In a significant advancement for the food logistics sector, the United Kingdom now houses its largest automated cold storage warehouse in Corby, Northamptonshire. This facility, operated by the Dutch company NewCold, stands as a marvel of modern engineering and efficiency. The warehouse, which operates at a bone-chilling minus 23 degrees Celsius, is equipped with advanced robotics that handle pallets loaded with frozen goods like chips and pizzas. Spanning an area larger than a football field, this warehouse exemplifies the shift from traditional manual operations to highly automated systems. With over 4,000 pallets moving in and out daily, it plays a crucial role in supplying supermarkets across the country. The facility not only represents a technological leap but also underscores the growing importance of efficient cold chain logistics in ensuring food security.
The Corby warehouse is part of a broader transformation within the cold storage industry. Traditionally dominated by family-owned warehouses using forklift trucks, the sector is now witnessing the rise of automated facilities. These new structures, like the one in Corby, are more energy-efficient and require fewer personnel. For instance, the Corby site employs just 160 people, a fraction of what a conventional warehouse would need. Such advancements are critical as energy prices soar and environmental standards tighten. The industry spent £1.2 billion on energy last year, highlighting the need for more sustainable practices. The Corby facility, which can store up to 151,000 pallets, is a testament to this shift towards greener and more efficient operations.
NewCold, founded in the Netherlands in 2012, has rapidly expanded its global footprint. Backed by US private equity firm Westport Capital Partners, the company leverages its expertise in logistics and frozen food storage to serve major producers like McCain Foods and Unilever. The UK market, with its sophisticated supermarket supply chains, presents an attractive opportunity for NewCold. However, the concentration of cold chain infrastructure also raises concerns about the country's reliance on imports. In 2023, the UK imported £32 billion worth of chilled and frozen food, nearly three times its exports. Post-Brexit border challenges necessitate larger buffers to ensure continuous food supplies. As such, facilities like Corby play a vital role in the nation's critical infrastructure.
While NewCold leads the charge, other players like Magnavale are also making waves. Recently opening a £130 million automated cold storage facility near Grantham, Magnavale aims to compete in this evolving landscape. Owned by the Luxembourg-based Sadel Group, Magnavale plans to expand into continental Europe, signaling a long-term commitment to the industry. Despite the dominance of large international firms, smaller operators continue to innovate and adapt. The cold storage sector, once slow-moving, is now accelerating, driven by technological advancements and changing market demands. At Corby, the relentless flow of pallets in and out ensures that the cold chain remains unbroken, supporting the nation's food supply network.