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Delivering specialised ventilation solutions for high-performance cold storage applications
Systemair delivered specialised low-temperature ventilation solutions for the Manawatu Cold Storage Plant, supporting high-performance blast freezing operations within one of New Zealand’s advanced cold storage developments.
Manawatu Cold Storage Plant, New Zealand
Supporting high-performance blast freezing operations
Systemair delivered specialised axial fan solutions designed to operate reliably at temperatures as low as -38°C
Providing tailored solutions for demanding low-temperature applications
Custom-designed wall-mounted fan assemblies were developed to meet strict airflow, durability, and operational performance requirements.
Supporting energy-efficient industrial refrigeration systems
The project incorporated IE3 high-efficiency motors alongside ventilation solutions aligned with the facility’s low-carbon CO₂ refrigeration strategy.
Building new capabilities through international collaboration
The project marked Systemair New Zealand’s first low-temperature application in collaboration with Systemair Malaysia, helping establish a competitive future solution for the New Zealand market.
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Designed for High-Performance Cold Storage
Developed and owned by ManCold, the Manawatu Cold Storage Plant was designed to support high-capacity cold storage and blast freezing operations for the New Zealand food and logistics sector.
TechniCool Refrigeration, a company specialising in cold stores, acted as the mechanical contractor for the project, leading the technical refrigeration design and on-site installation works. The facility includes a 1,500m² freezer room, a 1,100m² ELA area, and six dedicated blast freezers designed to support rapid product pull-down and high-throughput operations.
A key requirement of the project involved achieving fast blast freezing performance while balancing operational efficiency, long-term reliability, maintenance considerations, and environmental responsibility.
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Sustainability and Refrigeration Performance
The refrigeration solution was designed around two CO₂ refrigeration racks with a combined cooling capacity of 865kW.
As a natural refrigerant with very low environmental impact, CO₂ offered both sustainability benefits and strong technical performance for demanding blast-freezer applications due to its excellent heat transfer characteristics and ability to achieve rapid pull-down times.
The system also incorporated reclaimed heat through a glycol-based system supporting efficient defrosting operations and underfloor heating for frost heave protection, further contributing to the project’s operational efficiency and sustainability objectives.
We chose Systemair for this project based on their strong track record in delivering reliable, high-performance ventilation solutions in demanding industrial environments. For a blast freezer application, consistent airflow, durability, and efficiency are critical, and Systemair’s products aligned well with these requirements. Their ability to provide robust technical support and confidence around product performance also played a key role in our decision.
We did look at a few other options, but Systemair stood out in terms of overall quality and performance. The fans are well-built and suited to low-temperature applications, which is critical for blast freezers. We also had more confidence in the performance data and knew we’d get good backup if needed, which helped set them apart from the alternatives
General Manager, Technicool Refrigeration
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Engineering Solutions for Extreme Low Temperatures
Systemair New Zealand worked closely with TechniCool Refrigeration throughout the fan selection and technical coordination process to ensure the supplied products aligned with the project’s demanding operational requirements.
One of the project’s primary technical challenges involved designing blast-freezer fan systems capable of operating reliably at temperatures as low as -38°C while maintaining required airflow performance and energy efficiency.
To address the denser air conditions associated with ultra-low-temperature environments, detailed airflow and static pressure calculations were undertaken to optimise fan selection and operational performance.
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The selected solution incorporated AXC(A) 1400-9/21-6 (18.5kW) IE3 axial fans supplied through Systemair Malaysia, alongside SG AXC/ASM/AR 1600 guard grilles and ESD-F_1400 inlet cones. Systemair New Zealand also designed a custom 1600 x 1600 wall plate assembly that enabled the fan systems to be securely wall mounted while maintaining compatibility with the inlet cone and guard configurations.
Special low-temperature grease specifications were also incorporated to ensure reliable operation under continuous ultra-low-temperature conditions.
Delivering Cost-Competitive Low-Temperature Solutions
The project represented the first low-temperature application undertaken collaboratively between Systemair New Zealand and Systemair Malaysia for the New Zealand market.
A major objective of the project involved delivering a blast freezer fan solution capable of meeting strict performance specifications while remaining commercially competitive within the local market.
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Systemair New Zealand designed and manufactured 12 compliant wall-mounted blast freezer fan assemblies tailored specifically to the project’s operational requirements, carefully coordinating multiple components and raw materials to achieve both technical and commercial objectives.
The project also required close coordination with the Malaysian factory to ensure accurate product configuration, manufacturing alignment, and efficient freight logistics, including optimising container loading for all 12 fan systems and associated components.
Delivering Through Technical Collaboration
The success of the project was built on strong collaboration between Systemair New Zealand, Systemair Malaysia, and TechniCool Refrigeration throughout the design, engineering, logistics, and delivery process.
Systemair’s ability to provide technical support, validated performance data, and tailored engineering solutions played a key role in the final product selection process.
This project has been one of the most rewarding I have had the opportunity to be part of. It was made possible through close collaboration with Lewis Barrack, SANZ experienced fan engineer, whose technical expertise and previous experience with similar applications in our market proved invaluable. Together, we were able to successfully calculate airflow performance at temperatures as low as -38°C, while also designing a custom wall plate solution for the AX14 casing that allowed the units to be bolted together while still accommodating the inlet cone and guard.
Key Account Manager, Systemair New Zealand
For more information on Systemair's projects and solutions in New Zealand, explore our full New Zealand portfolio here.