A Ground-Up CO₂ Refrigeration Build

This design-build project modernizes Sunrise Produce’s cold storage operations to support expanding distribution needs and ensure long-term facility performance. Located in Anaheim, California, the 169,200 sq. ft. cold-storage build-out was delivered in partnership with FCL Builders, who served as general contractor on this box-in-a-box fit-out for one of Southern California’s leading wholesale produce distributors.

Sunrise Produce, recognized as a leading wholesale produce distribution company in Southern California, has built its reputation since 1991 by delivering fresh, high-quality produce through long-standing relationships with wholesale commodity growers, organic growers, and local family farms. As distribution demands continue to grow, the company required a cold storage solution that would protect product integrity while supporting operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Working from a blank facility layout, our team was engaged to engineer and construct a high-efficiency CO₂ refrigeration system capable of supporting a complex, multi-zone cold storage environment. The project scope included full in-house engineering, equipment selection, and system design to deliver a reliable, energy-efficient solution aligned with the facility’s operational demands.

The refrigeration system supports a minus-10° freezer, multiple 35–36° coolers, and several 50° temperature-controlled spaces. A high-performance freezer area was constructed with full floor insulation, a finished freezer slab, and a glycol underfloor heating system designed to protect the foundation from frost heave. Roof-mounted refrigeration equipment was integrated into the building structure with new structural framing, while advanced controls and EMS allow for precise temperature management and efficient system operation across all zones.

This modern refrigeration infrastructure complements the facility’s upgraded vertical dock leveler system and elongated overhead doors, supporting efficient product flow while maintaining consistent internal temperatures critical to preserving produce quality and meeting customer expectations.

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Core Priorities That Shaped the System Design

• Implement a high-efficiency, modern CO₂ refrigeration system.
• Create reliable cooling environments across multiple temperature zones.
• Prevent foundation damage by installing an underfloor heat system.
• Integrate advanced EMS and automated controls for optimal performance.
• Ensure long-term sustainability and system reliability through quality engineering and construction practices.

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Products Installed

• Güntner Gas Coolers
• Russell Evaporators
• Evapco LMP CO₂ Rack
• Danfoss Control Systems
• Glycol Underfloor Heat System

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What This CO₂ System Delivers from Day One

This cold-storage build-out represents far more than a standard installation; it marks a strategic investment in the long-term performance and future of the facility. By integrating a modern CO₂ refrigeration system, advanced EMS controls, and a protective glycol underfloor heating network, the site is positioned for long-term operational stability and energy performance. These improvements are expected to deliver more consistent temperature control, reduced mechanical strain, and lower lifetime maintenance costs, all while safeguarding the building’s foundation from the structural risks associated with frost heave. With this system in place, Sunrise Produce is better equipped to meet growing demand, maintain product quality, and operate confidently amid evolving regulatory and environmental expectations.