In October 2023, Xinguangzheng delivered a 61x61x10m steel grain warehouse in Kumasi, Ghana. The facility spans 3,721 square meters (200×200 feet). It is designed to store and dry corn, soy, beans, and rice. The warehouse keeps grains dry, cool, and in good condition. It can even dry wet grains while they remain in storage. To withstand Ghana’s challenging climate, we used galvanized steel, which resists high humidity, heavy rains, and heat.
Customer Demand
Our client is a large grain trading and processing company based in the Ashanti Region. They source maize, soy, beans, and rice from farmers across Ghana and neighboring countries. During the wet season, harvests often arrive with 18-25% moisture. Traditional warehouses lead to aflatoxin, mold, and significant losses. The client needed a facility that could:
- Store over 25,000 metric tons in bulk piles.
- Maintain grain moisture below 13% year-round.
- Dry grains inside the building without moving them.
- Be affordable and built quickly before the next harvest season.
Ghana’s climate poses unique challenges. Humidity ranges from 80-95%, annual rainfall reaches 1,200-1,500mm, and temperatures hover between 24-34°C. Dust and insects add further risks. After site visits and moisture tests, Xinguangzheng proposed a ventilated, aerated steel warehouse with an in-storage drying system.
Solutions
Xinguangzheng constructed a clear-span portal frame with a full aeration floor and forced ventilation. All steel components were hot-dip galvanized. The roof was insulated with foil to prevent condensation. Ridge vents, eave vents, and automatic high-volume fans were installed to pull dry air through the grain piles.
Dimensions and Layout
- 61 meters x 61 meters, 10m eave height.
- Clear span design (no interior columns).
- Concrete floor with embedded aeration ducts.
Structural Components
- Frame: Q355B galvanized portal frames with bolted connections.
- Roof: 0.6mm galvanized standing-seam sheets with foil-faced insulation (R-value 4.2) and ridge ventilators.
- Walls: 0.5mm galvanized sheets with louvered vents at high and low levels.
- Foundation: Raised pad foundations with a 200mm reinforced concrete slab containing perforated aeration channels.
Grain Drying System
- 12 centrifugal fans (7.5kW each) connected to under-floor ducts.
- Reduces moisture by 3-5% in 7-10 days.
- Solar-powered option for daytime operation.
Doors
- 4 electric roll-up doors (5m x 5m).
- 2 personnel doors.
Lighting & Electrical
- LED high-bay lights providing 250 lux.
- Pre-wired for temperature and moisture sensors.
Implementation Process
The warehouse was completed in just 4.5 months:
- Prefabrication (China): 6 weeks – all steel was cut, galvanized, and tested.
- Shipping and Transport: 4 weeks – sea shipping to Tema Port, followed by transport to Kumasi.
- Site Works: 10 days – foundations and slab with aeration ducts were prepared.
- Erection and Systems Installation: 2.5 months – the frame was erected in 18 days, followed by enclosure, fan installation, and full testing with a wet maize trial.
Results
Since October 2023, the warehouse has successfully stored multiple harvests. Key outcomes include:
- Grain moisture consistently maintained at 11-13%, even during the rainy season.
- Drying trials showed maize with 22% moisture safely dried to 13% in 9 days, with no hot spots.
- Zero mold or aflatoxin claims, leading to reduced insurance premiums.
- Storage capacity reached 26,000 metric tons in bulk piles.
- Low energy costs, as solar-powered fans operate for free during the day.
- Total project cost came in 8% under budget.
Xinguangzheng specializes in climate-smart grain warehouses across Africa. As trusted steel building manufacturers, we deliver dry, profitable storage solutions that protect your commodity quality.
Kwabena Amoah, General Manager:This Xinguangzheng warehouse saved our business. We now buy wet maize confidently, dry it inside, and sell it at a premium price. No more rejection at the port. It was built fast, strong, and is exactly what Ghana needs!
