Logistics Warehouse Nordair Niche Case Study

 Nordair Niche Direct‑fired Warehouse Heating Upgrade for 1978 Logistics Warehouse

Delivered in partnership with Frank Briggs Burners

Client Overview

Torque, a major UK logistics provider specialising in storage and distribution for clothing and consumer brands, recently took over a large warehouse facility originally built in 1978.

The building, previously used as an Argos distribution centre, had undergone refurbishment and was being adapted for modern logistics operations.

Building Overview: Length: 158m | Width: 116m | Eaves Height: 6.5m | Ridge Height: 8.5m

Mezzanine Coverage: Approximately 90% of the floor area

The combination of large open volumes and extensive mezzanine flooring created a challenging environment for achieving consistent, efficient heating.

The original 1978 installation featured a High Temperature & Velocity (HTV) system. This consisted of a large heater drawing in outside air, heating it to a high temperature, and distributing it through small ducts into the roof space. From there, heated air was pushed through diffuser boxes and louvred channels to deliver warm air downwards.

While the system had been suitable for the building’s original open layout, it presented several significant issues, including the fact that the main heater had been condemned due to its age and condition, and that refurbishing or replacing the legacy system would have been costly. In addition, the HTV system was incompatible with the new mezzanine structure, causing hot air to accumulate above the mezzanine while leaving the lower level cold, creating potential safety concerns due to heat build‑up and preventing the system from delivering the even, well‑controlled temperatures required for modern logistics operations.

Impact on Operations

Torque required a heating solution capable of delivering even temperatures across a very large footprint, effectively heating both above and below the mezzanine floor, and avoiding excessive heat build-up at high level. The system also needed to operate efficiently in a building longer than a football pitch while supporting the storage of temperature-sensitive goods—requirements that the existing HTV system was unable to meet. As a result, the client’s objectives were clearly defined: to replace the condemned legacy heating system, achieve consistent and stable temperatures throughout the building, effectively heat both mezzanine levels, minimise stratification and heat loss, and install a solution suited to modern logistics operations.

Reznor worked closely with Frank Briggs Burners, the appointed contractor, to design a modern heating solution that would outperform the original system while meeting the building’s new operational requirements. A direct‑fired warm air system was selected due to its ability to deliver high volumes of heated air with minimal stratification — ideal for large, complex warehouse environments.

Implementation

Frank Briggs Burners installed:

•            Two vertical Reznor Nordair Niche direct‑fired heaters, each rated at 1050kW

•            (Replacing the original 2200kW HTV system)

•            Fresh‑air intake configuration to pressurise the building

•            High‑volume warm air distribution to ensure even temperature coverage

How Direct Fired Heating Systems Work

Direct‑fired warehouse heating draws in outside air, heat it efficiently, and deliver it directly into the building. This creates a slight positive pressure, pushing warm air through the entire space.

As the air moves, it naturally seeks escape routes, ensuring circulation through every part of the warehouse.

Key benefits:

•            Extremely even temperature distribution

•            Minimal stratification, even in high‑bay areas

•            Effective heating above and below the mezzanine

•            High efficiency due to direct‑fired combustion

•            Fast warm‑up times for large spaces

Frank Briggs Burners, in collaboration with the Reznor Service Team managed the installation, commissioning, and integration with the refurbished building layout.

The project was delivered smoothly and on schedule.

The new system delivered exceptional performance:

•            Consistent temperatures across the entire 158m x 116m footprint

•            Effective heating both above and below the mezzanine

•            No significant heat build‑up at high level

•            Minimal stratification despite the building’s size

•            Reliable performance through winter (installed during December–January)

•            A modern system requiring far less maintenance than the legacy HTV setup

The client reported that the building is now comfortable, stable, and fully suitable for their logistics operations.

Summary

This project successfully transformed a 1978 warehouse into a modern, energy‑efficient logistics hub. By replacing the outdated HTV system with two high‑capacity Reznor Nordair Niche direct‑fired heaters installed by Frank Briggs Burners, the client achieved:

•            Even, reliable direct‑fired warehouse heating across a vast floor area

•            Effective temperature control above and below the mezzanine

•            Reduced stratification and improved energy efficiency

•            A future‑proof heating solution suitable for modern logistics operations

Torque expressed strong satisfaction with the results, highlighting that the building is now heated evenly despite its large size, that only two heaters are needed to effectively warm a space longer than a football pitch, that the system performs exceptionally well even in cold weather, and that staff comfort and overall operational conditions have improved significantly as a result.

Future Outlook

Torque also operates a neighbouring 13m‑high warehouse and is considering a similar Reznor solution. With a mix of high‑bay and mezzanine areas, the building is a strong candidate for another direct‑fired unit — a decision expected in the coming year.