The Drakes Supermarkets Distribution Centre showcases how the XFLAM insulated panel system delivers high‑performance thermal efficiency, fire resistance, and rapid installation for large‑scale cold storage facilities. As the largest XFLAM project in South Australia, the Adelaide distribution centre demonstrates the advantages of Australian‑made insulated panels for temperature‑controlled environments, logistics hubs, and food‑grade construction.
Overview
Drakes Supermarkets, one of Australia’s largest independent grocery retailers, developed a major $80 million distribution centre in Edinburgh North, Adelaide. The 17‑hectare facility required a high‑performance insulated panel system capable of supporting large‑scale cold storage, strict temperature control, and long‑term operational efficiency.
ASKIN Performance Panels was engaged directly by Drakes following strong performance outcomes on a previous national distribution project. The Adelaide facility became the largest XFLAM installation in South Australia, with more than 22,000 m² of panel manufactured and installed.
Project Requirements
The distribution centre needed a panel system that could:
- Deliver high thermal efficiency for freezers, chillers, and confectionery rooms
- Meet stringent food‑grade and hygiene requirements
- Support rapid installation across a large footprint
- Provide long‑term durability and fire performance
- Use Australian‑made, locally manufactured materials
With more than 23,000 product lines to be stored — including grocery, dairy, and frozen goods — the facility required a robust, compliant, and energy‑efficient insulated panel solution.
Solution: ASKIN XFLAM Panel System
ASKIN supplied and installed 22,000 m² of XFLAM panels, a high‑performance, lightweight, and fire‑resistant insulated panel system designed for temperature‑controlled environments.
Key Technical Advantages
- Superior thermal performance for cold storage
- Lightweight composite structure enabling faster installation
- High fire resistance meeting IPCA Code of Practice
- Australian‑made materials supporting local manufacturing
- Durable, hygienic surfaces suitable for food distribution environments
Installation was completed over 16 weeks, with up to 16 installers on site at peak periods.
Project Outcomes
The XFLAM system delivered:
- A fully compliant, energy‑efficient cold storage envelope
- Reduced installation time due to panel size and lightweight construction
- Long‑term operational efficiency for freezer and chiller zones
- A durable, low‑maintenance solution for high‑traffic logistics operations
- A major economic boost for the region, supporting projected population growth in the Playford Council area
The Drakes Distribution Centre now supports more than 50 stores across South Australia and Queensland, contributing to the retailer’s national operations and supply chain resilience.
Conclusion
The Drakes Distribution Centre project highlights the capability of ASKIN’s XFLAM panel system to meet the demanding requirements of modern cold‑chain logistics. With exceptional thermal performance, fire safety, and installation efficiency, XFLAM provided a future‑ready solution for one of Australia’s most significant retail distribution facilities.
