David Harlan will retire as president and chief executive officer of United States Cold Storage (USCS) on December 31, 2019, after completing 40 years on the job with the Camden, New Jersey-headquartered company. Succeeding him will be 21-year USCS veteran Larry Alderfer, who has been chief operating officer since March of 2018.
Harlan joined USCS in 1979 after graduating from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Coincidentally, it was the same year that the London, England-headquartered Swire Group purchased a 40% stake in the company from a Canadian management group. In 1982 Swire acquired the remaining shares and has operated US Cold as a wholly owned subsidiary of John Swire & Sons Ltd. ever since
Prior to being promoted to president in 1999, Harlan was groomed for the position by serving in roles as corporate controller, vice president of national sales and marketing, executive vice president and chief operating officer.
USCS Chairman J.B. Rae-Smith called Harlan’s service record “exemplary,” noting that he has been the guiding force behind the company’s significant growth and expansion – especially during the past decade. In 1999, USCS managed a network of 27 facilities with approximately 100 million cubic feet of temperature-controlled warehouse and distribution space. Today’s operation, in contrast, offers customers more than 355 million cubic feet of space in 42 warehouses in 13 states.
“Since Dave took over, our company has more than tripled in size,” said Alderfer. “During his tenure, Dave has also focused on developing our transportation programs and moving us into the automation journey. At the same time, he remained involved with our customer community and helped shepherd those relationships.”
Michelle Grimes vice president in charge of human resources, added: “Throughout his career, Dave has put our employees first and strived for great benefits that support our families who represent the fabric of America from coast to coast.”
Harlan has also participated in the greater public refrigerated warehousing industry and has served on numerous boards and committees within the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW), part of the Global Cold Chain Alliance. In 2012-13, he was the IARW’s chairman of the board of directors.
While the longtime president and ceo will be relinquishing the helm at the end of the year, he will remain on the company’s board of directors.
“I am pleased to say that I will be staying on the board,” said Harlan. “I view this as a wonderful opportunity to still have some input and contribute to the future of USCS.”
About the Company
With roots dating back to 1899, United States Cold Storage has long served a diverse customer base with requirements ranging from primary storage to fully integrated third-party logistics. Ranked as the third largest public refrigerated warehouse logistics provider in North America, its coast-to-coast facilities are operational in California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia.
