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A new refrigerated and frozen food distribution facility in Connecticut maximizes energy savings through careful design and tight equipment control.
Burris Logistics, based in Milford, Del., operates a network of frozen food warehousing and distribution systems in the eastern United States. In late 2007, the company decided that it needed to build a new warehouse - its 17th - to serve BJ's Wholesale Club and the northeast public refrigerated warehouse market. Burris Logistics teamed up with Jacksonville, Fla.-based Stellar, a design, engineering, construction and mechanical services firm, to design and build the new 260,000-ft2 refrigerated and frozen food distribution facility in Rocky Hill, Conn.
"We've used Stellar exclusively in nine projects out of 10 since 1987," says Joe Morris, vice president of engineering for Burris Logistics. "They approach each project differently, focused on our needs and specific requirements. They understand how to implement new, innovative designs and technologies to achieve energy savings and increased safety."
Stellar provided a range of services for the project, including real estate acquisition, land use and permitting, design, engineering, construction, refrigeration, insulation, roofing and HVAC.
The warehouse, which was completed in August 2008, includes a 92,000-ft2 -10°F (-12°C) freezer; a 20,000-ft2 convertible room (with temperatures ranging from -20°F to 35°F [-29 to 2°C], depending on the product); a 4,000-ft2 ice cream room; a 15,000-ft2 meat freezer; a 31,000-ft2 dairy/deli cooler; and a 15,000-ft2 produce area. The facility also includes 46,000 ft2 of dock space, 13,000 ft2 of support and utility areas, and 24,000 ft2 of office and welfare areas. Several sustainable features were incorporated into the facility, including 100-percent storm water retention (all storm water is absorbed into the ground on the property); a white roof to reflect heat; an energy-efficient refrigeration system; and a control system that manages utility load consumption.
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