Simplot Rainier Cold Storage Facility

Project Overview

The Simplot Rainier Freezer Facility in Moses Lake, Washington, is an advanced frozen potato processing and cold storage facility spanning more than 619,000 sq. ft., which includes production, refrigerated dock, office, and high-bay freezer areas. Featuring a 140 ft. tall Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) high-bay freezer, operating at subzero temperatures, the building required a roofing system capable of supporting the demanding conditions of a large-scale facility that produces many of the name-brand french fries that feed Americans.

Fisher Construction Group’s fully integrated design-build approach brought together six self-performing trade divisions across the project, including thermal, civil, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and of course, roofing. The Elevate UltraPly™ TPO InvisiWeld™ System was selected for its long-term durability, thermal performance, and wind uplift resistance across the facility’s multiple roof areas.

PROJECT IMAGES

THE CHALLENGES

The size and complexity of the fully automated cold storage facility required extensive coordination across multiple project scopes, including the high-bay freezer, production plant, and wastewater treatment facilities. Spanning more than two years, construction also required the Fisher team to navigate changing weather conditions and seasonal challenges while maintaining project schedules.

The facility’s 140 ft. tall Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) high-bay freezer introduced additional roofing considerations. Its height and exposure required enhanced wind uplift performance, while extreme temperature fluctuations and high-wind conditions demanded roofing details capable of accommodating subtle building movement. Complex roof conditions further challenged the design and installation, including a high-temperature boiler exhaust, large expansion joints, and custom tapered drainage systems.

ROOFING SYSTEM SOLUTION

Fisher Construction Group’s architects selected the Elevate UltraPly™ TPO roofing system with InvisiWeld™ attachment for its proven performance in cold storage and freezer applications, where energy efficiency, durability, and long-term watertight protection are critical.

The membrane’s heat-welded seams and resistance to UV exposure help support reliable long-term performance in demanding temperature-controlled environments. InvisiWeld™ also provided enhanced wind uplift resistance required to support the facility’s high-bay freezer structure.

The roofing assembly incorporated multiple layers of ISOGARD™ insulation, including approximately 8.5 inches of insulation in freezer areas, along with custom tapered insulation formed around rooftop equipment and drainage areas. Additional detailing throughout the facility included UltraPly™ TPO Walkway Pads, Sky Pavers around high-temperature boiler areas.

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Today, the Simplot Rainier cold storage facility fully supports high-volume frozen food processing, storage, and distribution. The Elevate UltraPly™ TPO InvisiWeld™ roofing system delivers the long-term thermal performance, durability, and weather protection required to support the facility’s demanding cold storage conditions.

“Projects of this size and complexity take an incredible amount of coordination, and each of our departments collaborated on an outstanding job from start to finish,” said Darrell Kidwell, Vice President of Roofing Services at Fisher Construction Group. “Elevate was a reliable partner and has continued to serve as a trusted resource for nearly a decade – particularly on large-scale projects like this one.”

For Fisher Construction Group, the project serves as a testament to its design-build approach. By managing design, engineering, and construction in-house, the team was able to maintain coordination, minimize trade damage, and uphold quality across one of the most complex food processing facilities in its portfolio. Notably, the success of the Simplot Rainier Freezer Facility earned Fisher Construction Group the 2026 Elevate Excellence Award in the “Architectural Excellence” category, which recognizes its outstanding use of Elevate products within a highly specialized roofing system.