Food Distribution Refrigeration Systems for Longo’s Warehouse Expansion
Neelands Group recently completed a major expansion at the Longo’s main distribution centre.
The project began in late 2023 and supported Longo’s need for more refrigerated storage capacity. Neelands delivered the refrigeration, electrical, and plumbing solutions required for the larger facility.
Expanding Refrigerated Warehouse Capacity
The expansion doubled the size of Longo’s refrigerated spaces.
The project added approximately 85,000 square feet of new refrigerated areas. These areas include produce and grocery storage, inbound and outbound refrigerated loading docks, meat coolers, a general freezer, and dedicated ice cream freezers.
This added capacity helps Longo’s support continued growth across its food distribution network.
Complete Refrigeration Design and Installation
Neelands provided full in-house refrigeration design and installation for the project.
The work included HVAC rooftop equipment and a specialized in-slab glycol heated floor system. This system helps maintain proper conditions in the freezer, ice cream freezer, and meat cooler areas.
The project required careful planning because each space had different temperature and performance needs.
CO₂ Refrigeration and Advanced Piping
The refrigeration system includes state-of-the-art CO₂ penthouses, two adiabatic gas coolers, and backup condensing units.
Neelands piped the gas coolers in stainless steel. Our team used TIG and orbital welding to support precision, durability, and long-term system performance.
In total, the installation required nearly 10,000 linear feet of copper and stainless piping and insulation.
Controls and Backup Power
The facility uses a Micro Thermo monitoring and control system. This system helps maintain efficient operation across the expanded refrigerated spaces.
The facility also includes a backup generator. During a power outage, the generator can run Neelands’ equipment and help reduce the risk of downtime or product loss.
A Large-Scale Refrigeration Project
The scale of this project was significant.
The total refrigeration capacity exceeds 2.1 million BTUH. The installation included 54 evaporator coils. Most of these coils weigh about 700 pounds and are suspended 35 feet in the air.
The two CO₂ penthouses each weigh 33,000 pounds. A 450-ton crane lifted them 125 feet onto the roof.
Completed Over 30 Weeks
Neelands completed the project over approximately 30 weeks.
The crew ranged from four to eight members, depending on the phase of construction. The team coordinated carefully to keep the project moving and meet the needs of the larger facility.
This project highlights Neelands Group’s ability to deliver complex food distribution refrigeration systems on time and to a high standard.
Supporting Longo’s Continued Growth
Neelands is proud to have partnered with Longo’s on this warehouse expansion.
The completed project gives Longo’s more refrigerated storage capacity, reliable system controls, and the infrastructure needed to support continued growth.