Americold Opens First Import-Export Hub in Partnership with CPKC, Unlocking a New Era of Food Flow Across North America

Core Insights - Americold Realty Trust has opened a new Import-Export Hub in Kansas City, Missouri, with an investment exceeding $100 million, enhancing its logistics capabilities in temperature-controlled services [1][2]. Group 1: Facility Details - The new facility spans 335,000 square feet and is Americold's first on the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail network, serving as a key hub for the Mexico Midwest Express (MMX), the only single-line rail service for refrigerated goods between the U.S. and Mexico [2]. - Key features of the hub include on-site USDA inspections to eliminate border delays, a load capacity exceeding 50,000 pounds per container to reduce highway congestion, and a 300-mile service radius to support regional food flow [3]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The hub is designed to be a strategic consolidation point for longer-haul shipments, particularly for customers facing border inefficiencies or trucking capacity challenges, thereby improving the overall supply chain for temperature-controlled products across North America [3][4]. - The facility represents a collaboration between Americold and CPKC, aiming to create a new North American cold chain that enhances the efficiency of food movement from producers to consumers [4]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The project is expected to create nearly 190 new jobs and significantly enhance regional and cross-border food logistics, contributing to the local economy [5]. - Local officials, including the Mayor of Kansas City and the Governor of Missouri, have highlighted the importance of this investment in strengthening the logistics infrastructure and creating opportunities for local talent [6]. Group 4: Company Background - Americold is a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics and real estate, with over 230 facilities across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America, totaling approximately 1.4 billion refrigerated cubic feet [7]. - The company focuses on connecting producers, processors, distributors, and retailers with tailored, value-added services supported by responsive and reliable supply chains [8].