Facing the high operational costs inherent to cold storage, Freezing Food Småland Öland required a solution to maximize capacity within their newly constructed freezer facility in Nybro, Sweden. By implementing the stow Mobile racking system, the client successfully integrated a high-density, semi-automated solution that created 10,300 pallet positions. This powerful installation has allowed the client to achieve maximum space utilization while significantly reducing energy consumption per pallet.
About the customer
Located on the east coast of Sweden, Freezing Food Småland Öland is a premier provider in the food processing and logistics sector. Specializing in the freezing, sorting, and storage of fresh and chilled foods, particularly poultry, the company operates a state-of-the-art facility designed for high-volume throughput.
With an existing facility spanning 6,700 square meters and boasting a freezing capacity of 45 tons per day, Freezing Food is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and environmental responsibility (ISO 14001/9001). To support their continued growth, the company initiated the construction of a new freezer environment intended to store frozen chicken products. This expansion necessitated a storage solution that aligned with their commitment to efficiency and sustainability.
The challenge
Cold storage warehousing presents unique economic and operational challenges. Unlike ambient warehousing, every cubic meter of air in a freezer must be cooled constantly, making the cost per pallet position significantly higher. Therefore, the “dead space” found in traditional static racking aisles represents a direct financial loss in terms of energy consumption and real estate.
They required a system that would:
- Accommodate a high volume of frozen goods within a fixed footprint.
- Ensure reliable operation in sub-zero temperatures.
- Allow for efficient accessibility while minimizing the building volume requiring refrigeration.
The objective was clear: maximize the storage density to ensure the new facility was both a space saver and a cost saver.
The solution
To address these challenges, stow implemented a semi-automated mobile pallet racking solution: the stow Mobile system. Recognized as a leading industrial mobile racking system, this solution is specifically engineered for environments where space is expensive, making it the ideal choice for cold storage.
The design features conventional pallet racking installed on heavy-duty mobile bases powered by electric motors. These bases move along rails embedded in the floor, eliminating the need for permanent aisles between every rack.
By converting static aisle space into usable storage space, stow Mobile allowed Freezing Food to utilize the volumetric capacity of their new building fully.
Key features of the installation include:
High-density layout
The system is configured into two dense blocks, each occupying 50% of the side space, separated by a single center aisle. This configuration opens an aisle only when and where it is needed for retrieval or loading.
Cold storage engineering
All components installed in the facility are freezer-proof, ensuring durability and consistent performance in the harsh cold environment.
Safety and control
The system utilizes Siemens branded PLCs and includes photoelectric beam systems to guarantee operator safety, complying with European Machine Safety Directives.
The result
The installation of the stow Mobile system has transformed the efficiency of the Nybro facility. Handed over in 2025 and now fully operational for several months, the project has delivered measurable results:
Johan Gunnarsson, CEO of Freezing Food Småland Öland, commented on the success of the project:
The installation of the stow Mobile system has been seamless and instrumental for our expansion. In a freezer environment, utilizing every cubic meter is critical for our bottom line. stow delivered a powerful solution that not only maximized our storage capacity to over 10,000 pallets but did so with the reliability we need to ensure our operations run smoothly every day.
Conclusion
stow remains a dedicated partner to Freezing Food, supporting their growth with powerful, intelligent storage solutions.