity

These variables greatly affect the budget. For example, imported systems can cost significantly more than local options. Equipment cost often accounts for the largest portion of a cold storage project budget.

3. Installation & Temperature Control System

Professional installation and commissioning are essential. On average, installation fees make up 15%–25% of the material and equipment costs.

Additional systems such as:

• Automatic temperature & humidity monitoring
• Cold room doors (sliding or electric)
• Safety and alarm systems

Though each may seem minor, together they contribute significantly to the total cold storage installation cost.

4. Other Cost Considerations

• Floor treatment: Low-temperature cold rooms require ventilated anti-frost floors, including insulation layers, steel mesh, and ventilation pipes — more expensive than standard floors.
• Power supply: If existing power capacity is insufficient, upgrading electricity supply adds to costs.
• Building structure: Using an existing facility is cheaper, while constructing a new building increases costs.

5. Estimated Cost of a 200-Ton Cold Storage

Taking all these factors into account, the average construction cost for a 200-ton cold room in China ranges from USD 42,000 – 56,000 (RMB 300,000 – 400,000).

If ultra-low temperatures are required (below –25℃), or if top-tier imported equipment is selected, costs may exceed USD 140,000 (RMB 1 million).

For more details, see our related guide: [Cold Storage Construction Cost and Design Solutions].