Voorhees, New Jersey-headquartered United States Cold Storage (USCS) has added an additional 6,000 pallet positions to its 1.6 million-cubic-foot public refrigerated warehouse in Laredo, Texas. The expansion dramatically increases the operation’s produce-handling capacity.
Three separate rooms have been added, with varying temperature and humidity controls and a separate dock for each area. Personnel at the facility can regulate temperature and humidity levels according to customer product needs, going anywhere from +28°F to 55°F.
The new 59,176-square-foot structure has additional freezer capacity as well. In conjunction, USCS also has upgraded its existing warehouse refrigeration systems to more accurately control temperatures and protect produce quality on shipping and receiving docks.
Laredo’s two facilities already handle refrigerated and frozen food exports to Mexico and beyond – as well as Mexican and Central American imports into the United States and Canada. In this instance, officials have been gearing up for more fresh produce traveling north of the border.
“This is a fascinating time of growth for us, with much excitement ahead,” said USCS Laredo General Manager Gerardo Palencia. “Our facility now boasts 10.7 million cubic feet of uniquely designed space that can be regulated to meet each customer’s specific needs.”
USCS Laredo, which offers Union Pacific railroad service, has added more days and hours of operation – now to include nights and weekends. The coldstore, at the border of the United States and Mexico, is situated within minutes of Interstate 35, which leads to San Antonio, Texas, and markets beyond. The warehouse, an authorized Mexican S.A.G.A.R. inspection facility, has certified Class A USDA inspection rooms and is bonded by US Customs.
