S08 AF July_August 2022 CNH client_Layout 1 25/07/2022 11:48 Page 30
EQUIPMENT
SEC Exports discusses the importance of efficient cold storage and intelligent warehouse design.
Image Credit: Dexion
The heat is on for cold storage warehousing
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SING SURVEY DATA from across Africa, The Department of International Trade (DIT), identified numerous issues facing the farming and wider agriculture sector, ranging from targets to achieve food security within 20 years to support population growth, to changing consumer tastes and postharvest efficiency. In some territories, a staggering 40% of produce can be lost between harvest and plate, but what drives this loss? Poor equipment and inefficient processes certainly contribute, however wastage due to inappropriate storage, spoilage from stock rotation, supply chain delays and chill chain control are all contributing factors. According to the West Africa Brief, agriculture and food production in West Africa alone is forecast to increase from US$293bn in 2020 to US$473bn in 2030; if the industry faces a 40% loss in produce through inefficiencies in storage, warehousing and distribution, what options do they have to avoid that unprecedented figure? Increasing investment into food processing capability highlights the need to have the right process, equipment and warehouse storage infrastructure in place to cater for processed produce and frozen or chilled products. By implementing an intelligent warehouse design and carefully selecting suitable equipment for warehouse storage for ambient, chilled or frozen areas, growers and producers will optimise the use of the available space, ensuring streamlined operations and minimal food wastage. To accommodate this urgent need, the heat is on for building efficient cold storage warehouses designed to maximise storage and distribution operations, maintain product quality and limit energy consumption. However this comes with its own set of challenges for operators in Africa, the majority of which manage warehouse storage and distribution supply chains in hot and humid climate conditions. Many of these challenges can be overcome by implementing an intelligent warehouse design and carefully selecting equipment from sealed doors to racking and conveyors, all of which optimise
30 African Farming - July/August 2022
SEC Exports has over 20 years’ experience in designing and installing bespoke warehouse and cold storage design solutions across Africa.
the use of the available space, ensuring streamlined operations and maximised energy efficiency. When designing and operating a cold storage warehouse, factors to consider include the cost of maintaining an ambient temperature and the amount of energy needed. The internal working environment is a significant factor to keep staff protected to enable them to work efficiently in temperatures as low as -30° C. Maintaining a consistent temperature within other warehouse areas such as goods-in and dispatch, ensures product quality is unaffected. Additionally, automation and semi-automation can also improve efficiency of pallet placement, retrieval and stock control whilst minimising the time staff spend in a potentially harsh working environment. SEC Exports has over 20 years’ experience in designing and installing bespoke warehouse and cold storage design solutions across Africa using high quality storage equipment such as Dexion. Our bespoke designs are based on real operational data which are proven to be the most efficient solution for your ambient and cold storage needs. h www.sec-exports.co.uk
www.africanfarming.net
