Contact
Exterior view of the Hilcona production facility with a Hilcona sign near the street and surrounding green area.

Hilcona

Innovative fire protection for three temperature zones in Hilcona’s frozen food warehouse

Hilcona AG is a food manufacturer based in Schaan, Liechtenstein. It has been part of the Bell Food Group since 2017. Since its founding in 1935 by Toni Hilti, the company has grown from a small family business into one of Europe’s leading providers of fresh convenience foods. Hilcona relies on modern production facilities, sustainable packaging, and efficient logistics. A reliable and sustainable fire protection solution from WAGNER has been integrated into the new high-bay warehouse, which features three temperature zones.

29,800 m3
storage volume
97 m
room length
22 m
room height
15,5 % – 15,7 %
oxygen concentration
Automated warehouse system at Hilcona with pallet storage and an integrated stacker crane.

RISK ANALYSIS

Fire risks: dry air & electronic components

Cold storage facilities face a significantly increased risk of fire due to the large number of electronic components and the dry indoor air. 

The stored materials, especially the packaging, are flammable. 

If a fire occurs, do not use water-based extinguishing agents, as they can endanger the facility and the stored food

PROTECTION GOALS

Protection of goods and facilities:

  • Protection against damage to facilities and stored goods
  • Prevention of smoke contamination and toxic fumes
  • Prevention of open fires
  • Prevention of firefighting operations and their consequences
     
Technical room at the Hilcona facility showing the OxyReduct system with supply units and pipework.

SOLUTION

Active fire prevention protects frozen foods

Hilcona’s sustainable food products are stored in the frozen food warehouse. Two automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) enable up to 56 loading cycles per hour. To meet the specific fire safety requirements of this automated, frozen food environment and ensure safe operation, an OxyReduct® system for active fire prevention is used. This minimises the risk of fire.

This innovative fire protection solution optimally protects stored goods and operational processes. Sprinkler systems are not required in this area. The system continuously maintains a protective atmosphere with the natural gas nitrogen to prevent open flames. This eliminates the need for large-scale fire suppression, thus increasing the safety and efficiency of operations.

OxyReduct® is a VdS-approved solution, and its installation was carried out in accordance with SES guidelines (The Association of Swiss Security System Installers). The control centre was implemented in accordance with the applicable SUVA guideline, 'Work in an Oxygen-Reduced Atmosphere,' and meets SUVA requirements according to PLe of EN ISO 13489-1. 

Impressions of Hilcona

CUSTOMER BENEFITS

The benefits at a glance

A shield symbol with a tick

Safe

VdS-approved and certified fire protection solution; reliable protection for investments, goods, and processes, even at temperatures as low as -40 °C.

An icon of a power button

Highly available

Operational readiness and high availability of the warehouse are ensured.

Person with a shield as an icon

User-friendly

Authorised personnel can access the protected area at any time.

A magnifying glass as an icon

No consequential damage

Active fire prevention through oxygen reduction generally prevents fire-related consequential damage to goods, warehouses, or the environment.

CUSTOMER VOICE

Hilcona brand logo shown in white lettering on a red background with a blue border and a small crown icon above the letter “i”.
Our new high-bay warehouse sets new standards in logistics. It features three temperature zones, including a freezer with a temperature of -24°C. Comprehensive fire protection measures are essential to ensure the safety of our storage systems and maintain the quality of our food products. WAGNER’s systems play a crucial role in this regard.

Peter Ritzer

General Manager of the Construction Project

Dirk Band: Director Sales Division

We support you in achieving your protection goals

The safety of our customers, their assets and processes are WAGNER's top priority when planning individual fire protection solutions. We support you in achieving your protection goals.

Dirk Band

Director Sales Division

+49.511.97383-0