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Innovative Refrigeration Systems
Advancing Industrial Refrigeration with Natural Refrigerants
Bob Almon, President“As a vertically integrated design-build contractor, we support clients through every phase of their refrigeration project—from concept and engineering to manufacturing, construction, service and compliance,” says Bob Almon, president.
With a turnkey approach and decades of experience, Innovative ensures seamless coordination and maximizes value for every project. Whether developing a new facility, expanding operations or upgrading systems, clients trust Innovative as their single source for customized refrigeration solutions—on time, on budget and built to last.
As part of this commitment to tailored solutions, the company works with both ammonia and carbon dioxide (CO2), each offering distinct advantages in industrial refrigeration. Ammonia is highly energy-efficient and cost-effective but comes with stringent compliance requirements. To help clients navigate safety regulations, Innovative offers a Process Safety Management (PSM) compliance program, including mechanical integrity inspections, audits and facility-specific training. Its ePSM platform simplifies Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliance across multiple facilities. CO2, with fewer regulatory concerns, can be less energy-efficient in warmer climates. To address this, Innovative has developed proprietary transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems optimized for industrial and commercial applications.
With the growing demand for CO2 solutions, Innovative continues to expand its capabilities, offering high-capacity central CO2 plants that maximize energy efficiency. A pioneer in CO2 refrigeration, the company began installing CO2 cascade systems in 2008 and has since advanced to transcritical CO2-based central systems, pushing the boundaries of system performance and sustainability.
Customized Solutions, Technology and Safety
Innovative Refrigeration Systems’ in-house engineering team works closely with clients to design and fabricate right-sized mechanical houses, penthouses and modular skid packages for applications such as blast freezing, hygienic air handling and process cooling. Managing all mechanical, electrical and PLC programming in-house, the company eliminates the need for multiple subcontractors, ensuring consistent quality across refrigeration, power and control systems. A nationwide team of service technicians provides ongoing maintenance and support after installation, ensuring long-term reliability and energy efficiency. The company’s suite of software solutions, including ePSM for ammonia systems, helps clients manage compliance with ease.
As multi-tenant cold storage facilities grow in popularity, the need for tenants to monitor real-time temperature has increased. Innovative addresses this demand with cloud-based software that allows tenants to track temperatures, setpoints and energy use through a secure web portal, promoting greater transparency and efficiency, while ensuring operational security and independence between tenants.
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As a vertically integrated design-build contractor, we support clients through every phase of their refrigeration project—from concept and engineering to manufacturing, construction, service and compliance
For instance, Cold Summit Development, a leading cold storage developer, has implemented Innovative’s full suite of software solutions, including SafetyAmp, ePSM and ePower, a web application that enables tenants to log in and monitor their leased spaces. By partnering with Primus Design Builders, a U.S.-based design-build construction company, Innovative has helped Cold Summit enhance operational efficiency and energy management across its facilities.
Safety and quality are central to every aspect of the company’s operations. All three manufacturing facilities are Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) certified through Virginia OSHA, reflecting Innovative’s commitment to workplace safety. Certified Weld Inspectors (CWI) ensure welding quality meets industry standards, while long-term workforce development is supported through four-year apprenticeship programs for welders, electricians, insulators and service technicians. These hands-on training programs culminate in certification as journeymen upon completion. Additionally, seven Professional Engineers (PE) collaborate directly with customers to design refrigeration solutions that comply with mechanical and industry codes, ensuring optimal performance and regulatory adherence.
With a proven history of innovation and industry leadership, Innovative is at the forefront of natural refrigerant technology. Serving industries such as food and beverage, industrial processing and logistics, the company delivers tailored, energy-efficient solutions built to last. Recognized for its commitment to safety and quality—with certifications like AWS/ASME for welding—Innovative helps clients meet today’s challenges by integrating cutting-edge refrigeration technologies that enhance efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance and support long-term sustainability goals.
