Maximizing Space for Coastal Pacific Food Distributors
When Coastal Pacific Food Distributors needed more space for frozen food storage at their Puyallup, Washington facility, they turned to AWB Engineers for a solution that balanced structural complexity with operational demands. The project involved expanding their existing 20,000-square-foot freezer to a total of 64,000 square feet—a transformation that required careful planning, creative engineering, and close coordination with the client and contractor.
Engineering for the Pacific Northwest
Designing in the Pacific Northwest presented us with unique challenges. Unlike projects on the East Coast or in the Southeast, seismic requirements in this region are significant. For this freezer expansion, lateral bracing was a critical consideration. AWB’s engineers took a deep dive into the seismic code requirements that were driving the lateral reinforcement design, ensuring the new structure could meet strict standards while remaining cost-effective and efficient for the client.
Maximizing Storage with Spatial Constraints
The project site itself was another hurdle. With limited space in which to work, our team had to make the most of every square foot. The solution: a very narrow aisle layout supported by specialized turret trucks capable of retrieving and inserting pallets with precision. These trucks operate in straight lines, maximizing rack space and efficiency within the freezer’s tight layout. This approach ensured Coastal Pacific could achieve maximum storage density while maintaining safe and functional operations.
Cool, Calm, and Operational
Freezer construction can be complex under almost any circumstance, but this project required an added layer of care. The existing freezer needed to remain operational throughout the expansion. That meant designing the new structure around the original building without disrupting daily truck traffic or compromising storage needs. Strategic door openings and structural ties were incorporated to seamlessly connect the old and new spaces, allowing the facility to function smoothly during construction and beyond.
Precision is Perfection
Attention to detail is at the core of every AWB design. In freezer projects, that means carefully addressing issues such as moisture intrusion, condensation, and ice buildup. For this project, every decision was made with long-term functionality in mind—ensuring the completed freezer would deliver reliable, efficient performance.
Collaboration that Creates Success
This freezer expansion was delivered through a design-build approach, which allowed us to work hand in hand with Whiting Turner and Coastal Pacific Food Distributors. Early collaboration with the contractor ensured constructibility, cost control, and alignment with the client’s budget. This integrated process gave the team the confidence to deliver a complex project successfully.
AWB Engineers is proud to have partnered with Coastal Pacific Food Distributors and Whiting Turner on this major facility expansion and looks forward to supporting their continued growth.