A Southern California distributor of medically tailored meals needed more freezer space with zero disruption. A rented ZSTORE 5XL with backup refrigeration delivered it.
In This Article
A produce distributor in Brawley, CA, USA that delivers medically tailored meals to vulnerable communities across Southern California was running out of freezer space. It needed a larger freezer storage unit without disrupting deliveries. ZGROUP supplied a rented ZSTORE 5XL with a built-in backup refrigeration unit, so every meal stays protected even if one system stops.
The challenge
For this distributor, frozen storage is not just inventory. The meals it delivers go to people who depend on them, so a missed delivery or a lost load has a real cost for the community it serves.
Demand kept growing, and the operation needed more freezer space. Two conditions came with that: the expansion could not interrupt daily operations, and the new storage had to be reliable enough that a single equipment failure would not put the product at risk.
The solution
ZGROUP delivered a ZSTORE 5XL: five XL modules connected side by side into one open walk-in freezer with 1,600 ft² of floor space. Refrigeration is by Thermo King, and the unit includes a built-in backup refrigeration unit. If one system stops, the other keeps the freezer running.
The distributor chose to rent, which meant a fast start and a low upfront investment while demand continues to grow.
The results
- 1,600 ft² of floor area
- Freezer storage, with backup refrigeration protecting every meal
- Rental: fast start, low investment
The distributor gained the frozen capacity it needed without disrupting deliveries, and with a second line of defense built into the unit.
What to look for in a freezer storage unit
When frozen product is critical, capacity is only half the decision. Here is what to check when comparing freezer storage unit options:
- Redundancy. Ask whether a backup refrigeration unit can be built in, so one failure does not become a lost load.
- Monitoring. ZTRACK remote monitoring reports temperature and alarms, so problems are caught quickly, including after hours.
- Usable space. A ZSTORE XL module gives 320 ft² and about 20 pallet positions. Modules connect into one open walk-in, which is easier to pick and stage in than a row of separate containers, and needs fewer refrigeration units per square foot.
- Temperature range. The cold storage line covers -40°F to +104°F (-40°C to +40°C), and zones can run at different temperatures if you also need a cooler.
Rent or buy?
Renting suits operations that need capacity now and want to keep capital free, or that expect volumes to keep changing. Buying suits long-term, stable needs. Either way, units are delivered in under 60 days, installed in 2 to 5 days with no permanent construction, carry a 5-year warranty, and can be moved to another site later.
Adding space without disrupting operations
The reason modular freezers suit a live operation is that the work happens next to it, not inside it. There are no civil works, site prep is minimal, and installation takes 2 to 5 days. Daily picking and deliveries can continue while the new unit goes in.
To size the unit, count the pallets you need to hold at peak and allow about 20 pallet positions per XL module. If demand keeps rising, more modules can be connected later, so the first unit does not have to cover every future need.
What is a walk-in freezer with backup refrigeration?
It is a walk-in freezer with a second refrigeration system ready to take over if the first one stops, so frozen product stays protected during a failure. ZSTORE XL freezers have a refrigeration unit per module, and a built-in backup unit can be added, as in this project. Combined with ZTRACK alarms, the team is warned while the backup keeps the freezer running.
See every option on our walk-in freezer page, or browse more cold storage projects in California.
Is it right for your operation?
If your frozen product cannot afford downtime and you need more space without disrupting operations, a modular freezer with backup refrigeration is worth a look. Explore ZSTORE XL modular cold storage, or talk to our team about sizing and rental options.
Frequently asked questions
Can a freezer storage unit have backup refrigeration?
Yes. A ZSTORE XL freezer can be fitted with a built-in backup refrigeration unit, so the freezer keeps running if one system stops.
How much space does a modular freezer storage unit provide?
Each ZSTORE XL module provides 320 ft² of floor space and about 20 pallet positions. Modules connect side by side, so a 5XL gives 1,600 ft².
Is it better to rent or buy a freezer storage unit?
Renting gives a fast start with low upfront investment; buying suits long-term, stable needs. ZGROUP offers both, and units can be moved to another site later.
What happens if a refrigeration unit fails in a walk-in freezer?
With a built-in backup unit, the other system keeps the freezer running, and ZTRACK remote monitoring sends an alarm so the team can act.
