Americold’s Russellville Automated Facility Named Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Magazine’s Inaugural Cold Storage Facility of the Year

Core Insights - Americold's Russellville facility has been awarded the title of Cold Storage Facility of the Year by Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Magazine, recognizing its leadership in construction, automation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction [1][2]. Group 1: Facility Recognition - The Russellville site was selected for its advanced design and operational performance, playing a strategic role in supporting a major branded food manufacturer's supply chain [2]. - This facility has received multiple accolades, including Site of the Year from its customer and the CEBA Built by the Best award, highlighting its reliability and performance [5]. Group 2: Operational Excellence - The facility features a fully integrated Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) and Ancra automated trailer unloading systems, achieving unload times of under four minutes [3]. - It has a total of 136,000 square feet and 13 million cubic feet of temperature-controlled space, with 64 dock doors and a workforce of 190 employees [6]. Group 3: Sustainability Initiatives - The design incorporates energy-efficient ammonia refrigeration systems and a layout that supports electric yard tractors, contributing to a 25% reduction in water use [4]. - The facility is positioned for future-ready logistics operations, reflecting a commitment to sustainability [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Americold operates over 230 facilities globally, totaling approximately 1.5 billion refrigerated cubic feet, ensuring the safe movement of refrigerated products [7]. - The company emphasizes the importance of its facilities in the global food supply chain, providing tailored, value-added services supported by smart technology and sustainable practices [8].