China cold storage solution provider
A large cold storage warehouse is an essential facility for preserving food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other temperature-sensitive products. It provides a controlled low-temperature environment to extend shelf life and maintain quality.
But how much does it cost to build a large cold storage facility?
The answer is not fixed — it depends on the warehouse size, temperature range, design specifications, and intended use. For example, the cost of building a 0–5°C fresh-keeping cold room will differ significantly from a 2–8°C pharmaceutical cold room or a -35°C blast freezer.
Below is an estimated cost per square meter for different types of cold storage facilities:
| Type of Cold Storage | Temperature Range | Estimated Cost (per m²) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh-keeping Cold Room | 0°C | RMB 700–1,000 / m² (≈ USD 95–135 / m²) | Fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs |
| Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Cold Storage | 0°C | RMB 1,500–3,000 / m² (≈ USD 200–405 / m²) | Premium fruits & vegetables |
| Pharmaceutical Cold Storage | 2–8°C | RMB 900–1,500 / m² (≈ USD 120–200 / m²) | Vaccines, medicines, biotech products |
| Frozen Meat Cold Storage | -18°C | RMB 900–1,200 / m² (≈ USD 120–160 / m²) | Poultry, beef, seafood, frozen food |
| Blast Freezer (Quick-Freeze Storage) | -35°C | RMB 4,000–7,000 / m² (≈ USD 540–945 / m²) | Frozen meat, seafood, ice cream |
| Ultra-Low Temperature Cold Storage | -60°C | RMB 8,000–20,000 / m² (≈ USD 1,080–2,700 / m²) | Vaccines, bio-samples, chemicals |
Key Factors Affecting Cold Storage Construction Cost
1.Temperature Requirement
- Cold rooms: 0–10°C, for fresh produce, dairy, eggs
- Frozen storage: -18°C to -25°C, for meat, seafood, ice cream
- Ultra-low temperature storage: -30°C to -80°C, for biopharma and chemicals
- CA storage: Adjusted oxygen & CO₂ levels, mainly for high-value fruits
To learn more about how this technology preserves fruits and vegetables, see our guide on [Controlled Atmosphere Storage: An Advanced Solution for Fruit & Vegetable Preservation]
2.Size & Capacity
- The larger the facility, the lower the average cost per cubic meter, due to economies of scale.
3.Insulation & Building Materials
- PU/PIR sandwich panels (100–200mm thickness)
- Fire resistance and thermal performance directly affect cost
4.Refrigeration System
- Compressor brand (Bitzer, Emerson, RefComp, etc.)
- Energy efficiency and automation level
- Long-term power consumption
5.Function & Customization
- Single-temperature vs. multi-temperature zones
- Special requirements: explosion-proof, pharmaceutical GMP, food-grade standards
Conclusion
The cost of building a large cold storage warehouse varies greatly depending on temperature, function, and equipment selection. A fresh-keeping cold room may cost around USD 95–135 per m², while ultra-low temperature pharmaceutical storage may exceed USD 1,500 per m².
👉 For accurate pricing, it is best to consult a professional cold storage engineering company with your specific requirements and site conditions.