In the food processing, logistics, and agricultural industries, large cold storage facilities play a critical role in maintaining product freshness and supply chain stability. But one of the most common questions our international clients ask is:
“How much does it cost to build a 2000-square-meter cold storage warehouse?”
The answer depends on multiple factors — from the storage temperature, insulation materials, and refrigeration system type to the layout design and energy efficiency level. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you estimate your investment more accurately.

1. Estimated Cost of a 2000m² Cold Storage Room
Let’s assume the cold storage has an average height of 4 meters, which gives a total volume of around 8,000m³.
Depending on temperature requirements and equipment configuration:
| Cold Storage Type | Temperature Range | Approx. Cost (USD/m³) | Total Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Produce Cold Room | 0°C ~ +5°C | $35 – $45 | $280,000 – $360,000 |
| Frozen Food Cold Room | -18°C | $45 – $55 | $360,000 – $440,000 |
| Ultra-Low Temp Seafood Room | -25°C ~ -40°C | $70 – $90 | $560,000 – $720,000 |
If the cold storage is designed with multiple temperature zones (e.g., one section for fruits and another for frozen meat), the total budget may increase to around $400,000–$500,000, depending on material and equipment brands.
2. Storage Capacity
A 2000m² cold storage room with a 4-meter height can hold approximately:
- 1,500–2,000 tons of fruits and vegetables, or
- 1,200–1,600 tons of frozen meat or seafood, depending on product density and racking layout.
This makes it suitable for medium to large-scale food processors, wholesalers, or logistics centers.
3. Construction Timeline and Energy Consumption
A project of this scale typically requires around 80–100 days to complete, including civil works, insulation installation, and refrigeration commissioning.
When using energy-efficient compressors and polyurethane insulation panels, the average power consumption can be reduced by 25–30% compared with traditional cold rooms — saving thousands of dollars per year in electricity costs.

4. Recommended Technical Configuration
- Insulation System: 100mm–150mm thick PIR or PU panels (B1 fire-rated)
- Refrigeration Units: Bitzer or RefComp semi-hermetic screw compressors
- Condensers: Evaporative type with high-efficiency fans
- Control System: PLC + touchscreen display, full automatic temperature & defrost control
- Lighting & Safety: LED fixtures, emergency alarm, CO₂ detector, remote monitoring
5. Example Project
In 2024, our company completed a 2000m² cold storage project in Southeast Asia for a food distribution client:
- Investment: USD $380,000
- Construction Time: 95 days
- Storage Capacity: 1,800 tons of frozen products
- Energy Saving: 28% less power than the client’s previous warehouse
The facility helped the client reduce annual spoilage losses by 20% and improve delivery efficiency by 35%.
China cold storage solution provider