In a pivotal move set to significantly enhance the logistics and storage capabilities within the UAE's hospitality sector, McLaren International has been proudly reappointed as the design and build construction partner by Chef Middle East. This ambitious project entails the delivery of a cutting-edge cold storage facility at Dubai Investment Park, aimed at bolstering Chef Middle East's position as a leading distributor of specialty food and beverage ingredients to prominent hotels, world renowned dining venues, and concept restaurants across the Middle East.
This project marks the continuation of a fruitful partnership between McLaren and Chef Middle East, following the successful completion of the initial phase of the warehouse in 2016. The new extension will incorporate 8,700 square meters of specialized storage space, designed to maintain precise cold, chilled, and ambient conditions to meet the rigorous demands of food service distribution.
The expansion will seamlessly integrate with the existing facility, which operates around the clock, without impeding its operations. Key features of the extension include advanced refrigeration systems, insulated wall panels, comprehensive mechanical and electrical (MEP) installations, and an array of specialized doors, docks, and racking solutions.
The project also requires the addition of a new mezzanine floor above the current marshalling area, which will provide over 600 square meters of extra office space, effectively linking to the existing office areas.
Lyndon Hives, UAE Pre-Construction Director at McLaren International, comments: “We have seen huge growth in the cold storage market in the UAE over the last couple of years, driven by the continued rise of the hospitality sector in the region. Since we completed Chef Middle East’s existing warehouse in Dubai Investment Park in 2016, we delivered projects for companies such as London Dairy and Etihad Catering Services, and we built relationships with clients working on a transparent basis and on projects under PCSA agreements. This allowed us to be awarded the extension contract through a full single source of collaboration with Chef Middle East, streamlining the procurement process. This will provide our client with much needed specialist cold storage and temperature-controlled warehousing space to meet increasing demand.”
Steve Pyle, CEO at Chef Middle East, comments: “The expansion of our Dubai Investment Park facility is a critical step in our strategic growth, allowing us to scale our operations and enhance our capability to meet the rising demand for our high-quality ingredient solutions. Our partnership with McLaren is founded on mutual trust and a shared vision for delivering excellence and we are confident that this project will further solidify our ability to service our customers in the region.”
The project started with the final design phase in October 2023, with on-site construction commencing in December 2023. The completion of the extended facility is set for the end of September 2024, promising to set new benchmarks in the region’s cold storage and logistics infrastructure.
