Customer Overview: A Leader in Spanish Retail

Leclerc Aranjuez, located just 46 km south of Madrid, stands as one of the largest supermarkets in Spain, spanning a massive 8,000 square meters. As a major player in the Spanish supermarket sector, the store prides itself on offering quality products to its customers. However, it faced mounting challenges with its aging refrigeration system, which hindered its operational efficiency and sustainability goals.

The Challenges: Outdated Technology and Rising Costs

Leclerc Aranjuez was operating with a 14+ year-old HFC refrigeration system. The outdated equipment was plagued by:

• High energy consumption, driving up operational costs.
• Frequent breakdowns, especially during the humid Spanish summers, resulting in food spoilage and lost sales.
• Expensive maintenance, with technicians struggling to service a complex and antiquated system.
• Gas leaks, which posed environmental risks and regulatory challenges.

Faced with these issues, the supermarket sought a modern solution that aligned with its commitment to sustainability and efficiency. Additionally, they sought a solution that could handle the diverse cooling requirements of their store: 85% of the refrigeration was dedicated to chilled goods and 15% to frozen items. They needed a technology that could seamlessly address both needs with equal efficiency.

Novum’s Solution: Energy-Efficient Refrigeration for a Sustainable Future

Novum’s Panama Green and Grand Cayman cabinets provided the perfect answer to Leclerc’s challenges. The plug-in refrigeration technology offered:

• Scalability and ease of installation: Modular and designed for large-scale deployments.
• Low energy consumption: Drastically reducing operational costs.
• Minimal maintenance: With a replaceable cassette system, any potential issues could be resolved within minutes.
• Longevity and future-proofing: With a design that supports upgrades, ensuring alignment with advancing technology.
• Sustainability focus: Lower heat rejection and noise levels, reducing the store’s carbon footprint.

These unique features not only addressed the supermarket’s pain points but also positioned Leclerc as a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technology.

Implementation

Novum installed 106 cabinets—Panama Slim and Grand Cayman models—making it one of the largest installations in the company’s history. The implementation was executed in three phases:

1. Phases 1 and 2: Completed in under four hours, ensuring minimal disruption to store operations.
2. Phase 3: The most extensive phase was finalized over two days, with installations completed before the store opened each day.

Results: Lower Costs, Greater Efficiency, and Sustainability Gains

While the full impact of the installation will be realized over time, early results indicate that Leclerc is well on track to achieve:

• Significant energy savings: Reducing energy costs substantially.
• Lower maintenance costs: Thanks to the innovative cassette system and robust design.
• Enhanced reliability: Minimizing food loss and ensuring uninterrupted operations.
• Sustainability alignment: Supporting both Leclerc’s and Novum’s commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.

Ready to Transform Your Business?

Is your business ready to achieve similar energy savings and operational efficiency? Contact Novum today to learn more about the Panama Green freezer and our sustainable refrigeration solutions. Let us help you protect your bottom line and the environment.