China cold storage solution provider
When planning a 400 m² cold storage facility, one of the first questions investors ask is: “How much will it cost?”
The reality is that there is no single fixed price. Cold storage construction costs depend on several variables, including insulation quality, refrigeration system configuration, temperature requirements, equipment selection, installation, and even regional differences in labor and material costs.
As a general guideline, a standard 400 m² cold room can range widely in price depending on its intended use. Below, we break down the key cost factors and provide reference estimates.
Live scene of a 400-square-meter cold storage in use
Key Factors That Influence Cold Storage Construction Costs
1. Insulation System (Approx. 20% of Total Cost)
The cold room’s insulation is the foundation of long-term energy efficiency and operating costs. Factors that impact insulation costs include:
- Material type (polyurethane panels, extruded polystyrene, etc.)
- Panel thickness (commonly 100–150 mm for cold storage)
- Panel density and fire resistance rating
- Manufacturer brand and quality
2. Refrigeration System (30%–50% of Total Cost)
The refrigeration system is usually the largest cost component. Key variables include:
- Compressor type (scroll, screw, imported vs. domestic)
- Cooling capacity and energy efficiency ratio
- Type and number of evaporators (air coolers)
- Refrigerant choice and system automation level
A high-efficiency system can reduce long-term electricity consumption, making this an area where initial investment directly impacts operating costs.
3. Temperature Zones & Functional Requirements
Cold storage may serve a single-temperature application (e.g., +0–4 °C for chilled storage or -18 °C for frozen storage) or require multi-temperature zones for mixed products.
Additional functions, such as blast freezing or controlled atmosphere (CA) storage, significantly increase both equipment investment and construction complexity.
Estimated Cost for a 400 m² Cold Storage
While precise pricing requires detailed design and site evaluation, here are reference ranges based on common applications (converted into USD for international readers, based on 1 RMB ≈ 0.14 USD):
- Fruit & Vegetable Cold Room (0–15 °C, 4 m height)
Estimated cost: USD $35,000–42,000 - Frozen Storage for Meat & Poultry (-18 °C, 4 m height)
Estimated cost: USD $42,000–56,000 - Pharmaceutical Cold Storage (2–8 °C, GMP/GSP Compliant)
Approx. USD $42,000–70,000 (≈ $95–140 per m²), depending on compliance requirements.
⚠️ Note: These figures are indicative. Final costs depend heavily on the site conditions, specific temperature needs, and equipment configuration.
The investment required for a 400 m² cold room can vary widely based on its function and technical requirements. To obtain an accurate quotation, it is essential to consult a professional cold storage engineering company, provide detailed project requirements, and request a customized design plan.