Fire Protection Designed for High-Density Cold Storage Operations
NAFPCO protects over 327,000 square feet of ultra-low temperature space at Americold’s Allentown campus
Americold set out to significantly expand and modernize its Allentown, Pennsylvania cold storage campus to strengthen its role as a critical distribution hub for the Northeast corridor. The goal was to increase capacity, integrate advanced automation and support rapid, high-volume movement of frozen and temperature-sensitive goods, while maintaining the highest standards of life safety and asset protection in extreme cold environments.
With over 325,000 square feet of new temperature-controlled space and approximately 37,000 additional pallet positions, the facility needed a fire protection system engineered specifically for high-bay automated storage, ultra-low freezer temperatures and continuous operations.
Value Delivered
North American Fire Protection delivered a fully engineered fire sprinkler solution designed to perform reliably in one of the most demanding industrial environments in cold chain logistics.
Our team supported Americold’s expansion with systems that:
By aligning fire protection design with Americold’s automation, layout and cold storage requirements, NAFPCO helped ensure operational resilience, regulatory compliance and long-term protection of critical food supply chain infrastructure.
Scope of Services
North American Fire Protection provided comprehensive fire sprinkler design and installation services, including:
Our approach focused on reliability, efficiency and performance in extreme cold while accommodating Americold’s high-density storage and rapid throughput demands.
Background on Building Owner
Americold is one of the world’s largest providers of temperature-controlled warehousing and cold chain logistics, operating more than 230 facilities globally. The company plays a vital role in connecting food producers, processors, retailers and distributors, helping ensure freshness, safety and continuity throughout the global food supply chain.
The Allentown facility serves as a strategic forward distribution hub for the New York, New Jersey and broader Northeast markets. With advanced automation, energy-efficient refrigeration systems and expanded capacity, the site strengthens Americold’s ability to support growing regional demand while maintaining high operational and sustainability standards.
Project Impact at a Glance
+327,000 SF expanded cold storage capacity
+37,000 additional pallet positions
–20°F engineered freezer environments
Northeast distribution hub supporting high-volume food logistics
Dry pendent sprinklers are typically installed in food process plants and box-in-box freezers where temperatures are below 40 degrees F.
Dry pipe sprinkler systems are generally used in cold climates and are highly effective in cold-temperature fire protection.
Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) systems are quick-responding, high-volume sprinkler systems that provide exceptional protection for high-piled storage occupancies.
Fire pumps are an essential part of many water-based fire protection systems. Fire Pumps are used to increase the water pressure (measured in psi) when the original water source is not adequate for the system it’s supplying.
Fire pumps are an essential part of many water-based fire protection systems. Fire Pumps are used to increase the water pressure (measured in psi) when the original water source is not adequate for the system it’s supplying.
Pre-action fire sprinkler systems employ the basic concept of a dry pipe system in that water is not normally contained within the pipes.
Wet pipe systems are the most common fire sprinkler systems. A wet pipe system is one in which water is constantly maintained within the sprinkler piping.
A special hazards fire suppression system is used to put out fires in areas where water damage from fire sprinklers can cause costly or irreparable damage to the assets being protected.
Linear Heat Detection (LHD) is an important component of fire protection systems, as it is designed to detect heat along the length of a sensor cable.
