Star Refrigeration Upgrades Frozen Storage System at DHL Wetherspoon Distribution Centre
What Happened
Star Refrigeration has completed a major refrigeration upgrade at the DHL-operated J D Wetherspoon distribution centre in Daventry, United Kingdom. The May 13, 2026 announcement said the project upgraded the frozen storage refrigeration system and delivered major energy, cost, and carbon savings.
The Daventry site is a 192,000-cubic-meter distribution hub operated by DHL for J D Wetherspoon. The project was developed as part of a long-term partnership between Star Refrigeration and DHL, with the goal of replacing an ageing refrigeration plant and supporting sustainability targets.
How It Works
Star Refrigeration installed its low-charge ammonia Azanefreezer 2.0 system. According to the company, the upgrade reduced annual electricity use by more than 600,000 kWh, lowered energy costs by nearly £200,000 per year, and cut carbon emissions by 123 tonnes.
The new 290 kW system works alongside an existing 120 kW Azanefreezer 1.0 unit that was installed in 2016. Together, the systems support a 31,000-cubic-meter frozen store. Star Refrigeration said the upgrade uses intelligent controls, avoids water usage and related treatment needs, and reduces ammonia charge to 220 kg.
Why It Matters
Frozen cold storage is one of the most energy-intensive parts of the food logistics chain. Refrigeration system design affects operating cost, carbon performance, maintenance burden, safety profile, and uptime. When older refrigeration plants become inefficient or expensive to maintain, operators may face both financial pressure and sustainability risk.
This project shows how industrial refrigeration upgrades can deliver measurable operational value. Star Refrigeration said the facility is now considered one of the most energy-efficient cold stores in the country after more than 18 months of operational performance data.
B2B Impact
For frozen food distributors and logistics operators, the DHL Wetherspoon project highlights the value of refrigeration lifecycle planning. Replacing or upgrading older systems can reduce energy cost, improve reliability, and support carbon reduction without interrupting operations.
For cold chain equipment and engineering suppliers, the project reinforces demand for low-charge ammonia systems, intelligent controls, energy modeling, phased installation planning, and lifecycle cost analysis. Buyers are no longer looking only at refrigeration capacity. They are evaluating total operating cost, energy efficiency, compliance, safety, and carbon performance.
For B2B cold chain customers, the broader message is clear: reliable frozen storage increasingly depends on both temperature control and energy strategy. Operators that modernize refrigeration infrastructure can improve competitiveness while strengthening product protection and sustainability performance.