Proper potato storage in Alberta is crucial for crop success. The quality of your crop doesn't just depend on the field, it also highly depends on how well it's stored.
A well-designed potato storage facility protects your product, controls shrink, and helps you meet buyer standards.
But even the best setups need attention over time. So how do you know when it's time to upgrade? And what should modernization include? Let's dig in.
Signs It's Time for an Upgrade
Potato producers are no strangers to maintenance. But there's a difference between seasonal repairs and signs that your setup is no longer serving you. Here's what to watch for:
- Temperature control issues: Uneven airflow or outdated ventilation systems can lead to hot spots and early sprouting
- Insulation breakdown: Higher energy bills or trouble maintaining consistent conditions could point to aging building envelopes
- Structural wear: Cracks, corrosion, or damaged materials that threaten food safety or storage capacity
- Capacity limitations: If you're running out of space or relying on temporary setups, it's time to reassess
These red flags don't just affect your bottom line — they can compromise your product and put your contracts at risk.
What Every Modern Potato Storage Facility Should Have
Modern potato storage is about more than just keeping things cool. It's about protecting product quality, supporting year-round operations, and reducing loss. Here are some of the key features that our agribusiness clients are investing in:
- Automated ventilation and climate control: Better airflow management and real-time monitoring to reduce spoilage
- Improved insulation and envelope design: More efficient buildings that lower energy use and maintain tighter controls
- Flexible bay layouts: Designs that accommodate different bin setups and make loading/unloading safer and faster
- Easy-to-clean materials and finishes: Boosting food safety and simplifying washdowns between harvests
- Scalable design: Allowing for expansion as your acreage or output increases
These upgrades can help you meet strict market standards while reducing shrink and operating costs.
Why Upgrades Pay Off
Investing in your storage is the gift that keeps on giving – and not just in the current season, but for years to come. Benefits include:
- Reduced shrink and spoilage: Better airflow and temp control means better product quality
- Lower operating costs: Efficient materials and automation cut down on energy and labour
- Improved safety and compliance: Up-to-date facilities are easier to clean, monitor, and maintain
- Longer storage windows: Hold your crop until market conditions are right, without sacrificing quality
A modernized facility is a smart move for producers looking to grow sustainably.
How SWMW Can Help
At SWMW, we've worked alongside Alberta producers to design, upgrade, and expand cold storage and post-harvest facilities that stand up to both weather and industry demands.
Whether you're retrofitting a single bay or building a new site from scratch, we can help you:
- Maximize storage efficiency with smart, scalable layouts
- Upgrade systems with minimal disruption to your harvest timeline
- Improve insulation and airflow without overhauling your entire structure
Our design-build model means you deal with one team from permitting to final walkthrough. No handoffs, no delays, just one streamlined project.
Connect With SWMW Today
If your current setup is costing you in shrink, efficiency, or stress, it might be time to rethink what's possible.
We have over 45 years of experience – and extensive expertise with agribusiness construction. When you partner with us, you're choosing a team committed to your success. We use innovative processes and adopt a client-first mindset.
Get in touch with the SWMW team for an unmatched customer experience and efficient and timely project execution. We'll help bring your project to life!
Use our handy online quote request tool or fill out our convenient contact form and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible!