How Much Does It Cost to Build a 5,000 m² Frozen Meat Cold Storage Facility?

Building a 5,000 square meter frozen meat cold storage facility is a major investment for meat processors, slaughterhouses, and cold chain logistics operators. This type of project is designed for long-term frozen storage of beef, pork, poultry, and processed meat products, typically operating at -18°C to -25°C.

Cold storage construction cost and volume

Based on current industry projects and engineering estimates, the total investment for a standard 5,000 m² meat freezing warehouse generally falls within the range of USD 650,000 to 780,000, depending on configuration, equipment brand selection, and design standards.

From an operational standpoint, a 5,000 m² frozen meat cold storage is usually designed with a clear height of 5–6 meters, resulting in a total storage volume of approximately 25,000–30,000 cubic meters.

Under standard palletized storage conditions:

• 1 ton of frozen meat requires approx. 3–3.5 m³
• Total storage capacity: about 7,500–9,000 tons of frozen meat

For reference, you can also review a [6,000 m³ meat processing cold storage project case], which demonstrates how a similar-scale frozen meat facility was designed, constructed, and put into operation for continuous processing and storage.

In terms of cost structure, investment is mainly distributed as follows:

1. Insulation system (40–45%)
   High-density polyurethane (PU) insulation panels are used, with thickness typically ranging from 120 mm to 150 mm, depending on target temperature and local climate. This is the largest cost component and directly affects energy efficiency.
2. Refrigeration system (20–25%)
   Includes compressor units, evaporators, condensers, and control systems. Common international brands include Bitzer (Germany), Frascold (Italy), and Emerson Copeland (USA), selected according to reliability and energy performance requirements.
3. Auxiliary equipment & installation (8–10%)
   Such as cold room doors, air curtains, floor insulation, piping, wiring, and on-site installation works.
4. Transportation & logistics (8–10%)
   Covers delivery of materials, lifting, and on-site coordination.
5. Taxes, warranty reserve & contractor margin (15–20%)
   Includes project taxes, quality warranty funds (usually around 5%), and engineering service margins.

From an operating cost perspective, modern frozen meat cold storage facilities are optimized for efficiency:

• Average electricity consumption:
  Approx. 0.9–1.3 kWh per ton per day, depending on insulation quality and loading frequency
• Temperature stability:
  Maintained within ±1°C to ensure meat quality, minimize dehydration, and reduce weight loss
• Operational advantage:
  Stable freezing significantly extends shelf life, supports export compliance, and reduces spoilage losses