Lineage Logistics has opened its newest fully automated cold storage warehouse near the Port of Virginia’s strategically situated Virginia International Gateway in Portsmouth, which is directly accessible to an integrated network of highways, air, rail, and sea services.
The state-of-the-art facility joins Lineage’s extensive network of over 22 fully automated refrigerated warehouses worldwide. The Novi, Michigan, USA-headquartered company’s expanding presence comes at a critical time for the cold chain sector as the coronavirus pandemic (SARS-CoV-2) is accelerating change and modernization to operations and systems within the industry. Lineage’s automation technology increases storage density, maximizes capacity, and provides real-time inventory management while assuring food safety and reducing energy consumption.
“As a testament to the power of public-private partnership, we are pleased to announce the opening of our state-of-the-art facility in Portsmouth,” said Brian Beattie, senior vice president of sales. “Lineage’s innovative technology used in the Portsmouth warehouse will help our customers address rising supply chain demands both nationally and internationally, while contributing to the ongoing economic development and job development in the region.”
Portsmouth Economic Development alongside the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Portsmouth Ports & Industrial Commission, and the Virginia Port Authority worked to secure the project for Lineage, which in the end resulted in the $84 million investment, produced over 80 good paying jobs, and remediated a former chemical plant site that was previously vacant.
The 167,264 square-foot warehouse, which is adjacent to the Virginia International Gateway, provides Lineage with access to key markets and will serve as a critical hub to connect food producers, marketers, importers and exporters around the world. Offering 26,000 pallet positions and blast freezing capabilities, the facility will also aid in strengthening the supply chain and logistics infrastructure in Portsmouth as well as address the growing demand for cold storage in the region.
“This is an important regional asset that is going to create jobs, provide greater flexibility to movers of cold cargo and help increase volumes of cold cargo moving across the Port of Virginia,” said Stephen A. Edwards, chief executive officer and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “When we expanded and optimized Virginia International Gateway two years ago we added a significant amount of capacity to handle cold cargo. Lineage’s new facility is going to help directly support our investment and make the port a destination for movers of cold cargo.”
