Winter preparations are under way in the VCS yard. Before a cold room reaches its next location, there is plenty happening behind the scenes: washing down the components, checking everything over and bringing the right parts together for each room.

It has been lovely to still have some dry, warmer weather, giving us the chance to carry on working outside. We’re making the most of those days to spread out, wash the panels and get organised for the season ahead.

A thorough wash before the next hire

All our rooms get washed as part of their preparation. With modular cold rooms, that means working with the individual components before they are built again at the next site. Panels and floors can be laid out and worked through in the yard, ready for their next installation.

Our equipment works hard across different venues and events, so a little natural wear is part of its story. The aim is to prepare clean, well-cared-for rooms that are ready to go back to work.

Checking the room, not just its appearance

Washing is only one part of the process. Every room is also checked over, giving the team an opportunity to identify anything that needs attention before it is sent out again.

There is more to a cold room than its white panels. Floors, doors, seals, panel connections and refrigeration equipment all have a part to play. Yard preparation is the time to work through the equipment and organise any maintenance needed for the next job.

From individual panels to complete room sets

Once washed and checked, the components are brought together into room sets on pallets, ready to be transported to their locations. These are the parts for each room, rather than fully assembled coldrooms: the final build takes place on site.

Grouping the components by room helps keep the yard organised and makes it easier to prepare the right kit for each installation. Different room sizes need different combinations of parts, so preparing complete sets is an important step between cleaning and loading.

The same planning applies to the hire requirements. Door options, refrigeration and any requested racking need to be considered alongside the room itself, so the installation suits what the client will be storing and how they will use the space.

Preparing for the journey and the installation

Pallet preparation is part of a much bigger picture. The team also needs to understand where the room is going, how close the vehicle can get and the route the components will take from the unloading point to the installation position.

Our recent installation at The Honourable Society is a good example: the components had to be carried to the marquee because the vehicle could not get right up to the cold room location. Getting these details clear helps us plan the work around the site.

Planning your winter cold storage

Christmas catering, seasonal events and additional stock can all create a need for extra fridge or freezer space. If you are planning a winter hire, a few details are particularly helpful when you get in touch:

  • Your delivery and collection dates, including any restricted access times.
  • What you need to store and whether you need chilled storage, frozen storage or both.
  • The available footprint, ground conditions and access route.
  • The electrical supply and proposed position of the refrigeration equipment.
  • Whether you would like racking and how you need to move stock in and out.

For outdoor installations, think about how the delivery route and working area may change if the weather turns wet. Share photographs of the proposed location and tell us about slopes or uneven ground so we can assess the support and levelling required. Our pre-installation checklist is a useful place to start.

Making the most of the autumn days

For now, we’re enjoying the opportunity to keep working outside while the weather allows. There is something satisfying about seeing the rooms washed, checked and organised into pallets, ready for the next stage of their journey.

If you need extra cold storage over winter, create your project and tell us your plans. We’ll discuss a suitable setup and confirm availability for your dates.