Building the warehouse of the future

How do you build future-proof warehouses that offer greater efficiency, resilience, and sustainability?

At NewCold, we know what it means to build the warehouse of the future. We don’t just design, build, and operate these facilities – we own the software systems that run them.

Our highly automated temperature-controlled facilities serve some of the largest food producers in the world. We use the latest advancements in automation alongside our proprietary technology to deliver scale, efficiency, resilience, and flexibility.

Over the course of our history, we’ve accumulated and applied knowledge and expertise to become a global leader in advanced food logistics. And we’re still learning. Every time we build a new state-of-the-art facility we learn, iterate, and innovate. Below, we give some insight into NewCold’s best practices in building future-proof warehouses, including:

Building process and innovation

Vertical integration

Commitment to sustainable solutions

Team building and education

Unwavering commitment to customer service

Building process and innovation

Warehouse construction might seem straightforward, but it’s more than just building structures — it’s a meticulous blend of strategy, planning, and assembling the right team. The process is more strategic than innovative and emphasizes the importance of having a well-thought-out plan and the right partners in place. However, within any strategic framework, a layer of innovation is required.

“A building may be perceived as a standard structure, but it’s the means and methods within that make a significant difference,” explains Josh Currie, NewCold Executive Vice President of Development.

For NewCold, the innovative elements include incorporating technology within the building itself. This encompasses features such as layer and case pickers, the integration of Electric Turret Vehicles (ETVS), and features that make real a strong commitment to sustainability. Such features have become the hallmark of our advanced automated solutions.

Vertical integration

A key aspect that sets NewCold apart is our commitment to true vertical integration. Unlike conventional models, NewCold doesn’t just design, build, and operate warehouses — it owns and runs the brain behind the operations: the Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Material Flow Control Systems (MFCS).

“Vertical integration is big, and in the industry over the years it has become a buzzword,” said Currie. “It’s one thing to say that you’re vertically integrated but a lot of times it’s brokered, it’s outsourced service that you’re providing. At NewCold — we live it.”

This level of integration is a strategic move that allows better control over processes, reduced costs, and increased overall operational efficiency. “With this model in place, we can successfully control in-house and front-line all development, production, procurement, and installation of these systems in a manner that reduces time and risk,” says Currie.

Commitment to sustainable solutions

Our commitment to technology extends beyond the construction process into sustainability efforts. NewCold leads the industry in sustainable solutions — our buildings are designed with a focus on energy efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint without compromising functionality. What sets NewCold apart is not just the adoption of new technology, but the integration of existing technology into a seamless and efficient model.

One notable aspect is our implementation of oxygen reduction systems. While not entirely unknown, the adoption of this technology is sparse. NewCold takes pride in having the most facilities in North America with oxygen reduction systems. These systems, requiring significant engagement with regulatory bodies, focus on fire prevention rather than protection. By preventing fires in the first place, NewCold ensures a safer and more efficient warehouse environment.

Team building and education

Building the warehouse of the future cannot be done without the right team in place. And creating that team is not just about hiring individuals — it’s about investing in their education and fostering a culture of mentorship.

At NewCold this is evident in our employee growth opportunities. We provide ample resources for employees to cross-train and develop their skills, to give them the most opportunities possible to find success. In this practice, we place a large emphasis on mentorship and education.

“What we’ve found to be key in effective project management is emphasizing the importance of strategic team building, mixing experienced individuals with newcomers, and creating mentorship opportunities. It’s important to set fair expectations, support, and provide resources for teams. In doing so we reduce reactive problem-solving and train NewCold team members to proactively identify potential issues before problems arise,” explains Currie.

Commitment to customers

The heart of NewCold’s operations and dedication to building the warehouse of the future lies in its unwavering commitment to customers.

“Our commitment to our customers is at the front of everything we do,” says Currie. “It’s the driving factor. We want to exceed expectations.”

“Service is not simply how we move the food supply chain, but how we do so in a safe, cost-effective, time-efficient, and reliable manner. These principles are the essence of our development model.”