Cold Storage Project Timeline Guide
Refrigeration projects take longer than most buyers expect — mostly because of decisions that could have been made earlier. This timeline guide tells you what's realistic per project scale.
Modular cold room: 12–20 weeks. Mid-size cold storage warehouse: 8–14 months. Industrial ammonia plant: 14–24 months. Add 4–8 weeks for permits and financing.
Modular / walk-in cold room
RFQ 2 weeks, award 2 weeks, manufacture 4–8 weeks, shipping 2–4 weeks, install & commission 2–4 weeks. Total 12–20 weeks.
Mid-size cold storage warehouse (3,000–10,000 m³)
Planning 6–10 weeks, RFQ 6–8 weeks, contract 4–6 weeks, engineering 8–12 weeks, construction 20–28 weeks, commissioning 4–6 weeks. Total 8–14 months.
Industrial ammonia plant
Planning 10–14 weeks, permits 8–16 weeks, RFQ 8–12 weeks, contract 6–10 weeks, engineering 16–24 weeks, construction 30–48 weeks, HAZOP + commissioning 8–12 weeks. Total 14–24 months.
Where projects slip
Permits (add 4–12 weeks in some markets), grid connection (up to 6 months), imported equipment customs, weather (rainy season), and slow FAT resolutions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I compress the schedule?
Yes — invest in planning and pre-order long-lead items (compressors, panels, doors) at award instead of after final drawings.
What's the longest single item?
Screw compressors for large ammonia plants — 20–28 weeks factory lead time. Order early.