Manfreight Distribution Centre, Belfast Harbour

Investing in sustainability

Our QuadCore Coldstore LEC panels help Manfreight Distribution Centre achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

Manfreight has unveiled its state-of-the-art logistics hub in Belfast Harbour, marking a major milestone for Northern Ireland’s supply chain industry. The 50,000 ft² distribution centre is a masterpiece of intelligent storage and distribution, setting a benchmark for sustainability standards in temperature-controlled logistics.  Being the first purpose-built chilled distribution centre in Northern Ireland for 25 years, it reflects an investment into the future of Ireland’s local business. Situated in a prime location, the distribution centre is strategically positioned next to Belfast Harbour’s ferry terminals and has access to key maritime routes. This placement enables more efficient transfer of goods, benefitting businesses engaged in the import and export trade. The intelligent refrigeration system allows it to handle a range of temperature-sensitive products, making it ideal for a range of industries and stock that rely on precise temperature control, from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to pharmaceuticals.

SUSTAINABILITY & KINGSPAN PRODUCTS

The new development is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland constructed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status and is striving to decarbonise completely by 2030 by using their own clean energy sources for power. As part of this strategy, it features 1,890 solar rooftop panels and a zero-emissions refrigeration system. The performance of both of these is assisted by Kingspan ColdStore QuadCore LEC panels. Installed by Powertech Refrigeration, these panels directly contribute to the project’s long-term energy efficiency, sustainability and subsequent BREEAM rating in several ways. QuadCore LEC as a technology has been specifically developed to help reduce the carbon footprint of the buildings it is used on, with around 21% lower embodied carbon than standard QuadCore panels. Their high-performance insulation core, coupled with their innovative jointing system, offers excellent airtightness and U-values. This helps ensure a consistent temperature to reduce reliance on mechanical air control systems and reduce the risk of damage to the stored products. The internal face of the ColdStore QuadCore LEC panels are also coated with a specialised CLEANsafe coating, providing an easy-to-clean surface with a smooth, lightly embossed finish.

Cladding contractor, H. Mclarnon also fitted our QuadCore KS1000RW Roof & Wall Panel, QuadCore AWP Wall Panel KS600 and QuadCore Evolution Axis Wall Panel KS600 throughout the building. Alongside the ColdStore panels, this created a highly thermally efficient building envelope, further underpinned by a 25-year thermal warranty. This will help to minimise heating/cooling demand in the long term, lowering energy use and realising higher energy and carbon savings through the operational life of the building. The panels were chosen in various shades of grey, silver and white to create a sleek, clean and modern look for the building reflective of its purpose as a cold storage unit. This minimalist background allows the bright orange and red hues of the Manfreight logo stand out perfectly against the panels, establishing an ideal visual contrast.