Novi, Michigan, USA-headquartered Lineage Logistics has been ranked as one of the 50 Most Innovative Companies (MIC) of 2019 by Fast Company magazine. The honor recognizes the cold storage warehouse operator’s innovations and drive to solve the complexities of storing, moving and preserving temperature-controlled food safely and efficiently around the globe.
“When it comes to issues like energy and food waste, we see an opportunity to apply Silicon Valley-style innovation to not only help preserve and protect the products with which our customers entrust us but also transform the world’s food supply chain,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, president and chief executive officer of Lineage. “Our team is passionate about challenging the status quo and finding more efficient and sustainable ways to address the complexities unique to the temperature-controlled logistics industry. We are honored that Fast Company would recognize us in this way.”
Led by its technologists and San Francisco-based applied sciences team of mathematicians, physicists, marine biologists and engineers, Lineage uses thermodynamics, mathematics, AI and robotics, statistics, oceanography, computer simulation and data visualization to develop innovative, data-driven solutions that protect the integrity of its customers’ frozen and refrigerated food. Breakthroughs, like turning power consumption from a fixed to live expense or applying fighter jet design methodology to more efficiently freeze commodities, demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation that disrupts the planet’s food supply chain.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication and creativity of our entire team,” said Sudarsan Thattai, Lineage’s chief information officer. “From our technologists and applied scientists, whose expertise in the space today is competitive with those at any Silicon Valley technology company, to our team members on the warehouse floor, we are an organization that is innovative, bold and deeply committed to our purpose of connecting people to food.”
Lineage, a holding of the San Francisco-based Bay Grove Capital private equity company, is the second largest cold storage operator in the world. Its warehouses in the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom store a myriad of food commodities that include beef, poultry, pork, seafood, baked goods, ice creams, fruits and vegetables, as well as value-added ready meals.
Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list, now in its 11th year, salutes businesses that are making a most profound impact on both industry and culture by showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today’s volatile world. The New York City-headquartered publication bills itself as “the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies and thinkers on the future of business.”
