Inside the Christchurch Fresh Distribution Centre: Where Innovation Meets Everyday Impact

The Challenge:

Christchurch Fresh Distribution Centre (CFDC) needed a cutting-edge cold chain facility to service its growing network – one that could meet stringent efficiency, safety, and temperature control standards at scale.

The Solution:

A fully integrated access and safety system was designed to match CFDC’s high-paced operation, including dock levellers, insulated doors, rapid internal access, and pedestrian safety features.

The Result:

Christchurch Fresh Distribution Centre (CFDC) now anchors South Island’s distribution network, enabling faster turnaround, tighter temperature control, and a safer, more streamlined delivery of fresh goods to stores across the region.

When he Christchurch Fresh Distribution Centre was concieved, the goal wasn’t just another distribution warehouse. This was about future-proofing their fresh logistics, creating a purpose-built facility capable of handling the pace, precision, and complexity of a modern cold chain.

Located on a 14,000m² site in the heart of Christchurch’s industrial logistics corridor, CFDC was developed to increase capacity and efficiency in their supply chain while improving the flow of temperature-sensitive goods across the South Island. The new centre supports multiple chilled product categories under one roof, reducing manual handling, centralising operations, and ensuring product quality from supplier to store.

To support the high volume of freight moving in and out daily, the dock area became a key focus. CFDC features 11 dock bays equipped with vertically storing hydraulic levellers rated to 60kN, designed to handle up to 20 trucks per dock per 24-hour period. Each dock is outfitted with impactable dock bumpers, global wheel locks for trailer restraint, insulated sectional doors, and inflatable dock shelters – ensuring safety, thermal control, and efficient vehicle alignment.

Inside the facility, rapid doors and smart controls were used to keep internal product flows seamless. More than 30 high-speed doors were installed throughout the site, with curtain speeds of up to 2.5m/s, thermal insulation, safety light curtains, and motion detection sensors to reduce collision risk and protect energy efficiency. (See full list of products at the end.)

CFDC’s Facilities & Maintenance Manager, Martin Bellingan, says the results speak for themselves:

“Quick is definitely one word that comes to mind when I think about the dock leveller system. Everything is working in sequence… push a couple of buttons, and you’re into the truck – it’s fast and it’s safe.”

That level of performance wasn’t left to chance. The system was refined through field testing and live freight simulations, ensuring every interface between the building and the fleet worked exactly as intended. Smart controls were integrated to minimise manual errors and streamline loading bay operations – and preventative maintenance was built in from the start.

Beyond the loading zones, CFDC incorporates a wide range of safety features – from full frame bollards and pedestrian barriers to LED door alert systems and hold-open restraints – creating a clear and safe path for people and machines alike.

The result is a distribution centre that does more than keep the lights on – it keeps Christchurch’s fresh food chain running with precision. Turnaround times are faster. Dock operations are safer. And temperature control is maintained from inbound truck to outbound delivery.

Product List:

Loading Dock Equipment:

• 11x vertical dock levellers (heavy-duty, hydraulically operated)
• Dock bumpers and wheel locks for trailer safety
• Inflatable dock shelters for tight thermal shields
• Smart dock control system for seamless operations
• LED dock lights and safety signage

Rapid & Sectional Doors:

• 30+ Ulti Roll rapid roller doors
• Ulti EX5 high-speed door
• Ulti Spiral insulated doors
• Ulti Roller Shutter doors
• Ulti Sectional doors
• Ulti PA Doors
• Ulti Bi-Parting Medical Sliding Door with Air Curtain

Activation & Safety Technology:

• Floor sensors and motion detectors for door automation
• LED countdown and warning systems
• Heated door frames to prevent icing
• Safety light curtains at high-traffic doors

Traffic & Pedestrian Protection:

• Over 80 surface-mounted bollards
• Full-frame goalpost barriers
• Pedestrian safety gates and handrails
• 250+ metres of protective barrier systems
• Impact guardrails and column protection.

With this investment, they have strengthened their position as a leader in fresh logistics and CFDC is now a vital link in their supply chain strategy.